S54 Throttle Actuator

[bigwinn]

Hi all

Posting for info- following recent issues with my M https://z4-forum.com/threads/tps-issues.155639/ I looked for some solutions

Realising a new actuator is not an option, I could find a couple of facebook sellers offering M3 E46 actuators in unknown condition for around £250... a gamble I didn't want to take.

I searched for people who would refurbish my actuator, while there is a market for E9X M3 actuator rebuilds there was nothing in the UK for the E46/85/86 M S54 actuators- only this chap in Spain

Inside the S54 Throttle Actuator Rebuild development

One of the most common and frustrating issues affecting BMW S54-powered cars — such as the E46 M3 and Z4M — are throttle-related faults. These can trigger EML lights, limp mode, or erratic throttle behaviour, often after...

ebmengineering.com

Begrudgingly I packed up my unit and sent it off to Estanislau. Thanks to @TomK for the loan of his spare unit too...

Super quick turnaround- mine was back fixed within a week. Report attached showing before and after status with a rebuild of the gearing.

Refitted the unit and so far so good- it certainly feels smoother on throttle input.

I recommend this service- with the units being NLA and with limited other options I cant recommend this highly enough!

Stuart

 

[AndyBeech]

20 euros, if I’m reading correctly, sounds like a bargain, good stuff!

 

[bigwinn]

20 euros, if I’m reading correctly, sounds like a bargain, good stuff!

Ah

That’s the initial cost to get it sent

€380…

 

[AndyBeech]

Ah

That’s the initial cost to get it sent

€380…

Oooooh. Was going to say it didn't sound right! Yeah, that price is more like it. At least it’s a ‘forever fix’ I imagine

 

[bigwinn]

Hopefully!!

 

[MrPT]

That’s a similar price to an ABS pump refurb, which has been a no-brainer (vs. dealer fix) for years now.

All the other kids will be super jealous of your exotic foreign Haribo as well.

 

[CliveN]

How frequent is this issue as I have never heard about it with respect to S54 power plant weaknesses? Thanks.

 

[markplant]

Great news

 

[AndyBeech]

How frequent is this issue as I have never heard about it with respect to S54 power plant weaknesses? Thanks.

Rare, not something I'd worry about. Many are on 100k+ miles without issues

 

[Justino]

This is something I need to look at - I replaced the throttle sensor by the Vanos area which cured a limp mode issue when driving spiritedly!

It seemed to fix it, the throttle hiccups entirely gone and back to smooth, until coming back form Italy via an Autobahn it cut out at 140 mph!

A quick cycle of the ignition fixes it. My next job is to replace the sensor on the actuator, and whilst there I figured I'd remove the actuator and have it refurbed in case that is the cause.