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BlackRider

BMW X7 Throttle Failure: Engine Stuck in Limp Mode

Hi everyone! My 2019 BMW X7 has suddenly developed issues with power delivery. The engine is stuck in limp mode, idles higher than normal, and completely ignores throttle inputs. The check engine light is on, and I suspect it might be the throttle valve acting up. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Would be great to hear about your repair experiences and what the actual fix was at the workshop. Thanks in advance.

4 comment(s)

LarsRider

Hey there! I had some experience with something very similar on my 2017 BMW X5 (I also own an X3). I'd say I have some experience working with cars, though I'm no expert mechanic. Had almost identical symptoms, limp mode, unresponsive throttle, and high idle. Turned out to be a faulty accelerator pedal module. My regular workshop diagnosed it pretty quickly, replaced the module and recalibrated the system. The whole thing cost me around 265 Euro, and it's been running perfectly since then. Could definitely be the same issue with your X7, but might be worth checking what error codes you're getting. Can you share those? Also, did you notice any other warning lights or strange behavior before this started happening? This info would help confirm if we're dealing with the same problem.

BlackRider (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! Just had my last service about 3,000 KM ago and everything was perfect until now. I haven't checked the error codes yet, but will get my OBD reader from the garage tonight. The issue started suddenly while driving on the highway, no warning signs before that. The car just went into limp mode out of nowhere. Mine's at 128010 KM now, so I guess these things start happening at this age. I'll definitely look into the accelerator pedal module you mentioned. The symptoms match exactly what I'm experiencing. Did your car also have a slight hesitation before going into limp mode? I noticed mine did that for a split second before everything went south. Was the repair process lengthy at your workshop? I need to figure out if I should arrange for alternative transport.

LarsRider

Hey again! Yeah, I remember that split-second hesitation you're talking about, mine did exactly the same thing. It's like the car stuttered for a moment before going into limp mode. Pretty scary when it happens at highway speeds, right? In my case, the repair itself only took about 2-3 hours once they had the part in stock. The tricky part was waiting for the part to arrive, took them 2 days to get it. I was lucky they had a courtesy car available. With your X7 having similar mileage to what mine had (I was at about 125,000 KM when it happened), it's definitely possible we're looking at the same issue. Just to add to my previous experience, after they replaced the pedal module, they had to do a proper system reset and calibration. That's actually what took the most time. Make sure whoever works on it knows this step is crucial, my cousin skipped the calibration on his BMW and had to bring it back because the throttle response was all over the place. Let me know what those error codes say when you get them. If you see anything starting with P2xxx, it's probably the pedal module like in my case. Keep us posted!

BlackRider (Author)

Thanks for the additional details! Really helpful to know about that calibration step, will definitely mention this to my workshop. I just checked the codes with my OBD reader, and wouldn't you know it, I'm getting a P2138 code. Seems you were spot on about the pedal module. I've scheduled an appointment with my mechanic for tomorrow morning. They said they might have a compatible part in stock, which is a relief. Arranged to work from home for a couple of days just in case it takes longer. Better safe than sorry! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience in such detail. It's always nerve-wracking when these things happen, but knowing someone else dealt with the same issue successfully makes it less stressful. Will update the thread once it's fixed to help others who might face similar problems. Thanks again for your help!

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