throttle actuators failure

[brado]

Hello all,
Well it finally happened. I have read so many horror stories on this forum on critical failures of the E9x M3's that to say I had anxiety about the car is an understatement. And like so many stories ive read, mine happened without warning for seemingly no reason. I was driving on the freeway when I felt a slight hesitation while at partial throttle, so I figured the car was still cold it probably need a little bit more rpm's to stay happy. I downshifted so the rpms were around 3k and thats when it happened. Sudden jerking, engine shutoff, the dashboard lights up like christmas, and my I-drive showing all the warnings. After being stranded for a couple hours I was finally able to get it to a local shop where the codes were read and the cause was found.

It was found that one of the actuators failed and kept one bank completely open at full throttle. It appears that the circuity on the broken actuator had burned itself out. I opted to replace both actuators just in case.

After about three days, and a 3k repair bill the car is up and running. But my anxiety has only gotten worse about things like rod bearing failure. I am almost hesitant to drive my car

A little info on the car 2009 m3, 73k, 6spd, competition pkg, technology pkg, cold weather pkg, aFe intake, rpi scoops, dinan supsension, meisterschaft GTS rear.

[Beemdog]

Oh man, 73k miles, you just missed the 7-year/70k mile emissions equipment warranty in the state of California. (This covers throttle actuators as part of "emissions equipment".) Sux.

[pbonsalb]

I think you just have to accept that these complex, high performance cars need some expensive maintenance as they age. You paid too much, but that is another matter. Actuators cost about $800 each and an experienced shop can swap the pair in 2 hours. If they replaced the TPS as well, add $100 each and up the labor to 3 hours total. Call it 4 so they don't have to work too hard. Bill should have been in the $2200 range.

Maybe find another shop to do the rod bearings.

After that, you should be fine for a while. The only other repair I have done is a fuel pressure sensor that cost $100 for the part. I did change all the fluids as preventative maintenance and the spark plugs.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I think you just have to accept that these complex, high performance cars need some expensive maintenance as they age. You paid too much, but that is another matter. Actuators cost about $800 each and an experienced shop can swap the pair in 2 hours. If they replaced the TPS as well, add $100 each and up the labor to 3 hours total. Call it 4 so they don't have to work too hard. Bill should have been in the $2200 range.

Maybe find another shop to do the rod bearings.

After that, you should be fine for a while. The only other repair I have done is a fuel pressure sensor that cost $100 for the part. I did change all the fluids as preventative maintenance and the spark plugs.

You'll find labor costs are much higher in the San Francisco area. Dealer charges $180-200 an hour for labor. Independent shops are about 10-20% less.

The cost of the actuators themselves have gone up in price as well. They cost $950 ordered online and $1200 at the dealer.

[brado]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I think you just have to accept that these complex, high performance cars need some expensive maintenance as they age. You paid too much, but that is another matter. Actuators cost about $800 each and an experienced shop can swap the pair in 2 hours. If they replaced the TPS as well, add $100 each and up the labor to 3 hours total. Call it 4 so they don't have to work too hard. Bill should have been in the $2200 range.

Maybe find another shop to do the rod bearings.

After that, you should be fine for a while. The only other repair I have done is a fuel pressure sensor that cost $100 for the part. I did change all the fluids as preventative maintenance and the spark plugs.

Where did you find the actuators that cheap? Couldnt find them brand new for less than 1,200. so it was 1,200x2-2400, plus 4 hours total labor and tax lead to 3k

[brado]

Originally Posted by Z K

You'll find labor costs are much higher in the San Francisco area. Dealer charges $180-200 an hour for labor. Independent shops are about 10-20% less.

The cost of the actuators themselves have gone up in price as well. They cost $950 ordered online and $1200 at the dealer.

I know, I asked my local bmw to honor it anyways and they said nope. I was also two weeks expired from the extended warranty I bought

[Z K]

Originally Posted by brado

I know, I asked my local bmw to honor it anyways and they said nope. I was also two weeks expired from the extended warranty I bought

I just went through the actuators myself a few months ago.

Luckily I was under emissions warranty but I paid out of pocket to have the 2nd one replaced as preventative maintenance. They agreed to price match the online price of $950 for the part itself. Ended up $1200 out of pocket.

What shop did you go to?

[brado]

Originally Posted by Z K

I just went through the actuators myself a few months ago.

Luckily I was under emissions warranty but I paid out of pocket to have the 2nd one replaced as preventative maintenance. They agreed to price match the online price of $950 for the part itself. Ended up $1200 out of pocket.

What shop did you go to?

I went to puremotorsports in san ramon. Damn looking up prices right now, everything seems to be on sale right now. lol could have saved 600 bucks if it happend a month later.

[Beemdog]

ECS Tuning online shows throttle actuators at $925 (plus shipping) and an MSRP of $1122.59 (this changes frequently).

[Honda]

I can't believe there is no aftermarket throttle actuators until now !

[Z K]

Originally Posted by S65-M3

I can't believe there is no aftermarket throttle actuators until now !

There are no aftermarket ones.

And the replacement actuators will probably burn out just as the originals did since they are the same thing.

[nholmes]

You guys are still overpaying.

http://huskerparts.com/2008-bmw-m3-b...27838085-item/

$788 + $12 FedEx

[Honda]

Originally Posted by nholmes

You guys are still overpaying.

http://huskerparts.com/2008-bmw-m3-b...27838085-item/

$788 + $12 FedEx

Yeah...I have seen your other post the other day. Thanks for mentioning it over here.

It used to be sold on BMW of Morristown for $750 shipped, one year ago but for some reason it went back as any other place

[BzsBimmer]

Well maybe since you replaced your known good working unit, try to sell it and recoup some of the expense.
Some of these things are worth trying to do yourself to save money.

[Rat3d ///M]

you are all overpaying. My local dealer can get them for me for $700 each. Granted that is in Germany and it's actually €650 vat free, but whatever. I'm glad I don't have to pay some of the prices you all pay.

[nholmes]

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Z K

There are no aftermarket ones.

And the replacement actuators will probably burn out just as the originals did since they are the same thing.

Believe there are. Check M3Cutters.com, 527alpina, he's made them in brons (instead of plastic) which apparently have turned out great.

Cheers

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Believe there are. Check M3Cutters.com, 527alpina, he's made them in brons (instead of plastic) which apparently have turned out great.

Cheers

Those are replacement gears, not entire units.

Most of the time the electronics board burns out like the original poster shows. In that case, unless you're talented in soldering microchips, you need to buy a new unit.

[meyergru]

Best of all (just in case you did not know): You would not need any replacement of actuators or electronics had you oiled the throttle valve bearings in the first place.

Contrary to urban legend, the actuator gears are not as bad as reported over and over again. Matter-of-fact, the causality is like this:

1. The throttle valve bearings become dry and stiff.
2. Thus, the actuator have to apply bigger force and wear faster.
3. When the force becomes too big, the actuator motors draw too much current and blow the driver transistors in the electronic unit.

So, there is no need for an aftermarket replacement of actuator gears. Just oil your valve bearings once a year and you'll be set.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by meyergru

Best of all (just in case you did not know): You would not need any replacement of actuators or electronics had you oiled the throttle valve bearings in the first place.

Contrary to urban legend, the actuator gears are not as bad as reported over and over again. Matter-of-fact, the causality is like this:

1. The throttle valve bearings become dry and stiff.
2. Thus, the actuator have to apply bigger force and wear faster.
3. When the force becomes too big, the actuator motors draw too much current and blow the driver transistors in the electronic unit.

So, there is no need for an aftermarket replacement of actuator gears. Just oil your valve bearings once a year and you'll be set.

I have taken apart 4 actuators. 2 had gears badly enough worn that it they were likely skipping. Maybe this would not have happened if the bearings had been lubricated. But it has happened on many actuators and once it happens, the gears are no good -- and as you point out the electronics may not be either.

[meyergru]

That is correct - once you have the gears wear it's too late. However, for the people who had their actuators and/or electronics replaced: Lubricate the throttle valve bearings regularly or you will face the same problem in about 3-4 years from now.

[serranot]

Is there a documented procedure? If they are easy to remove/replace, I would guess lubricating them would not be difficult.