Looking for throttle actuator DIY

[NitroBiz]

Hey guys,**my Indy mechanic took two hours to diagnose my car (not sure if he has ISTA but definitely did not use Carly) and believes that I have a throttle actuator that has sent me in to limp mode.**So I am going to order an actuator through Abdul Abdul@mpowermotorsports**my mechanic who is not too familiar with the S65 says it will be 10 hours to remove and install the TA.**I am aware that other members have claimed that the job takes approximately 1.5 hours in real time.**So I’m assuming the job should be billed at roughly 2 hours.**Would someone be so kind as to upload a DIY so that I can show my mechanic that way it doesn’t take him 10 hours on the install.**My main issue is that I’m located in a rural area and I do not readily have access to other more competent shops.**Thank you @boofm3 for catching this for me.

[ItsGary]

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735033

It took me 4 hours to do my friends car. The main issue is the plastic clips tend to get very hard due to the constant heat cycles so that was the main thing that caused us to have issues. Otherwise its pretty easy to do. Like if I can do it, you can too.

[NitroBiz]

Ok, Abdul sent me a DIY. But can anyone advise on the billable time for the install. Is this a 2 hour or 10 hour job or somewhere in between?

[ItsGary]

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

Ok, Abdul sent me a DIY. But can anyone advise on the billable time for the install. Is this a 2 hour or 10 hour job or somewhere in between?

Max I'd say 4 hours if he's talking to you and stuff, otherwise 2 hours if you have some good music playing.

[NitroBiz]

Originally Posted by ItsGary

Max I'd say 4 hours if he's talking to you and stuff, otherwise 2 hours if you have some good music playing.

Good advice, thank you! I'll be sure to get him some gnarly tunes to crank it out. I can do just about anything if I have some VH playing in the background.

[ItsGary]

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

Good advice, thank you! I'll be sure to get him some gnarly tunes to crank it out. I can do just about anything if I have some VH playing in the background.

Its really not hard at all. Just remember to double check you have all the right tools. There's a video on YouTube also if you want to watch that yourself.

[derbo]

I did it in 2hrs and it was my first time. I also was snapping pics and texting in between. I think 2hrs is fair billable time.

[NitroBiz]

Originally Posted by ItsGary

Its really not hard at all. Just remember to double check you have all the right tools. There's a video on YouTube also if you want to watch that yourself.

Do you have a link to the video?

[shimmy23]

You're in Seattle? Why don't you take your car to g2 or IS? Or there are a handful of other bmw specialists.

[BimmerMan33]

I did mine in 3 hrs but took my time. This could be done in 2 hrs if you have done it before. I would suggest that you change both actuators at the same time!
Most BMW/Euro Indy shops will quote 4 to 5 hrs.
That's why I did it myself. Not hard to do but you have to be patient and gentle!

[NitroBiz]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

You're in Seattle? Why don't you take your car to g2 or IS? Or there are a handful of other bmw specialists.

I wish I was in Seattle, I’m actually across the water in Kitsap County

[ItsGary]

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

I wish I was in Seattle, I’m actually across the water in Kitsap County

If you were closer and had the tools I'd offer to help you

[Ab28]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Yea, his Indy has quoted 10 hours $1,200 for the install of one. I guess the mechanic is of the belief that you need to pull the engine to get to to the TA's.

Seriously, cannot believe he was quoted 10 hours. I would run away from that mechanic immediately. Given his estimate I'd have to wager he wouldn't know how to do it correctly anyway, unless he's trying to screw the OP over.

This is a sub 2 hour job every time. Shops say it takes longer but it doesn't.

Removing the airbox, a few hoses, and the plenum is a 2/10 on the difficulty scale.

Don't get ripped off here.

[Ab28]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

So much has happened with OP and this car that it would be cool if we had a member who lives close to him that is capable of doing the job for beers and maybe a new driving buddy or to even charge him for 2 hours of their time. He needs an oil change also (maybe plugs while in there) which can all be purchased from FCP Euro. It's a half a day of fun.

If he wasn't 3000 miles away from me I'd already be there

[decimation1]

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

Hey guys,**my Indy mechanic took two hours to diagnose my car (not sure if he has ISTA but definitely did not use Carly) and believes that I have a throttle actuator that has sent me in to limp mode.**So I am going to order an actuator through Abdul Abdul@mpowermotorsports**my mechanic who is not too familiar with the S65 says it will be 10 hours to remove and install the TA.**I am aware that other members have claimed that the job takes approximately 1.5 hours in real time.**So I’m assuming the job should be billed at roughly 2 hours.**Would someone be so kind as to upload a DIY so that I can show my mechanic that way it doesn’t take him 10 hours on the install.**My main issue is that I’m located in a rural area and I do not readily have access to other more competent shops.**Thank you @boofm3 for catching this for me.

10 hours?!?!!? ROFLMAO!!!

[shimmy23]

For the amount of heartache and potential risk, it may be worthwhile to drive to a known shop and get a rental? G2 has loaner cars too.

[randrews15]

Seems to be an easy fix if you have the right tools and a little patience. Steer clear of that shop as 10 hours seems ridiculous for such an easy job.

[NitroBiz]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

For the amount of heartache and potential risk, it may be worthwhile to drive to a known shop and get a rental? G2 has loaner cars too.

Can you PM me their contact info?

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

Can you PM me their contact info?

IS Garage – located in Kent
http://www.isgaragellc.com/

Group 2 Motorsports – Seattle, near Ballard
https://www.g2motorsports.com/

[happydude]

I recently did this DIY after receiving a quote of $9,626.02 from my local BMW dealer. I purchased the throttle valve actuators online for around $1100. Part number 13-62-7-838-085. Took me 3 hours, but this was after I had already replaced the starter, so I was a bit more familiar with it. I have attached a screenshot of the quote from BMW for those looking for a good laugh. I had also gotten quotes from local indy shops and they came in around $2500.

[fatalelement]

Originally Posted by happydude

I recently did this DIY after receiving a quote of $9,626.02 from my local BMW dealer. I purchased the throttle valve actuators online for around $1100. Part number 13-62-7-838-085. Took me 3 hours, but this was after I had already replaced the starter, so I was a bit more familiar with it. I have attached a screenshot of the quote from BMW for those looking for a good laugh. I had also gotten quotes from local indy shops and they came in around $2500.

What is your local BMW dealer smoking? I'd have asked them to show you the "book time" that BMW says it will take - they absolutely would not be able to substantiate a 10k quote. That's criminal. I live in goddamn San Francisco and they only quoted me like 4k for both actuators and a thermostat at the dealer.

[NitroBiz]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

IS Garage – located in Kent
http://www.isgaragellc.com/

Group 2 Motorsports – Seattle, near Ballard
https://www.g2motorsports.com/

So I just exchanged messages on FB with G2 and they are quoting me a 5.7 hour job