BMW X1 Power Loss & Limp Mode: Throttle Body Warning

Hey there! I had very similar issues with my 2015 BMW X3 last year. My symptoms matched yours exactly, sluggish response, high idle, and limp mode. Initially thought it was the throttle body too, but turned out to be a faulty accelerator pedal module. The electronics inside had failed, causing incorrect signals to the engine management system. Got it diagnosed at the garage, and they confirmed the pedal module was the culprit through their diagnostic system. Had to replace the entire pedal assembly. It wasn't a super complicated fix, but definitely needed professional attention since it's tied to crucial engine management systems. Some throttle body symptoms can mimic this issue, but in my case, cleaning the throttle body didn't help at all. Your symptoms are really similar to what I experienced, it's worth getting the pedal module checked first. Just a heads up, this was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects basic drivability and safety. My advice would be to get it checked at a certified shop that knows BMW electronics well. Good luck with the fix!

Thanks for sharing that info about your X3! Really helpful since our issues sound identical. I'm curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the pedal module replacement? And has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks?

Hey again! Happy to update you! Yeah, I remember being pretty worried about the cost, but in the end, I paid 265€ for fixing the accelerator pedal module. Actually, when I took it to the mechanic, they found and fixed a defective throttle valve too during the diagnostic, which was a bonus since it needed attention anyway. I can tell you that since getting it fixed, my X3 has been running like a dream, absolutely no issues whatsoever. The response is crisp again, idle is perfect, and that annoying limp mode is history. It's been over a year now, and honestly, it feels like a completely different car. No quirks, no weird behavior, just smooth sailing. Best money I've spent on the car, to be honest. The peace of mind alone was worth it. Plus, it's way more fun to drive now that it's actually doing what it's supposed to when I press the pedal! Let me know if you get yours sorted, would be interested to hear if it's the same issue.

Thanks so much for all the details! Just wanted to give you an update, I took your advice and got the car checked out at a different mechanic who specializes in BMW electronics. You were spot on, it was indeed the pedal module causing all the trouble. Ended up paying a bit more than you did, but honestly, it was worth every penny. Got it fixed last week, and what a difference! The car's running perfectly now, no more sluggish response, no more high idle, and that annoying limp mode is finally gone. It's like driving a completely different car. Really grateful for your help in pointing me in the right direction. Would've probably wasted time and money focusing just on the throttle body if you hadn't shared your experience. Sometimes bad experiences with mechanics lead us to better ones, right? Thanks again for helping me sort this out!