[bmwspiff]

Hi All,
I am the new-to-me owner of a 2011 X3 35i with 135k kms (in Toronto). Currently dealing with an intermittent Drivetrain Malfunction error whenever I'm on the freeway and step on the gas to accelerate quickly. Seems like the car has a boost leak as it's not getting any power.

I read the codes and it came back with only 120308. I'm trying to check the various lines around the charge pipe as well as the charge pipe itself with an initial visual inspection. I can't see anything obvious, but at the point where the charge pipe connects to the throttle body, if I try to pull the CP off, it seems a little loose and one edge of the opening exposes the throttle body seat (by ~1/4"). The clip seems to be there but I was surprised at how moveable it is.

Is this normal?

Thanks in advance!

[HPR]

You may have a crack in the charge pipe. The pipe is plastic and it's a failure that happens through repeated thermal cycles. Most of the failures reported on this forum have occurred where the pipe meets the throttle body. A closer visual inspection or a smoke test may help in confirming your suspicion.

I replaced mine last summer with an aluminum one. Not a terribly difficult DIY job if that's what your problem is. Good luck.

[bmwspiff]

Thank you. I am suspecting as much, but can't see anything. Just wondering if the connection should feel really tight or a little loose before I start pulling everything off.

[HPR]

Connection should be tight. Don't mistake flex in the accordion pleats for looseness in the pipe/throttle body interface. Do a more detailed inspection or partial disassembly to verify what you're dealing with.

[mwat]

My guess is it's cracked at that TB connection point. That's usually what happens in my experience