BMW Repair: 2001 BMW 318i touring, bmw 318i touring, oxygen sensors

Question
Car is automatic transmission, registered in UK; 115,000miles.

Light on dashboard (picture of engine block?) has come on - handbook says to do with emission and consult dealer.

Dealer puts through diagnostic and says that fault is with "Throttle Valve" and will cost about 200 pounds to rectify.

However, says that juat leaving it is ok and will not harm the car; is this true?

Car has seemed to be down on power, especially acceleration - is this just co-incidence.

would be very grateful for any light you can thow on this,

thanks, David

Answer
David, have I answered a question of yours before? Your name looks familiar. You didn't give the faults they found in the car, but from the symptoms you describe it sounds as though it could be a faulty throttle valve assembly. As for the cost I wound know what it would cost parts and labor. I thought you guys were using Euros instead of British Pounds, not true? We do not have your Model/Motor combination in the states so I can't even tell how hard it is to replace. Usually when the engine computer (DME) sees a throttle fault it will use a default or enter a failsafe mode. I would replace the throttle as they suggest if you can swing the cash. I don't imagine it would hurt the engine but the check engine light has as you say come on. The Engine light comes normally when emmissions are 1.5 times the legal limit. Increased emmissions in general can damage Oxygen sensors and Catalyitic converters. $$$$.$$ Definately something to get taken care of.
-Yankee Evan