BMW X6 Rough Running: Valvetronic System Under Suspicion

Hey there! I had a similar situation with my 2019 BMW X4 last year (I have some experience working on BMWs, mainly basic maintenance stuff). Those symptoms sound exactly like what I dealt with, rough running engine, poor throttle response, and that annoying jerking sensation. Got it diagnosed at my workshop and yep, it was the Valvetronic mechanism. Had to get it completely recalibrated and some parts replaced. Cost me around 575 Euro, but it fixed the issue completely. The fuel consumption went back to normal and the engine's running smooth again. Quick question, have you checked if there are any specific error codes? Also, what's your mileage? This would help understand if we're dealing with the same problem. BMWs are pretty consistent with these issues across models, so I might be able to share more specific details about what to expect during the repair process. Hope this helps! Let me know if you need any more info about my repair experience.

Thanks for sharing that experience! My mileage is at 194,639 KM and I just had it serviced last month. Haven't pulled the error codes yet, but I'm planning to do that tomorrow. Did your mechanic mention anything about preventive measures to avoid this issue in the future? Really hoping I won't have to shell out that much cash, but it's better than leaving it unfixed I guess. The jerking is getting pretty annoying, especially during my daily commute.

Hey again! Yeah, glad I can help more. Since we're talking about similar BMW models, I can definitely share what my mechanic told me about preventing future Valvetronic issues. Regular maintenance is key, my mechanic stressed that these issues often pop up when oil changes aren't done on schedule. Also, using the right grade of oil is super important for these engines. When they serviced mine, they mentioned that carbon buildup can really mess with the Valvetronic system over time. One thing I started doing after my repair was letting the engine warm up properly before pushing it hard. My mechanic said this helps reduce strain on the system. Also, I've been using premium fuel since then, apparently, it helps keep those sensitive components cleaner. About the cost, yeah, it's not cheap, but I'd say don't put it off. When I first noticed the symptoms, I waited a couple weeks hoping it would sort itself out (spoiler: it didn't), and the jerking just got worse. If your error codes turn out similar to what mine were (P1011, P1012), you're probably looking at the same repair. Let me know what those error codes say when you get them checked. I kept a record of everything from my repair, so I might be able to give you more specific pointers once you have that info.

Thanks so much for all this detailed info! Just got back from checking those error codes and wouldn't you know it, got the same P1011 code you mentioned. Guess I'll bite the bullet and get it fixed next week. Really appreciate the tips about warm-up time and premium fuel, definitely going to implement those changes. Makes total sense about the oil changes too, though I've been pretty good about keeping up with maintenance. You've honestly made me feel a lot better about the whole situation. At least I know exactly what I'm dealing with now and what to expect with the repair. Will probably have a chat with my mechanic about those preventive measures you mentioned too. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, you've saved me a lot of worry and guesswork!