BMW X1 Stalling? It Could Be Your Idle Air Control Valve

I had similar issues with my 2013 BMW X3 last season. Initially thought it was something minor, but it turned out the intake manifold was heavily contaminated with carbon deposits. The symptoms matched yours exactly, rough idle, unusual RPM fluctuations, and occasional stalling. Had the intake system professionally cleaned, including the throttle body and IAC valve. Additionally, they found the MAF sensor needed attention. It was quite a serious issue that required addressing quickly to prevent further engine problems. After the cleaning and sensor maintenance, the car runs like new again. No more stalling, steady idle, and the check engine light hasn't returned. I'd recommend getting it checked soon, as these symptoms typically don't resolve themselves and can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. Definitely get a second opinion if you're unsure about your mechanic. With BMWs, it's crucial to have someone who knows these engines well.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X1 is currently at the shop getting fixed, your description of the symptoms matches mine exactly. I'm relieved to hear you got it sorted out. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the whole repair cost you? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues pop up?

Hey there! Happy to give you an update. Just got my car back from the shop a while ago where they fixed that bad idle air control valve, turned out you and I had pretty much identical issues! The total bill came to 425 € for cleaning out the heavily contaminated intake system, and honestly, it was worth every cent. The car's been running like a dream since the fix, no more of that annoying rough idling or those scary unusual RPM jumps. It's been several months now, and I haven't had a single problem. The engine purrs like a kitten, starts up perfectly every time, and that pesky check engine light has stayed off. I know it might seem a bit pricey, but trust me, getting it sorted properly is way better than letting it get worse. These BMW engines are pretty solid once you take care of them right. Hope your repair goes as smoothly as mine did. Let me know how it turns out!

Thanks so much for the detailed response! Just got my car back yesterday and wanted to share my experience. You were spot on about the intake system cleaning being worth it. My mechanic found pretty much the same issue, nasty carbon buildup in the intake manifold and a failing IAC valve. Total cost came to about 450 €, slightly more than yours but included a new air filter too. Got to say, the difference is like night and day! The engine's running super smooth now, no more of that annoying stuttering or stalling. Even my wife noticed how much quieter it is at idle. Funny thing, my mechanic showed me the old parts and they were filthy! Made me realize I probably should've dealt with this sooner. But hey, lesson learned. Really appreciate your help and advice on this one. Feeling much more confident about my BMW now!