BMW X5 Stalling at Idle, Bad Fuel or Engine Issue?

Hi there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW X3 (I have some experience working on BMWs, mostly basic maintenance). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced last summer. After taking it to my trusted workshop, they found a loose connector on the fuel pump module. The cable connection had become faulty over time, causing irregular fuel delivery. Cost me 95 Euro to get it fixed, mainly labor since they just had to reconnect and secure the wiring properly. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: What error code you're getting? Does it happen only when the engine is warm or cold too? Have you noticed any other warning lights? I've also owned a BMW X1, and these models can be sensitive to electrical issues. Let me know these details and I might be able to help more specifically!

Thanks for your detailed response! I've got 150522 KM on the clock and did my last service about 2 months ago. I'm getting the P0171 code (System Too Lean), and it happens regardless of engine temperature. The only warning light is the check engine light. Actually, thinking about what you mentioned about the fuel pump, I've also noticed slight hesitation during acceleration lately. Going to get it checked at a workshop this week, but wondering if I should mention the fuel pump connection to them specifically? Also, did your car have any hesitation issues before you got it fixed?

Hey again! Thanks for providing those details. Yes, my X3 definitely had that same hesitation during acceleration before I got it fixed, it was super annoying, especially when trying to merge onto highways. That P0171 code plus the hesitation symptoms are really similar to what I experienced. I'd definitely mention the fuel pump connector issue to your workshop. In my case, the hesitation got progressively worse over about two weeks before I got it fixed. The loose connector was causing inconsistent fuel pressure, which explains both the lean condition and the hesitation we both experienced. Just a heads up, my repair bill could've actually been higher if the connector had damaged the fuel pump module itself, so you're doing the right thing getting it checked promptly. When they fixed mine, they also did a full fuel system pressure test just to be safe, which I'd recommend asking for. One thing I learned from my experience, these symptoms can also be caused by a vacuum leak, but given how similar your situation is to what I went through, I'd put money on it being electrical/fuel pump related. Let me know what they find when you get it checked out!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I really appreciate all the detailed info, especially about the hesitation getting worse over time, that's exactly what I'm experiencing. I'll definitely ask them to check the fuel pump connector and get that pressure test done. It's actually a relief to hear someone had the same issue and got it fixed without major repairs. I've made an appointment for Thursday morning, and I'll make sure to mention everything we discussed. I'll keep you posted on what they find, hopefully it'll be a simple fix like yours was. This has been super helpful!