BMW X3 Stalling: Could Bad Ignition Coils Be the Culprit?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2011 BMW X1 3.0i last year (I'm just a car enthusiast with some basic experience). Those symptoms sound really familiar! My 5 Series had almost identical problems, misfiring, jerking, and that annoying check engine light. Turned out there was a loose connection in the wiring harness to the ignition coils. Took it to my mechanic who found that the plug connectors had worn out and weren't making proper contact. The total fix was 95 Euro, which included checking all connections and replacing the damaged wiring. But before jumping to conclusions, could you share: Any specific error codes from the check engine light? Does it happen more when the engine is cold or warm? Have you noticed any changes in fuel consumption? This could help pinpoint if you're dealing with the same issue I had or something else entirely.

Thanks for sharing! My issue seems quite similar. I just had my service done last week at 183762 KM, and these problems started showing up shortly after. I've noticed it's definitely worse when the engine is cold, and fuel consumption has gone up noticeably. Haven't checked the error codes yet, but planning to get them read tomorrow. The jerking during acceleration is particularly concerning, especially on the highway. Interesting that you mentioned the wiring harness, I'll definitely have that checked out. The price seems reasonable too. Did your car run perfectly smooth after the fix? I'm hoping it's something similarly straightforward and not a major repair job!

Hey again! Yeah, after seeing your latest update, I'm even more convinced it could be similar to what I experienced with my X1. Since you mentioned it's worse when cold and the problems started after a recent service, it definitely rings some bells. After my repair, my car ran like a dream, smooth as silk, no more jerking or stalling. It was like getting a new car! Just a heads up though, when I first had the wiring harness fixed, we actually missed one loose connection, and some symptoms came back after a few days. Had to take it back to get that sorted. So make sure your mechanic checks ALL the connections thoroughly. The increased fuel consumption you're experiencing? Had that too. Mine went up by about 15% when the problem was at its worst. Once everything was fixed properly, fuel economy went right back to normal. Since you're getting the codes read tomorrow, keep an eye out for P0351 to P0356, those were the codes my car was throwing. Would be interesting to see if yours shows the same. Quick tip from my experience, have them check the coil pack boots too while they're at it. They're these rubber insulators that can deteriorate over time, and they're easy to inspect while checking the wiring. Keep us posted about those error codes when you get them!

Thanks so much for all this detailed information! Those error codes will definitely be helpful to check against tomorrow. It's actually really reassuring to hear that your car ran perfectly after the fix, that's exactly what I'm hoping for. I appreciate the tip about making sure they check all connections thoroughly. I definitely don't want to deal with returning symptoms after thinking it's fixed. And thanks for mentioning the coil pack boots, I'll specifically ask them to inspect those too while they're checking everything else. Your comment about the 15% increase in fuel consumption matches what I'm experiencing almost exactly. I've been filling up way more frequently than usual, so hearing that yours went back to normal after the fix is encouraging. I'll definitely update once I get those error codes tomorrow. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's been super helpful in giving me a better idea of what to look for and ask about at the shop!

Bmw n13 114i 78000 KLM loss of power coil and spark plug changed today exhaust that backfires on acceleration

(Translated from French)

After changing the coil and spark plug, if you're still experiencing power loss and backfiring, it might be worth checking the air intake system for any leaks or blockages. A vacuum leak can cause these symptoms by disrupting the air-fuel mixture. Inspect the intake hoses and connections for any signs of wear or damage. Let us know how it goes or if you have any further questions!