BMW 7 Series Diesel Stalling and Jerking Mystery

Had similar issues with my 2020 BMW 5 Series diesel last winter. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, jerking, whistling, and poor fuel economy. After switching mechanics, turned out it was indeed a faulty boost pressure sensor along with a loose connector. The whistling was a dead giveaway. This isn't typically a major repair, but leaving it unchecked can damage your turbo system over time. My fix involved replacing the sensor and securing the wiring harness properly. The mechanic also cleaned the connection points since there was some corrosion building up. Everything's been running smooth since then. Would suggest getting a diagnostic scan first, the error codes should point directly to the boost sensor if that's the culprit. Finding a mechanic who specializes in BMW diesels is crucial here. Look for someone who's certified and has specific experience with your engine type.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! This really helps as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Good to know it was just the sensor and wiring in your case. Mind if I ask how much the whole repair ended up costing you? Also, have you had any other issues pop up since getting it fixed? I think I'll follow your advice and get that diagnostic scan done first. Been putting it off but better safe than sorry with these engines.

Hey there! Glad I could help with my previous response. Just wanted to update you, I got it sorted last week actually. You were right to ask about the costs, it ended up being super reasonable. The mechanic found it was exactly what I suspected, a bad boost pressure sensor. The issue was just a dodgy cable connection that needed fixing, nothing major. Total bill came to 95 € which was a relief! Since getting it fixed, my car's been running like a dream, no more jerking, weird noises, or excessive fuel consumption. It's amazing what a properly working sensor can do! Haven't had a single issue pop up since the repair. The diagnostic scan definitely helped pinpoint the problem quickly. Trust me, getting it checked out sooner rather than later is the way to go. These engines are solid, but when something's off, it's best to tackle it right away. My car feels like new again, definitely worth every penny of that repair!

Thanks for the update! Really glad to hear you got it sorted. I actually went to get mine checked yesterday after seeing your first message. Turns out you were spot on, it was the boost pressure sensor giving me grief. The mechanic I found was great. Super thorough and explained everything. They fixed the wiring issues and replaced the sensor. Bill came to about 120 bucks, which wasn't bad at all considering how much I was stressing about it. Took it for a proper drive today and what a difference! No more jerking, the whistling's gone, and it's running smooth as butter. Can't believe I was putting this off for so long. Should've dealt with it weeks ago. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, helped me make the decision to get it sorted. Car's running like new again, and my wallet didn't take too big a hit. Sometimes it's the simple fixes that make all the difference!

Is that the sensor at the top that is mounted on the mounting bridge?

(Translated from German)

Yes, the boost pressure sensor is typically located on the intake manifold or near the intercooler, often mounted on a bracket or bridge. It's best to consult your vehicle's service manual for the exact location, as it can vary slightly depending on the engine model. If you're planning to inspect it yourself, ensure the engine is off and cool before proceeding. Let me know if you have any further questions!