BMW XM Engine Issues: Jerking and Emergency Mode Alert

Hey there! I have some experience with BMWs, and this sounds familiar. I had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW X5 M last year (also had an X3 before). Had exactly those symptoms, check engine light, jerking, and limp mode. Turned out I had a nasty exhaust leak that was messing with the sensors. My workshop found cracks in the exhaust manifold, which was causing all sorts of problems. Cost me around 265 Euro to get it sorted, but the car's been running smooth since then. Before you do anything else, could you share: What error codes you're getting? Any unusual sounds, especially when cold starting? How many miles/kilometers on the clock? This could help narrow down if you're dealing with the same issue I had. BMWs can be tricky, but once you find the root cause, it's usually a straightforward fix.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Currently at 114878 KM since my latest service. I'm getting the P0300 and P0303 error codes. When cold starting, there's definitely a rough idle and a slight rattling noise from the engine bay. The jerking is most noticeable between 2000-3000 RPM. The check engine light started flashing about a week ago, and it's been getting progressively worse. This is my first BMW, so I'm still learning the quirks. Your exhaust manifold issue sounds similar, but I'll get it properly checked. Really appreciate the detailed response!

Hey again! Thanks for those details, actually, now that you've mentioned those specific error codes (P0300 and P0303), I don't think your issue is the same as my exhaust manifold problem. Those codes plus the symptoms you're describing sound more like what happened to me a few months after I got my manifold fixed. Turned out I had a bad ignition coil in cylinder 3 (that's what P0303 typically points to) and this was causing misfires (P0300 is a general misfire code). The rough idle and rattling noise are classic signs, mine did exactly the same thing. The flashing check engine light is basically the engine computer screaming "fix me now!" The fix was way cheaper than my exhaust manifold issue, only paid about 85 Euro for a new coil and spark plug. You might want to get all the coils and plugs done while you're at it though, if one's going bad, the others usually aren't far behind, especially at your mileage. Quick tip: If your workshop confirms it's the coils, make sure they use genuine BMW parts. I made the mistake of going aftermarket once on my old X3 and had to do the job twice. Let me know what your workshop finds! Always curious to hear if my diagnosis was on point.

Thanks so much for the detailed feedback! You've really put my mind at ease. The ignition coil and spark plug diagnosis makes total sense, especially with those specific error codes. I honestly thought this was going to cost me a fortune, so hearing it might just be coils and plugs is such a relief. Will definitely follow your advice about using genuine BMW parts, don't want to deal with doing this repair twice! Just booked it in at the workshop for tomorrow morning. They seemed to agree with your assessment over the phone, especially after I mentioned the error codes and symptoms. Will keep you posted on what they find, but I've got a feeling you've nailed it. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and help me understand what's going on. Nice to know I'm not the only one who's dealt with these issues!