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HeidiSchmiddy

BMW X5 Diesel Jerking and Power Loss, Common Fix Needed

Hey everyone! My 2021 BMW X5 diesel is giving me headaches. When accelerating, it jerks badly and runs rough, plus the engine power is significantly reduced. The check engine light is on, and it's in limp mode. It also stalls at idle, and there's a strong diesel smell coming from the exhaust. I suspect it might be the intake manifold, but I'd like to hear from anyone who's dealt with similar symptoms. What did your workshop find, and how was it resolved? Any insights would be much appreciated! Thanks

Summary of the thread

A 2021 BMW X5 diesel is experiencing jerking, rough running, power loss, and a strong diesel smell, with the check engine light on and the vehicle in limp mode. These symptoms suggest a potential issue with the intake manifold, which is a known problem in similar BMW models. A previous case with a BMW X3 diesel showed identical symptoms, where the intake manifold was scorched and leaking, leading to similar issues. The recommended solution is to have the intake manifold and swirl flaps checked and repaired, ideally under warranty, to resolve the problem and prevent further damage.

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4 comment(s)

WilGoetz

Hey there! I've had some experience working on cars, and funny enough, I dealt with almost the exact same issue on my 2019 BMW X3 diesel last year. The symptoms were identical to what you're describing. Turns out it was indeed the intake manifold, mine was scorched and leaking badly. Took it to my regular workshop, and they confirmed it after running diagnostics. The whole repair, including parts and labor, set me back about 1180 Euro, but it solved all the issues, no more jerking, power loss, or funky diesel smell. What's your mileage on the X5? Also, have you noticed any black smoke from the exhaust or weird noises before these symptoms started? These details would help me share more specific info about the repair process. The X7 from the same year had similar issues, so it's a known thing with these engines. Get it checked soon, driving with a faulty intake manifold can lead to bigger problems.

HeidiSchmiddy (community.author)

Hey, really appreciate the detailed response! My X5 is at 92922 KM and had its last service about 2 months ago. Actually, now that you mention it, I did notice some black smoke and a slight whistling noise about a week before these problems started. Good to know about your experience with the intake manifold, sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. The diesel smell and power loss are driving me crazy. Was your repair covered under warranty by any chance? Mine's still under warranty, and I'm hoping to avoid that repair bill you mentioned! Really grateful for your help. I'll get it to the workshop first thing next week.

WilGoetz

Hey again! Always happy to help a fellow BMW owner. The symptoms you're describing, especially the black smoke and whistling, are exactly what I experienced before things got worse. About the warranty, unfortunately, mine wasn't covered because I was just past the warranty period (typical timing, right?). But since your 2021 X5 is still under warranty, you should definitely be covered! That's great news for your wallet. Just make sure to get it documented properly at an authorized dealer to avoid any warranty claim issues. Quick tip from my experience, when you take it in, ask them to also check the swirl flaps while they're at it. When my intake manifold went bad, it had slightly damaged the swirl flaps too. Luckily, I caught it early enough, but it's worth checking since they're already going to be working in that area. Keep me posted on what the dealer says! These BMW diesels are fantastic when they're running right, but they can be a bit temperamental sometimes.

HeidiSchmiddy (community.author)

Thanks so much for that tip about the swirl flaps, wouldn't have thought to ask about those! Really relieved to hear my symptoms match what you experienced, and even better that it should be covered under warranty. You've saved me a lot of worry. I've booked it in for Monday morning and asked them specifically to check both the intake manifold and swirl flaps. I'll definitely update you once I hear back from them. Thanks again for all your help and expertise, it's great to get advice from someone who's been through the same thing! The conversation naturally concludes here as has received the advice needed, made an action plan, and expressed gratitude for the help.

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BMW

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X5