BMW X5 Jerking: Throttle Valve or Something Else?

Hey there! I experienced very similar issues with my 2005 BMW X3 3.0i last year. The symptoms you're describing, jerking during acceleration, poor fuel economy, and starting issues, are classic signs of a defective accelerator pedal module, which I discovered was my problem. Got it diagnosed at the garage when my Check Engine light came on. The technician confirmed the accelerator pedal sensor was sending incorrect signals to the engine control unit. It was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects both drivability and safety. The repair involved replacing the entire accelerator pedal module assembly. It wasn't just a quick fix, they had to reprogram the new module to sync with the car's computer system. The car has been running smoothly since then, no more jerking or fuel consumption issues. My advice? Don't wait too long on this one, bad accelerator modules can cause more damage if left unchecked.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! I was wondering how much you ended up paying for the whole repair job? My mechanic quoted me a price but I want to make sure I'm not being taken for a ride. Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks popping up? I'm thinking of getting this sorted soon since I can't keep driving it like this. Just trying to gather as much info as possible before I commit to the repair. Cheers!

Hey again! Just to update you, I got the repair done and it cost me 205 € total, including parts and labor. That's actually pretty reasonable compared to some other quotes I'd heard about. The mechanic fixed the throttle valve issue, and I can tell you it was definitely worth every penny! My X3 has been running like a dream since the fix, no more jerking, way better fuel economy, and starts up perfectly every time. It's been about 6 months now, and I haven't had a single problem pop up. The difference in how the car drives is like night and day, honestly. From what you're describing, your symptoms sound identical to what I dealt with. My advice would be to get it sorted sooner rather than later, putting it off might just lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. Plus, it's such a relief not having to worry about the car acting up every time you accelerate! Let me know how it goes when you get it fixed!

Thanks a lot for the detailed info! Just wanted to update you, I bit the bullet and got it fixed yesterday. My repair ended up costing a bit more, around 280 €, but the mechanic did a thorough job. He actually found that besides the throttle valve, there was a worn-out sensor that needed replacing. I took it for a test drive this morning and what a difference! No more jerking, the acceleration is smooth, and it starts up instantly. The engine sounds much healthier too. The mechanic walked me through everything he did and even showed me the old parts, really appreciated his transparency after my previous bad experiences. You were absolutely right about getting it done quickly. The mechanic mentioned that waiting longer could've caused more damage to the engine. Really glad I asked here first and got your advice. Thanks again for helping me make the right call! Take care!