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Thread: Throttle body E39 528

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Boulder, CO
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 528

    Throttle body E39 528

    I have looked at many posts on this site regarding fault codes and throttle bodies. My problem seems to be chronic. I have replaced 3 throttle bodies in 3 years. Now another one seems to be have gone out. Latest code p0601. Same symptoms as previous times. Granted the replacements have been used parts but my mechanic who is a BMW specialist and used to work for the dealer says that he has never seen another car go through so many throttle bodies. 265k miles. Lots of parts replaced over the years. We all know that the throttle position sensor is built onto the TB which was a terrible idea. It is obviously the sensor that is bad. We have tried cleaning the old ones previously and that did not correct the problem. Has anyone else heard of this problem. Any ideas if something else could be frying these sensors or confusing the ECU? I thank you in advance for any helpful responses.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Canton, Ohio
    Posts
    617
    My Cars
    97 528i
    yo pezz! I'm by no means the expert on this but I thought there was a harness section to be replaced as well if the throttle faults returned. Pretty sure there was an SIB or TIB or WTH-you-call-it on that issue. I do not recall if that was to adapt the replacement throttle, but if memory serves it was due to some issue within that harness section....(I cannot prove this, nor have I researched this to qualify anything....). Plus, if you are using "pre-loved" pieces, then that may be a part of sustaining the issue. We struggled with the '99-'00 cars and repeat throttle faults. Throttle first, then if it returned, the harness section would get replaced.

    Keep doing your research, but hopefully the smart guys will chime in with some better intel.
    "two wrongs don't make a right...only three lefts do...."
    '79 Euro 635csi - gone and regretting it...
    '89 gsxr-750 - former traffic knife
    '97 528i sedan - holding on strong...(just sold after 16 years of ownership - sad day)
    '03 Euro 525it - something about a famous dolphin.....

    '06 Mercury Grand Marquis (don't ask....it gets the job done....)
    '84 Specialized Allez - full Campagnolo Super Record
    '99-ish Cannondale CAAD4
    "Stinky" - Kona Stinky Five
    '86 528e
    2008 E70 X5 3.0


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    1,154
    My Cars
    99 528i/5, 05 ZHP conv
    Yes, I am on my 4th throttle body (aka MDK) in my '99 528i with 125k miles, I have replaced each one with used units, including 2 that I pulled from running parts cars. I am now fairly certain the elec harness attached to the MDK is my problem. A new harness is definitely the way to go and several people have reported the problem goes away after replacing with a new one. Unfortunately, a new OEM harness (it is the entire engine harness and it is not avail aftermarket) is like $600, and there there might only be 1-2 left in the US according to the last guy who checked, although presumably it can be sourced from Germany. I have purchased a used harness, again from a running car, and will install it next time it fails...I will also use that as an opportunity to remove the intake and replace coolant pipes. Some have also suggested that a notchy, crusty throttle cable can contribute to this issue. Worth swapping it out ( i have done this) as a new throttle cable is pretty cheap. This MDK pblm is a real issue for the '99 & "00 cars and can strand you at any moment.

    Good luck and keep us posted.

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