Dreaded Limp Mode

[buffstocover]

2008 e90. 37k miles. Bought the car last year with 23k miles, and it's been bulletproof. Today, however, while running errands all morning, I jumped in and started it up and got the engine malfunction, numerous error messages, reduced power and a litany of warning lights. I happened to be literally 2 blocks from BMW dealer (not where car was purchased and serviced, but oh well) and pulled into service.

Just found out it's both banks of throttle actuators that need to be replaced.

What do these things cost and how long will the dealer realistically need to keep my car? My Zurich warranty should cover this, I think. What a pain in the ass.

The forum search won't work on this iPad app.

[4130]

Currently $925 at ECS Tuning, although there are other options like getting the cheaper M5 actuator and swapping the arm or even buying the OEM part: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1306259

I would suggest either DIY or an independent BMW specialist shop because the dealer will likely be a rip off. The DIY doesn't look particularly difficult, although I haven't done it myself.

[buffstocover]

Originally Posted by 4130

Currently $925 at ECS Tuning, although there are other options like getting the cheaper M5 actuator and swapping the arm or even buying the OEM part: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1306259

I would suggest either DIY or an independent BMW specialist shop because the dealer will likely be a rip off. The DIY doesn't look particularly difficult, although I haven't done it myself.

Yeah, DIY isn't an option. The dealer said it could be $5-$6k. At least I think that's what the SA said on the phone. If the warranty pays, then who am I to argue with the dealer? I'm going to need a goddamn rental car. I have a feeling this is going to take a week or more.


***just used web version of forum and found comprehensive TA post. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735033

This forum is great.

[65fastback]

Please update as to weather or not your warranty covers it. Hope it works out for you!

[kscarrol]

$5-$6k for both TA's??? I guess if Zurich is covering it doesn't matter to you but that is WAY too expensive. I had both mine replaced at the same time by my indy shop and they charged right at $3k. My USAA warranty covered that so I didn't push on the cost...

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by buffstocover

Yeah, DIY isn't an option. The dealer said it could be $5-$6k. At least I think that's what the SA said on the phone. If the warranty pays, then who am I to argue with the dealer? I'm going to need a goddamn rental car. I have a feeling this is going to take a week or more.


***just used web version of forum and found comprehensive TA post. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735033

This forum is great.

I see you're in WA....what dealer quoted you 5-6K? Let me guess...Bellevue?

[BPMSport]

Zurich will cover that.

Dealers love to rape the extended warranty companies.. it's sad because it translates to high premiums for us.

For example, the dealer charged my warranty company over 4K for an ICV replacement a few years ago.. It's just insane.

[buffstocover]

Yeah, Bellevue. Who knows if that was a final cost. They're still diagnosing the issues.

I realize dealers are more expensive, but all the work I've had done at BMW dealerships has been top notch and they've gone the extra mile many times, and even not charged for little stuff here and there. It's just more convenient when repairs can't wait. However, I go to an independent for all planned maintenance.

They do gots a Jahre 30 M3 in that Macao Blue in the showroom, so that's a plus

[Helmsman]

TAs at 37k miles...wtf!?

[Rat3d ///M]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

TAs at 37k miles...wtf!?

(sh)it happens.

[-BEASTMW-]

Recently had both replaced at 43k at a dealer. 7/70 CA emissions warranty covered but dealer said it would be $3-3.5k (this is in the Bay Area). Car only had to stay one night.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by buffstocover

Yeah, Bellevue. Who knows if that was a final cost. They're still diagnosing the issues.

I realize dealers are more expensive, but all the work I've had done at BMW dealerships has been top notch and they've gone the extra mile many times, and even not charged for little stuff here and there. It's just more convenient when repairs can't wait. However, I go to an independent for all planned maintenance.

They do gots a Jahre 30 M3 in that Macao Blue in the showroom, so that's a plus

Bellevue...of course

I'm not knocking dealers, but I would avoid Bellevue at all costs - they're the devil.

I would highly recommend you go to BMW Seattle if using a dealer, I take all my cars there, have for nearly 15 years now. There are too many horror stories regarding Bellevue.

[buffstocover]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Bellevue...of course

I'm not knocking dealers, but I would avoid Bellevue at all costs - they're the devil.

I would highly recommend you go to BMW Seattle if using a dealer, I take all my cars there, have for nearly 15 years now. There are too many horror stories regarding Bellevue.

I would greatly prefer Seattle BMW, and that's where I always go because I agree they're outstanding, but I just happened to be 2 blocks from Bellevue BMW when the dashboard lit up in limp mode, so I just pulled in. I'm not paying for a tow, and I'm not driving it because it could create warranty issues at this point. I need a Xanax.

I gather the TA's at 37k is more age related.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by buffstocover

I would greatly prefer Seattle BMW, and that's where I always go because I agree they're outstanding, but I just happened to be 2 blocks from Bellevue BMW when the dashboard lit up in limp mode, so I just pulled in. I'm not paying for a tow, and I'm not driving it because it could create warranty issues at this point. I need a Xanax.

I gather the TA's at 37k is more age related.

If such mundane events with car ownership requires you needing a Xanax, you have much larger things to sort out first...

[mc-m3]

I would talk to your normal SA and see what he can do for you. WA follows CA emissions so they were covered for 7 years 70,000 miles.

[Umi|all|day]

Both going out at the same time? That's unlikely to happen

[Honda]

Originally Posted by mc-m3

I would talk to your normal SA and see what he can do for you. WA follows CA emissions so they were covered for 7 years 70,000 miles.

They follow CA emission standards for testing but not for repairs

[mc-m3]

Originally Posted by S65-M3

They follow CA emission standards for testing but not for repairs

Not what it says in the owners manual and BMW USA confirmed when I asked them about it. No, I have not needed/tried to get the repair done.

[buffstocover]

Originally Posted by mc-m3

I would talk to your normal SA and see what he can do for you. WA follows CA emissions so they were covered for 7 years 70,000 miles.

Appreciate the thought, but my car is 8 ys old.

[buffstocover]

Originally Posted by the6M3

If such mundane events with car ownership requires you needing a Xanax, you have much larger things to sort out first...

Wow. What an informed observation. I'll make an appt w a therapist right away

[quicktwinturbo]

5-6k? Are you f'n kidding me? Parts should be $2000 top. Labor should not be more than $600-800. That stealership should go out of business for raping people.

[buffstocover]

Originally Posted by quicktwinturbo

5-6k? Are you f'n kidding me? Parts should be $2000 top. Labor should not be more than $600-800. That stealership should go out of business for raping people.

I'll know far more tomorrow.

On a slightly different topic, it appears that during this work it would make sense to change the spark plugs. Mine have never been done. Maybe it would make sense to piggy back that work since it'll come out of my pocket.?.?