BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner

DIY - Throttle Body Removal and Cleaning - With Images

1 reading
56K views 32 replies 21 participants last post by  Carlo06M5  
#1 · (Edited)
So, like many other members on this board (I hope), I too take the time to remove each wheel when washing the car to be able to clean the inner plastic fenders, calipers, and springs. The temperature controls are set to 72 F, not because thats comfortable , but because it places the dials in the vertical position. The front passenger's seat has to be in line with the drivers, and so on...

Now that I have shared a little bit about my OCD, you should be able to understand why I took the time to clean all ten throttle bodies. It wasn't that the car needed it, as much as I needed to do it for the car. Hopefully this will aid others in accomplishing the same.



1) Remove air filter boxes (top and bottom), cabin air filters and trays, and remove hardware and electrical connector securing coolant expansion tank
Image



2) With a long flat head screwdriver, loosen the clamps that secure the air collector to the throttle housings (the clamps are secured so they will not spin).
Image


3) Remove the rubber spacer/holder at the front of the air collector
Image


4) Remove the plastic ignition coil cover (snaps off)
Image


5) Completely remove the large vent hose
Image


6) Step 5 will allow you access to disconnect the oil return hose from the valve cover
Image


7) Remove the rear and front vent hoses, and carefully remove the air collector
Image


8) Remove bolts that secure fuel rail and rear cover
Image


9) Carefully pull straight up on the fuel rail/injector assembly (note: there are two o-rings, top and bottom of each injector, make sure they do not become misplaced when removing the injectors from the throttle housings).
Image


10) Remove the pull rod from the operating lever
Image


11) With any and all 11mm wrenches, sockets, etc, remove the nuts at the bottom of each throttle housing (I used a 3/8" drive 11mm crow's foot on a 12" extension to reach some of the nuts.
Image

Image


12) I also removed the injectors from the fuel rail to allow more room to work. You can see the difference once cleaned.
Image


13) Remove each butterfly valve from within the throttle housing
Image

Image


15) Using a soft brisseled brush and throttle body cleaner, I cleaned each housing and butterfly valve
Image

Image


Reassembly is the same in the opposite order. I used a little petroleum based jelly on the injector o-rings and air collector hoses to ease in the reinstallation process.


So, I have it all back together, check for leaks (fuel, air, oil) and go for a test drive.

I will comment that the throttle response is identical to before the cleaning, I feel no increase in horsepower, and my fuel consumption is the same. However, that is not why I cleaned them.

Diego
 

Attachments

#2 ·
Why can I only see the one picture?

BTW, you do have OCD! :biggrin:
 
#4 ·
Hmm...I only see the one that has your Engine with the Throttle bodies covered in blue tape or something. Anybody else see them all?
 
#9 ·
well, they show, but as 'attachments' at the bottom, and not under each 'numbered list item'. However, we can figure it out!
 
#13 · (Edited)
WTF? The upside/downside ratio of this project is about as close to 0 as I've ever seen. If you didn't provide the OCD explanation, I would think you were nuts.
 
#17 ·
What difference did you feel? before and after teh service? any mpg change?
 
#18 ·
Damn, where'd that last screw go? ;- )
 
#19 ·
2) With a long flat head screwdriver, loosen the clamps that secure the air collector to the throttle housings (the clamps are secured so they will not spin).
Image




6) Step 5 will allow you access to disconnect the oil return hose from the valve cover
Image


Has anyone know how to access to the fourth and fifth cylinder clamps in step 2? Its way too inside even after I remove the coolant reservoir.

Also, in step 6, do I remove the oil return hose from the body or intake manifold? Is the clamp holding the hose climp clamp or screw type?

Many thanks in advance
 
#24 ·
2) With a long flat head screwdriver, loosen the clamps that secure the air collector to the throttle housings (the clamps are secured so they will not spin).
Image




6) Step 5 will allow you access to disconnect the oil return hose from the valve cover
Image


Has anyone know how to access to the fourth and fifth cylinder clamps in step 2? Its way too inside even after I remove the coolant reservoir.

Also, in step 6, do I remove the oil return hose from the body or intake manifold? Is the clamp holding the hose climp clamp or screw type?

Many thanks in advance
The clamps are not easy to get to, but with patience and an assortment of different length flat head screwdrivers, it can be accomplished. If I remember correctly, I removed it from the intake manifold.

Nice write up.
Nice DIY. I need to clean the Throttle Bodies on my S54
Good job. Did you clean the actuators while doing this job? Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your compliments. I cleaned all that was involved in the removal (actuators, connecting rods, fuel injectors, etc.)
 
#20 ·
did you feel any difference before and after cleaning it ?
 
#22 ·
Nice DIY. I need to clean the Throttle Bodies on my S54
 
#25 ·
Duhmingus, were is OBX?? Thanks for the write up. I've been posting and asking how to do this for months now! I'm going to remove mine but for other reasons thanks again.
 
#26 ·
Great write-up!