BMW X3 Power Loss Due to IAT Sensor, Owner Seeks Help

I had the same issue with my 2018 BMW X5 last year. The symptoms were identical, engine light, significant power loss, especially during acceleration. Initially thought it was something major, but the intake air temp sensor was indeed the culprit. Got it fixed at the dealer since my regular mechanic wasn't familiar with BMW diagnostics. The repair wasn't particularly complex, mainly involved replacing the sensor and recalibrating the engine management system. Took about two hours total. Not a serious issue, more of an annoyance really, but definitely needs fixing as it affects engine performance and fuel efficiency. The tricky part was diagnosing it correctly. The symptoms can mimic other issues, so make sure they properly test the sensor before replacing it. My advice would be to take it to someone who specializes in BMW, as they'll have the right diagnostic tools and experience with this specific problem.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience with the intake temp sensor issue. Glad to hear it wasn't anything too major. I'm actually dealing with similar symptoms in my 2021 X3 right now. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the repair, or have you noticed any other quirks? Really appreciate the heads up about going to a BMW specialist, think I'll take that route.

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up about the repair costs since you asked. I paid 155 € to get the faulty intake air temperature sensor fixed, and I can tell you it was worth every penny. The car's been running like a dream since then, no more power loss issues or engine lights. It's amazing what a small sensor can do when it goes bad! My BMW specialist did a fantastic job diagnosing and fixing it. They knew exactly what they were looking for, which saved a lot of time and potential headaches. The whole repair went super smoothly, and I've had zero problems since. The engine performance is back to normal, and fuel efficiency has improved too. I know you were worried about finding a trustworthy mechanic, but going with a BMW specialist is definitely the way to go. They have all the right tools and know these cars inside out. Trust me, you'll be much happier getting it done right the first time. Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks for all the detailed info! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. Took your advice and went to a BMW specialist, what a difference compared to my last mechanic! They diagnosed it right away and fixed the sensor issue. Cost me about 180 € total, which wasn't too bad considering. They were super professional and explained everything clearly. The car's running perfectly now, that power loss is completely gone and no more annoying check engine light. What a relief! Funny thing is, while I was there, they showed me the old sensor and explained how these things usually fail. Apparently, it's more common than I thought in newer models. Really glad I didn't wait any longer to get it fixed. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction with choosing a specialist. Definitely keeping this shop for future maintenance!