BMW 5 Series Power Loss: Throttle Valve Issue?

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2007 BMW 3 series diesel. When I read your post, it immediately reminded me of what happened to my car. The symptoms were exactly the same, sluggish response, limp mode, and high idle. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty accelerator pedal module, not the throttle valve. The electronics inside had gone bad. Got it fixed at my regular workshop, cost me about 265 Euro. Since then, it's been running perfectly fine. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share if you've had any diagnostic codes read? Also, when did these symptoms first appear, was it sudden or gradual? This would help to determine if you're dealing with the same issue. BTW, I also looked at a 5 series before getting my 3 series, they share quite a few components, so I might be able to help more.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! I've had my car serviced just last month, and with 173814 KM on the clock, I've seen my share of issues, but this is new. You might be onto something with the accelerator pedal module, the symptoms do match up. I haven't gotten the diagnostic codes read yet, but the problem came on quite suddenly while driving on the highway. One moment everything was fine, then boom, power drop and limp mode. I'll definitely get those codes checked first before replacing any parts. Really hoping it's just the pedal module like in your case, sounds like a straightforward fix. I've got a trusted mechanic who knows these engines well, so I'll run it by him too. Really appreciate your help on this!

Hey again! Yeah, after reading your reply about the sudden onset of symptoms, I'm even more convinced it's the accelerator pedal module. That's exactly how mine failed, completely fine one minute, then bam! Total power loss on the highway. Scary stuff! Mine happened at around 165000 KM, so our cars are in a similar mileage range. When my mechanic checked the diagnostic codes, it pointed straight to the pedal module. The sudden failure pattern is pretty typical for these modules in our BMWs. Just a heads up, make sure your mechanic checks the wiring connections to the module as well. In my case, they found some slight corrosion on the connectors that needed cleaning, but it was mainly the module itself that was shot. Quick tip: while you're waiting to get it fixed, if you experience the same complete power loss like I did, try turning the engine off and on again. It sometimes temporarily resets things enough to get you home or to the workshop. Worked for me as a band-aid solution. Let me know how it goes with the diagnostic reading. I'd be really interested to hear if it turns out to be the same issue!

Thanks so much for all the detailed advice! That tip about turning the engine off and on is super helpful, actually had to use it twice today just to get home! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who's been through the exact same thing. I've booked the car in for tomorrow morning to get those codes read. Given how similar our situations are, the sudden highway failure, the mileage, and all the matching symptoms, I'm betting you're right about the accelerator pedal module. Will definitely ask them to check those wiring connections too, wouldn't have thought about that! I'll probably go ahead and order the module today, seems like a safe bet considering everything you've described. Really grateful for your help with this, you've saved me a lot of worry and probably some cash too by pointing me in the right direction. Will let you know what the diagnosis shows! Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. It's exactly what I was hoping for when I posted my question!