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Thread: 1989 735 M30 Motronic Throttle Position Sensor

  1. #1
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    1989 735 M30 Motronic Throttle Position Sensor

    I have the 89 735i with the round plug that goes to the tps. All of the replacement parts I am finding have a rectangular plug with only what appears to be 4 leads, versus 8 on the round.
    I have found several internet references , to indicate that my tps was some sort of conversion , and no available solutions to replacements.
    What are my options?
    Like most people, we're not rich, and a $50-$100 solution would be preferable to a $300 solution that may not work.
    Any help would be appreciated.

    Added VIN April 7, 2019: DB62376
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:37 AM. Reason: added VIN in first post

  2. #2
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    Are you located in Europe? Also, do you have throttle cables going to the throttle body no? If not, it could be the more rare option of having an EML on a 735i. I don't know too much about these but I know they are out there. It uses a round plug that connects to the electronic throttle body.

    Do you have a photo of the engine bay? What issues are you having? Also, please provide the last 7 digits of your Vin, this way I can look up parts for you using realoem.com It is possible that older tps had a round connector as well. I believe I remember seeing one or 2 photos with those.
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:36 AM. Reason: double posts merged

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  3. #3
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    I am located in the US.
    I do not have pictures, nor do I know of how to post them in my response. However , this is a link to a photo of what the connector looks like. https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/30303...r-13631708605/
    The last seven digits of my vin are as follows: DB62376.
    Thank you for your prompt response.

  4. #4
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    Also, I do have cables going to the throttle.
    The symptoms include the. EML illuminating, erattic idling, no ability to get the thtottle to hold between 800-1500 rpms , engine stumbling at highway speeds.
    Also worthy of mentioning is that the EML will disappear as soon as the throttle is depressed again, but will return very soon after letting off of the pedal.
    On one occassion I was able to get the symptoms to diasappear for 24 hours after tapping the side of the TPS with a screwdriver. However, after one hard start the condition returned immediately.
    The throttle cable has a lot of slack in it, and of course the adjustment nuts are completely shot, leaving the cable hanging quite loosely , to the point of having a polished spot on the throttle body itself.
    Last edited by shogun; 12-05-2018 at 04:16 AM. Reason: unnecessary quotes removed

  5. #5
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    Do you have EML? In that case the throttle valve is controlled by the EML control module, the throttle valve of an E32 M30 with EML looks like this with a motor on the side and no TPS http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1376
    without EML the throttle valve looks like this and that has a TPS http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1373
    If the car has no EML, then the EML light should never go on.

    VIN?
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  6. #6
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    Maybe it was converted at some point. A car without EML (electronic throttle) does not have throttle cables going to it and does not have an EML light and does have a TPS.
    A car with EML has an electronic throttle body without cables going to it. No TPS.

    Car with EML is the first photo. Car without is the second photo with round connector on TPS.

    What does yours look like

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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    Do you have EML? In that case the throttle valve is controlled by the EML control module, the throttle valve of an E32 M30 with EML looks like this with a motor on the side and no TPS http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1376
    without EML the throttle valve looks like this and that has a TPS http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1373
    If the car has no EML, then the EML light should never go on.

    VIN?
    I'm sorry. When I was referring to an EML I was talking about the check engine light.
    After further reading, I realized that there's actually a part of this known as an EML, which I have no idea what it is.

  8. #8
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    My car looks like the second picture, the one with the cables. Also, the device on the left hand side of the throttle body is what I am referring to as the TPS with the round plug.
    Last edited by shogun; 12-05-2018 at 04:15 AM.

  9. #9
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    why u have to replace TPS in the first place? have u checked its operational?
    check this out https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...&highlight=TPS

    post #19 - my own repair of TPS
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:38 AM. Reason: unnessary quotes removed

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tarponhuntr View Post
    My car looks like the second picture, the one with the cables. Also, the device on the left hand side of the throttle body is what I am referring to as the TPS with the round plug.
    My car was manufactures 12/89. No EML. Here's a good look of how it should be. Two throttle cables. One to the gas pedal and one to the cruise control box. I replaced them both. Also, here is a close up of the connector you're talking about.



    1990 735I (Auto) E32 Feb 1990 to Present
    1996 Z3 Roadster (5 Speed) E36/7 Jan 1999 to Dec 1999
    1983 733I (5 Speed) E23 April 1983 to Feb 1990
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d4tHoHGaJo
    https://1drv.ms/v/s!Av20xCMMocSsyEpl...h_oOk?e=ekIcAT







  11. #11
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    I searched three times trying to find a post like that, but apparently I should have also tried "switch" instead of sensor.
    But, to answer your question, see above for the list of symptoms that all point to a tps problem.
    As far as testing, I've also read forums that indicate that even if the tests say it's good , after nearly 30 years it's likely still non-functional.
    As far as the repair goes, it's my wife's daily driver, and I don't dare butcher a part without having 100% certainty of getting back together on working order. And lately, I've lost three battles in row to these stupid micro-switches. Thankfully, none of them have been automotive related.

    - - - Updated - - -

    That's the guy! I have found a few places that have a listing for that part, but all are out of stock with no idea when or if it will be available.
    Have you had trouble with yours, and if so, did you repair it?

  12. #12
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    That's the part!
    Have you had trouble with it, if so did you repair it?

    - - - Updated - - -

    However, my car does not have to bracket that seems to connect the throttle body to the coolant tank/firewall.

  13. #13
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    I believe the black part above the TB is just a plastic cover, not a bracket. Not sure if that's what you meant?

  14. #14
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    I keep seeing pigtail connectors for the rectangular plugs listed on Ebay.
    Does anyone know if there is a way to adapt this to the existing harness to make the common throttle sensor fit my vehicle.
    Judging by the number of offers on this item and a few articles I've seen, my guess would be that someone has done it before, and frequently.
    I just have been able to find a clear cut procedure. It seems like it is done mostly when people are putting in a Mega Squirt system. I'm not even sure what that system is either.

  15. #15
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    Mega Squirt is a free programmable engine control and replaces the normal Bosch DME https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MegaSquirt

    To make it easier for us to help you, what is the VIN? Is that a 735 with manual gear or automatic gear?
    Because there are 2 different versions TPS

    13 63 1 273 265 Manual http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/13631273265/
    Bosch Throttle Position Sensor 0280120302 BMW 13631273265
    here for $69 instead of 293 https://alleuro.com/BOSCH/14/13-63-1-273-265
    niparts says http://www.niparts.com/s_17856E/13631273265.html
    STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS TH101
    VEMO V20-72-0407
    MEAT & DORIA 83015
    LUCAS ELECTRICAL SEB183 + some others
    HOFFER 7513015
    FACET 10.5078
    DELPHI SS10361-11B1
    etc
    rockauto has some for abt. 60-85 incl. Bosch $ https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...sor+(tps),5136


    13 63 1 708 605 automatic 6-pin round plug http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/13631708605/
    based on niparts info, that is Bosch 0 280 120 406 and/or Standard Motor Products/Intermotor TH108 http://www.niparts.com/s_137F91/13631708605.html
    https://www.carid.com/standard/inter...mpn-th108.html

    double check based on your VIN
    Last edited by shogun; 11-30-2018 at 08:36 AM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  16. #16
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    i believe common tps only acts as open/close and full throttle. where the rounded plug type tps. inside the tps, there is a slider that slides around a variable resistor, which translates to how much fuel will be added according to RPM and load, see this thread post #9, theres a link to TPS repair (that link at post #19 shows a pic with tps opened) be aware of purchasing the TPS, and where does it mount, on the left side of Throttle body or on the right side, i encountered one, buying a used one from a friend, the plug is the same, mounting point is the same, but its mirror imaged,

    IMG20180422103520.jpg

    something like this, my original tps on the right side, and used on the left side.

    if my original tps is on idling, the used tps will be on WOT. and vice versa


    and its having very hard time changing gears due to it confused of the throttle position. everytime i let off the gas, it would downshift immediately.
    Last edited by G46; 11-30-2018 at 08:02 PM.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by G46 View Post
    and its having very hard time changing gears due to it confused of the throttle position. everytime i let off the gas, it would downshift immediately.
    yes, there was recently a case on a German E34 forum, he had probs with the automatic transmission, shifting wrong, hard shocks etc. He tried many things, software like update for the trans, filter and ATF change, nothing helped. Then he even changed the complete trans to a known working one, same problem, then he changed the TPS to a new one, all problems gone.
    Same was on an E36 with 5HP18 in Germany, changing the TPS solved hard shifting.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  18. #18
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    Sorry for the long absence since the last post.
    As an update, the car is no longer displaying a check engine light, but the problem still exists.
    I have had no chance to diagnose or perform any corrective measures.
    The problem is slightly diminished, but very noticeable at takeoff. Then car hesitates and stumbles until the throttle is almost halfway depressed.
    At that point the car clears right up and drives normally.
    The fuel consumption has almost doubled since first posting also.
    The one piece of information I can pass along is that the part is definitely the round plug tps, and mounts on the right hand side, if you are standing at the driver's side quarter panel facing the engine.
    I am not really able to remove and rebuild the part because it is my wife's daily driver and she cannot be without it in the event that I screw the part up beyond my capability to repair.
    I could do that if I had another to put back in its place, but then that would eliminate the need to repair the malfunctioning part.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Also forgot to mention that last week the car began subcooling.
    Typically , even during the winter months the temp guage always ran right in the middle between hot and cold.
    Last week the car would barely come above the blue portion , and then only at a complete stop. If driving the needle remains in the blue.

  19. #19
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    Looks like your thermostat is broken in open position. Change it and bleed the coolant http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_19.htm
    Fuel consumption is also increased when the thermostat is broken, because the Motronic get's the temperatures and believes the coolant is cold and runs richer.
    Also check the vacuum hoses, which also control idle, fuel pressure etc http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/hose_map.jpg
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  20. #20
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    Thanks Shogun.
    Accidentally deleted my earlier post.
    I was trying to correct my mistake.
    The tps on my vehicle is the round plug type , and it is on the left hand side of the throttle body , if you are facing the engine from the driver's side quarter panel.
    I am not able to disassemble the tps because it is my wife's daily driver and she cannot be without it, in the event that I screw up the part beyond repair.
    Also Shogun, is it possible that the cooling and tps issues are all related?

  21. #21
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    the post is undeleted again, no problem. You can delete/undelete DIY a post. Just go to advanced settings at the bottom right. I would try to get a new TPS and install it, for sure it will get worse over time, so better you do something now before the car comes to a complete stop. A defective throttle position sensor can cause many problems, including problems with automatic shifting. But I do not believe the coolant indication and your TPS issue are related. Check the coolant sensor wiring also.
    What is the VIN of your car?Then we can help you to find the correct part number of the TPS you have to buy.
    Edit: I found the VIN meanwhile in one of the other posts you deleted by mistake, undeleted now again, here copied: I am located in the US.I do not have pictures, nor do I know of how to post them in my response. However , this is a link to a photo of what the connector looks like. https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/30303...r-13631708605/ The last seven digits of my vin are as follows: DB62376. Thank you for your prompt response.
    -------------------------------------
    EDIT: Based on the VIN you would need item 20 Throttle valve switch EH 13631708605 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1371
    13631708605 Throttle valve switch EH From: 06/01/1986 To: 12/20/2016 (ENDED) , Part 13631708605 was found on the following vehicles: •5' E34   (03/1987 — 04/1993),•6' E24   (12/1977 — 04/1989), •7' E32   (10/1985 — 03/1994)
    based on my search that is Bosch 0280120406
    here is a used one https://www.ebay.com/p/BMW-Bosch-Thr...E34/1728287003

    Based on niparts Standard Motor Products TH108 fits http://www.niparts.com/s_137F91/13631708605.html https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsear...&partnum=TH108
    https://www.carid.com/standard/inter...mpn-th108.html Intermotor™ Throttle Position Sensor (TH108) by Standard®.
    Vehicle Fitment : 1993 BMW 535i Automatic,1992 BMW 535i Automatic,1991 BMW 535i Automatic, 1990 BMW 535i Automatic; 1990/1/2/3 E32 Automatic, 735i /735iL
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:43 AM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  22. #22
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    Thanks Shogun.
    It seems Ebay is my only shot.
    The two others that you listed, show the part as "no longer available" or discontinued.
    Makes me worry about what will happen down the road.
    I'll definitely be keeping the old one and trying to perform surgery on it.

  23. #23
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    Maybe you ask carid when they get new stock of TPS TH108 https://www.carid.com/standard/inter...mpn-th108.html
    rockauto you can ask too when they get stock again.
    Last edited by shogun; 01-14-2019 at 10:00 PM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  24. #24
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    when u mention to perform surgery on it, u better take pictures in detail, write everything on how its placed on the tps, inside out, every little details matter, i did surgery on my TPS, one small item took me almost half day to make it work. i believe the microswitch inside your tps is the main culprit. i fixed my microswitch and now, the current owner who own my previous e32m30 still drives with my own fix of the tps. old plastic tends to go brittle over the years, and from heat exchange. good luck on the surgery.
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:44 AM. Reason: unnessary quotes removed
    1990 730i M30B30 RHD - Sold
    1993 730i M60B30 RHD

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    2012 Kia Optima 2.4L
    1990 Suzuki cavalcade (motorbike for hobby)

  25. #25
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    Thanks for the heads up. I usually do take pictures during those type procedures, but invariably I wind up not taking a picture of the one view that I absolutely need.�� In another thread someone mentioned using a razor saw such as Xacto makes. That will be the way I go. I'm sure that plastic is extremely brittle.
    The item was discontinued all together. Even on other BMW specific sites it showed the item as "no longer available" , and one even specified that it was discontinued by the manufacturer. So I would recommend saving them if you've got 'em boys. Looks like they'll be getting even harder to find.
    Last edited by shogun; 04-07-2019 at 03:45 AM. Reason: unnessary quotes removed

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