BMW X5 Jerking & Hissing: Telltale Signs of Air Leak?

I had nearly identical issues with my 2019 BMW X3 last year. The symptoms matched yours exactly, jerking, high fuel consumption, and that distinct hissing noise. It turned out to be a torn intake hose causing a vacuum leak. Got it fixed at the garage where they replaced the intake boot and a couple of worn-out clamps. It wasn't a complex repair, but leaving it unfixed could have led to more serious engine damage due to incorrect air-fuel mixture. After the repair, the engine ran smooth again, and fuel consumption went back to normal. Given your symptoms, I'd definitely get it checked soon. The intake system is critical for proper engine function, and these issues rarely fix themselves. My mechanic showed me the torn hose, it was pretty obvious once they located it. Make sure whoever checks it does a proper smoke test to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it was an intake hose in your case. You've described exactly what I'm experiencing right now. If you don't mind me asking, do you remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Also, have you had any similar issues pop up since getting it fixed? Just want to get an idea of what I'm potentially looking at cost-wise and whether it was a permanent fix. Thanks again for the detailed info about the smoke test too, definitely gonna mention that when I take it in.

Hey there! Happy to give you an update on my X3 situation. Since getting it sorted at the mechanic last week, the car's running like a dream again. The intake hose leak was exactly what we thought, and they fixed it right up. Only cost me 100 € for the repair, pretty reasonable considering how much grief that leak was causing! The best part? Not a single issue since the fix. No more jerking during acceleration, fuel consumption's back to normal, and that annoying hissing sound is completely gone. The mechanic did a really thorough job with the smoke test to make sure they found every possible leak point. Money well spent if you ask me! Trust me, getting it fixed was the right call, these things can really mess up your engine if left too long. Worth every penny to have it running smoothly again. Let me know how yours turns out when you get it checked!

Thanks for the follow-up! Actually, I bit the bullet and took my X5 to a new mechanic yesterday. You were totally right, it was an intake leak! The mechanic spotted a crack in the intake boot and some loose clamps. Got it all fixed up for about 150 bucks. What a difference it's made! The car feels completely different now, no more jerking, that annoying hissing is gone, and I can already tell my fuel consumption's getting better. The mechanic was super thorough and did that smoke test you mentioned, which helped them find a couple of other small leaks they fixed while they were at it. Really glad I didn't wait any longer to get it sorted. Thanks again for pushing me to get it checked out, you probably saved me from some bigger engine problems down the line. The new mechanic seems pretty solid too, so that's an extra win!