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barbarablade4

BMW X4 Stalling and ECU Issues: Owner Seeks Help

Hi everyone! My 2023 BMW X4 (gas engine, 52K km) is giving me some trouble and I need your input after a sketchy experience with my last mechanic. The engine's running in emergency mode, check engine light is on, and it keeps stalling when idling. The diagnostic showed a fault in the ECU, and I'm thinking it might be the tank ventilation valve. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Would love to hear about your repair experiences and rough cost estimates before I take it back to a shop. Thanks for any insights!

4 comment(s)

konstantinhartmann1

Yeah, I ran into something similar with my 2020 BMW X3 last summer. Same symptoms, emergency mode, check engine light, and those annoying stalls at idle. Turned out my fuel tank ventilation system was completely clogged, and the hoses were a mess. The first mechanic kept pointing at the ECU, but when I took it to a BMW specialist, they found the actual issue. The ventilation system job took about a day at the garage. They had to clean out the whole system and replace a couple of hoses that were beyond saving. It was definitely serious enough that you wouldn't want to keep driving the car without fixing it, could lead to bigger fuel system problems down the line. Don't let them just blame the ECU without checking the ventilation system first. The symptoms you're describing are textbook fuel tank ventilation issues. Get a second opinion if you're not confident with your current mechanic.

barbarablade4 (Author)

Thanks for sharing that, it really helps! I've got similar issues with my X4 right now and your experience sounds spot-on. Did you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smooth since they fixed it, or have you noticed any other problems pop up? Just want to know what I might be in for.

konstantinhartmann1

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up on your questions. After getting it fixed, my X3 has been running like a dream, absolutely no issues since. The total repair came to 175 € for fixing those clogged hoses and the tank ventilation valve malfunction. Money well spent if you ask me! The mechanic really knew what they were doing, and everything's been perfect since the repair. No more emergency mode, no more stalling, and the check engine light hasn't shown its face again. It's such a relief not having to worry about the car out of nowhere stalling at traffic stops anymore. Trust me, once you get it sorted, you'll notice the difference right away. The engine runs much smoother now, and the idle is rock steady. If your symptoms are similar to what I had, you're probably looking at the same kind of repair. Hope this helps give you a better idea of what to expect!

barbarablade4 (Author)

Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to update everyone. You were absolutely right! Took it to a different shop this time, a certified BMW specialist. They found exactly what you described, clogged ventilation system and some worn-out hoses. Bill came to a bit more than yours though, around 250 € total. The whole repair took about 6 hours, and what a difference it's made! No more emergency mode, stalling's completely gone, and the engine's running super smooth now. Can't believe the first mechanic didn't catch this and kept insisting it was the ECU. Really appreciate everyone's help here, saved me from possibly getting an unnecessary ECU replacement that would've cost way more. Feels good to have this sorted finally. Going to stick with this new mechanic from now on, they definitely knew their stuff!

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