Limp mode- throttle actuators?

[zuschnell]

So my car threw a bunch of error codes a few days and went into limp mode. At least six different codes showed up including dsc malfunction, emissions, hill assist, dbc, etc.

Drove the car several times on very short rides in the neighborhood that day and codes continued. Next day, car starters fine but showed emissions error, but no limp mode. Took to dealer and they said it is probably throttle actuators. As per bmw policy, they downloaded latest ecu software and told me that this will probably not fix the issue and I'll probably be back with same problem in a few weeks. What do you guys think?

Car is a 2011 with 44k miles. I've probably tracked it 10-12 times but not at all this year. I've never had a single problem with the car. I drive it pretty hard but have never heard any abnormal sounds from the car and never felt any problem with throttle response. I do have a bpms tune on it for the last three years which is now gone as they reflashed the car at the dealership. No other mods other than an exhaust.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[jcolley]

Originally Posted by zuschnell

So my car threw a bunch of error codes a few days and went into limp mode. At least six different codes showed up including dsc malfunction, emissions, hill assist, dbc, etc.

Drove the car several times on very short rides in the neighborhood that day and codes continued. Next day, car starters fine but showed emissions error, but no limp mode. Took to dealer and they said it is probably throttle actuators. As per bmw policy, they downloaded latest ecu software and told me that this will probably not fix the issue and I'll probably be back with same problem in a few weeks. What do you guys think?

Car is a 2011 with 44k miles. I've probably tracked it 10-12 times but not at all this year. I've never had a single problem with the car. I drive it pretty hard but have never heard any abnormal sounds from the car and never felt any problem with throttle response. I do have a bpms tune on it for the last three years which is now gone as they reflashed the car at the dealership. No other mods other than an exhaust.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

What's the redline limit when its in limp mode? If it's not 4500 RPM, it isn't the throttle actuator. All the other indicators for DKG failure are there: hill assist, DBC, DSC, etc. They are all triggered because the are functions of DSC which makes direct torque requests to the DME and the DME can no longer accurately answer those torque requests.

But no, no software update will fix the problem if it is the actuator(s), it's a mechanical failure which will lead to electrical in short order.

[BPMSport]

Read the fault codes and that will tell you exactly what the problem is... I don't understand why the dealer didn't just read the codes and tell you what they were. A software update will do nothing for this.

[bigsurge]

Hey, I believe my issue is throttle actuators, The first symptom I noticed though was when up shifting when I let go of the throttle there was a different sound coming off the left side almost sounded like gears spinning or something that wasnt there before. Did anyone else notice this like an unknown sound when lifting of the gas and shifting up gear aggressively.

Also when the cars cold and I downshift its went in to limp mode a few times I believe redline was locked at 4500

[jcolley]

Originally Posted by bigsurge

Hey, I believe my issue is throttle actuators, The first symptom I noticed though was when up shifting when I let go of the throttle there was a different sound coming off the left side almost sounded like gears spinning or something that wasnt there before. Did anyone else notice this like an unknown sound when lifting of the gas and shifting up gear aggressively.

Also when the cars cold and I downshift its went in to limp mode a few times I believe redline was locked at 4500

Having taken apart over 100 of these, I can say pretty confidently: There will be absolutely zero noise coming from a failed/failing throttle actuator. You definitely need to have the codes read on that one.

[zuschnell]

Originally Posted by jcolley

What's the redline limit when its in limp mode? If it's not 4500 RPM, it isn't the throttle actuator. All the other indicators for DKG failure are there: hill assist, DBC, DSC, etc. They are all triggered because the are functions of DSC which makes direct torque requests to the DME and the DME can no longer accurately answer those torque requests.

But no, no software update will fix the problem if it is the actuator(s), it's a mechanical failure which will lead to electrical in short order.

Rpm was 4500 in limp mode. Why does BMW just reflash ecu if there is really no chance of this fixing the problem? My CA said this won't fix the problem most likely, but this is what BMW recommends first.

[zuschnell]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Read the fault codes and that will tell you exactly what the problem is... I don't understand why the dealer didn't just read the codes and tell you what they were. A software update will do nothing for this.

Mike, I never asked for the codes which was my mistake. I'll see if I can get them this week. After I get this sorted out, will you guys be able to help me get my tune back? I'm missing the extra grunt my bpm sport tune was giving me, even though it was just a stage one. I'm really noticing the difference in power.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by zuschnell

Mike, I never asked for the codes which was my mistake. I'll see if I can get them this week. After I get this sorted out, will you guys be able to help me get my tune back? I'm missing the extra grunt my bpm sport tune was giving me, even though it was just a stage one. I'm really noticing the difference in power.

Of course, as long as you have all the files you were originally sent it will be easy to get it loaded back on. Shoot us a PM or email and we'd be happy to help

[zuschnell]

So the dealer initially only reflashed my ecu to the latest firmware. I actually went to the track later that week and the car did fine! Next week, back to limp mode... I had quite a bit going on and kept driving the car for another 6 weeks before I went back and got it fixed. The car would go into limp mode every few days, especially more frequently when it was sunny outside and the car was sitting in a parking lot. I know, weird. I had purchased the extended warranty and got worried that they were going to only replace on throttle actuator and I would end up needing the other one fixed next year after my warranty expired. To my surprise, both banks of actuators were throwing fault codes and both were replaced under warranty! Now the car is running strong and I guess I only have to look forward to a rod bearing failure sometime in the future!