Throttle actuators probabilities

[SilverSlug]

Do ALL throttle actuators go out... or just many?

Is there anyone on here that's surpassed 150k or 200k miles on original throttle actuators?

Or should we all plan on them definitely going out at some point?

[Ervin87]

They are not designed to last forever, so at some point they will go out. It's just a design flaw (or is it) by BMW.

[SilverSlug]

Well if that's the case and every single one of them is destined to go out, wouldn't it make sense to take some preventative measures? (Instead of getting stuck on the road somewhere).

The expensive part is replacing the little motherboard in there, which burns out once the gears fail.

Even opening them up to lubricate them or install the updated gears, to prevent them from failing.

[da jemster]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

...Instead of getting stuck on the road somewhere...

It'll go into limp mode to allow you to still drive it.

[Helmsman]

Or replace with Rebuilt.uk and get life time warranty. Both TAs are £450 and fairly easy to replace, not one of the major things to worry about on this car imo.

[Redd]

+1 for Rebuild UK. Had mine changed as part of preventive maintenance and never have to worry about them again.

[SilverSlug]

Indeed. I know rebuilt.uk also sells the gear kits... So I thought about upgrading the gears wile the motherboards are still good.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Indeed. I know rebuilt.uk also sells the gear kits... So I thought about upgrading the gears wile the motherboards are still good.

Might as well replace the complete units, the electronics are also upgraded, hence the life time warranty.

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Might as well replace the complete units, the electronics are also upgraded, hence the life time warranty.

Right, but the preventative gear/mosfet kit is like $150, and free labor if you do yourself.

While the rebuild is like $650.

Although I guess the huge plus from them rebuilding them is the lifetime warranty.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Right, but the preventative gear/mosfet kit is like $150, and free labor if you do yourself.

While the rebuild is like $650.

Although I guess the huge plus from them rebuilding them is the lifetime warranty.

Its probably rewarding to have replaced the gears yourself. Search around and get an understanding of possible risks in keeping the original electronics. Believe I'v seen some who had that coming up after gears where replaced.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Right, but the preventative gear/mosfet kit is like $150, and free labor if you do yourself.

While the rebuild is like $650.

Although I guess the huge plus from them rebuilding them is the lifetime warranty.

It's not clear to me upgrading the gears prevents failure because the electronics fail.

Previous owner of my car did brass gears and so far so good though. 82k miles.

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by akkando

It's not clear to me upgrading the gears prevents failure because the electronics fail.

Previous owner of my car did brass gears and so far so good though. 82k miles.

Hmm my understanding was that the electronics burn out when the gears seize up.

Also, brass gears aren't good because the green patina that naturally develops on brass is what locks the gears up.

Curious to know how long yours will last.

Do you know if there was any lubricant added to the brass gears? If so, what type?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Hmm my understanding was that the electronics burn out when the gears seize up.

Also, brass gears aren't good because the green patina that naturally develops on brass is what locks the gears up.

Curious to know how long yours will last.

Do you know if there was any lubricant added to the brass gears? If so, what type?

Believe Rebuilt UK replace the output transistors (assumingly controlling the servo/motor) for BETTER than oe, which are the once failing. If they are on the edge the electronics can go bust even with new gears. They are definitely replacing the gears with better plastic/composit material.

Read more here: https://www.rebuild.org.uk/

Ps. No, I'm not involved in their sales, just a happy customer.

[drrust]

If you're that worried about them failing, buy a spare. That way you have one on hand in the event one goes out. If you're replacing the gears yourself there can be installation issues. I think the procedure changed since I had installed a set of gears on mine. I had one issue where I messed up the threads holding the lever arm. I managed to secure it, but was worried about it failing so I had bought a spare to have on hand. I replaced the gears at about 100k miles but had a failure 3 years 45k miles later. I replaced with rebuilt units from MPower (US version of Rebuild UK). One issue is at times they are out of stock (at least when I dealt with them).

[bmwlover0725]

Your best bet is to replace the gears before they fail. I spent 120 a pair on amazon with prime overnight shipping. Got them quick and did it quick after having one set's electronics fail due to the gears. You'll never need to do it again if you do it this way and you'll save yourself time and money going forward.

[e92m3sf]

Mine went out around 70k
I got the rebuilt version and did it myself with the DIY thread

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by e92m3sf

Mine went out around 70k
I got the rebuilt version and did it myself with the DIY thread

Nice. How long did the job take you?

[drrust]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Nice. How long did the job take you?

The time the job takes can vary. Review the DIY thread. If you've never taken off the plenum that can take over 15 minutes the first time. Other issues are all of the clips, depending on condition some are easier to separate then others. Also once loosened pulling the actuator out of the vee the first time can seem tricky, one has to twist, pull and swear to get it out as the wiring harness makes it tight. After the first one it goes quicker. If I recall correctly the second time I pulled mine I was able to do it in 2 or three hours. The first time was extended because I also replaced the fuel tank breather valve.

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by drrust

The time the job takes can vary. Review the DIY thread. If you've never taken off the plenum that can take over 15 minutes the first time. Other issues are all of the clips, depending on condition some are easier to separate then others. Also once loosened pulling the actuator out of the vee the first time can seem tricky, one has to twist, pull and swear to get it out as the wiring harness makes it tight. After the first one it goes quicker. If I recall correctly the second time I pulled mine I was able to do it in 2 or three hours. The first time was extended because I also replaced the fuel tank breather valve.

Thanks! Why did you pull yours twice??

Also, isn't the tank breather valve fairly accessible once the plenum is off?

[drrust]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Thanks! Why did you pull yours twice??

Also, isn't the tank breather valve fairly accessible once the plenum is off?

If you read my first post in this thread you will note that I had replaced the gears preventatively around 100k miles. After about 3 years and 45k miles, one threw a code. I replaced the bad unit with my spare, then ordered a pair from MPower and replaced both, keeping my spare.

[Richbot]

133,000 miles on my original almost 13-year-old actuators.

The trick is to buy two spares. Then your original ones will last forever, like mine

[Shiza]

Originally Posted by Richbot

133,000 miles on my original almost 13-year-old actuators.

The trick is to buy two spares. Then your original ones will last forever, like mine

lol mine went out at 150k and 163k, it's only a matter of time