DIY: S65 Throttle Actuator

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-M3

I can't believe 4 small pieces of gears cost $225. What is the profit margin on these 1000% ?!

I bought a set. Seemed like a good a good value to me. Perhaps in a year or two we will be able to buy these from a Chinese copy company on eBay for $25 but I need some now and my only alternatives are to spend more on brass gears or used actuators or new actuators. I have no complaints.

[pbonsalb]

I just did the odometer gears actuator gear replacement. All went smoothly. Pretty simple and straight forward. Good DIY on page 1 of this thread that I followed plus the odometer gears video on swapping gears.

I did find what may be gear dust in the actuator. Not to be confused with bits of dried grease that I also found in there. I greased the shafts, gears and linkages. It takes some force to move 4 throttle bodies so I can see how a plastic gear could wear over the years.

If I get any more actuator codes I will post, but I am hopeful I fixed the problem. I know there is some risk the electronics are at fault rather than the gears. I have had 3 or 4 incidents in the last 60 days (none before that).

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I just did the odometer gears actuator gear replacement. All went smoothly. Pretty simple and straight forward. Good DIY on page 1 of this thread that I followed plus the odometer gears video on swapping gears.

I did find what may be gear dust in the actuator. Not to be confused with bits of dried grease that I also found in there. I greased the shafts, gears and linkages. It takes some force to move 4 throttle bodies so I can see how a plastic gear could wear over the years.

If I get any more actuator codes I will post, but I am hopeful I fixed the problem. I know there is some risk the electronics are at fault rather than the gears. I have had 3 or 4 incidents in the last 60 days (none before that).

Yes please let us know if swapping gears after getting fault codes fixes the issue

[pbonsalb]

I am getting code 27A2. Most sources say this is the driver's side actuator. Some sources say it is the fan motor. I will try swapping actuators from Bank 1 to Bank 2 to see if the code changes. If not, the gear replacement may not have helped. I did both so perhaps it helped one. If I replace with a used one, I will swap my new gear into the used one.

Anyone have a used actuator for sale for a reasonable price? EDIT -- found a pair of working used ones on ebay for $400 shipped. Will swap the new gears over to one of those to replace the one of mine that appears to have failed electronics.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I am getting code 27A2. Most sources say this is the driver's side actuator. Some sources say it is the fan motor. I will try swapping actuators from Bank 1 to Bank 2 to see if the code changes. If not, the gear replacement may not have helped. I did both so perhaps it helped one. If I replace with a used one, I will swap my new gear into the used one.

Anyone have a used actuator for sale for a reasonable price?

I have two used ones PM me an offer

[kaede]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I am getting code 27A2. Most sources say this is the driver's side actuator. Some sources say it is the fan motor. I will try swapping actuators from Bank 1 to Bank 2 to see if the code changes. If not, the gear replacement may not have helped. I did both so perhaps it helped one. If I replace with a used one, I will swap my new gear into the used one.

Anyone have a used actuator for sale for a reasonable price? EDIT -- found a pair of working used ones on ebay for $400 shipped. Will swap the new gears over to one of those to replace the one of mine that appears to have failed electronics.

Hi,

Please let us know how it goes!

Did you clear the codes after the install tho? My actuators have came on three times this past year but eventually goes away after a day or two. Already bought one spare (used) on ebay and debating if i should just buy the gear and see if that fixes the issue. $225 vs $800-900 for a new TBA nowadays seems much more reasonable.

Which you're at it, if you have the time and if you're into it, please do a DIY on replacing the gears too! I checked out odometer gear's video but it wasnt exactly very easy to see (video was tad bit dark no?). Want to tackle this myself sometime soon.

Many thanks!

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by kaede

Hi,

Please let us know how it goes!

Did you clear the codes after the install tho? My actuators have came on three times this past year but eventually goes away after a day or two. Already bought one spare (used) on ebay and debating if i should just buy the gear and see if that fixes the issue. $225 vs $800-900 for a new TBA nowadays seems much more reasonable.

Which you're at it, if you have the time and if you're into it, please do a DIY on replacing the gears too! I checked out odometer gear's video but it wasnt exactly very easy to see (video was tad bit dark no?). Want to tackle this myself sometime soon.

Many thanks!

I am afraid that if the code is already popping then it is too late to fix the problem with gears

[kaede]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-M3

I am afraid that if the code is already popping then it is too late to fix the problem with gears

damn... that sucks...

So changing the gears are for preventative measures and not a fix (much like the rod bearing, if they go then = gg. Change them before it goes...)

When you guys buy used from ebay or off another member, how can you know whether or not they were throwing codes before they were removed? I am paranoid of buying used ones and later on finding out that they are also well on their way to go... might as well buy new ones (but then again, the price tag of new TBA ).

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by kaede

damn... that sucks...

So changing the gears are for preventative measures and not a fix (much like the rod bearing, if they go then = gg. Change them before it goes...)

When you guys buy used from ebay or off another member, how can you know whether or not they were throwing codes before they were removed? I am paranoid of buying used ones and later on finding out that they are also well on their way to go... might as well buy new ones (but then again, the price tag of new TBA ).

Honestly, I will never buy these used because you cannot tell if they are good or bad until you install them to test them out.

[kaede]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-M3

Honestly, I will never buy these used because you cannot tell if they are good or bad until you install them to test them out.

Then buy new ones and install gears to prevent future failures? that's going to be one costly bill to pay

[pbonsalb]

My diagnosis of bad electronics in the actuator may be off. I got code 27A2, which I could find little about. It was associated with actuators from what I could learn. I tried swapping actuators from bank 1 to bank 2. Interestingly, the code stayed the same. It should have moved if one was bad, but it did not. So I tried researching the code again and it may be for a throttle sensor. Might get one of those to try -- they are cheap at $70.

[W///]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

My diagnosis of bad electronics in the actuator may be off. I got code 27A2, which I could find little about. It was associated with actuators from what I could learn. I tried swapping actuators from bank 1 to bank 2. Interestingly, the code stayed the same. It should have moved if one was bad, but it did not. So I tried researching the code again and it may be for a throttle sensor. Might get one of those to try -- they are cheap at $70.

Cool, let us know. I've never heard of those going bad before, has anyone?

[gimmethemuumuu]

Yeah. Common failure item on these cars. Just had this pop on my '08. Thankfully, the extended warranty covered it

[Beemdog]

Gears alone CAN fix an actuator which is throwing codes. If the control loop in the actuator cannot accurately close on a position due to slop in the gear mesh, it can throw a code.

[pbonsalb]

Yes, usually gears alone would fix an actuator. But not always. Which is why odometer gears may start providing new mosfets (the electronic part that is most likely failing) with the gear sets for DIYers to solder in if they so desire.

[CarEnthused]

Just did this today. This DIY was really helpful. I had 1 throttle actuator going out and ended up replacing both. If someone is trying to rebuild these and wants a used set (one on its way out), I'll sell you mine cheap. PM me.

I found it easiest to pull both actuators out from the driver's side of the electrical box. There's also a connection underneath the box right between both actuators that I recommend unplugging to give yourself some more room bringing the actuators out.

Be forewarned, that passenger side rear clamp for the manifold is really hard to see. I had the most trouble at this corner.

[pbonsalb]

Anyone know what the fix is for a P155D code? It is part of the 2B26 family. I know what the code says -- it is listed in the code list in the forum here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...0&postcount=44

What I can't figure out is what is the fix? It is not the actuator. I swapped in a Hall sensor and that did not do it either. I am curious about the Hall sensor clutch, which looks worn and loose.

[Powashiftin]

Need advice here guys. Bought a 2008 E92 about a week and half ago. Noticed the odb cover was missing, no biggie. Under 1k RPM and modest-heavy throttle blips the engine would stutter. After 1K it revs freely not issues. Thought it was filter/plugs related but I decided to get the BMWHat app after my car went into limp mode (DSC etc popped up). Ran the app today and got two codes :0027A1 and 0027B57. After reading this thread I think it's the actuators.

I have a 30 day power train warranty with the dealer I bought the car from. I called my dealer last week to schedule an appt to check out the issue - appt is Tuesday.

If its the actuator will my 30 day power train cover it or will the Federal Emissions Warranty kick in?

[antoine]

is there anyone here who sell their old throttle actuator ?

i want to buy dead throttle actuator to make some test

thank you

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by antoine

is there anyone here who sell their old throttle actuator ?

i want to buy dead throttle actuator to make some test

thank you

I have two. PM me

[Powashiftin]

Got bad news from the dealer. Bank 1 Throttle Actuator is shot. CA emissions covers it for 7 years 70k miles. My car is a 2008 with 53k but in service date of May 13 2008 so my dealer won't cover it. Mind you I just bought the car 2 1/2 weeks ago and the 30 day power train warranty they gave me doesn't cover it. Called BMW NA to see if they'll goodwill it. Fingers crossed.

[alpina-527]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Yes, usually gears alone would fix an actuator. But not always. Which is why odometer gears may start providing new mosfets (the electronic part that is most likely failing) with the gear sets for DIYers to solder in if they so desire.

Replacing the mosfets won't work. A new board is the only way forward for failed electrics.