What are the causes of throttle failure in BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
BMW 5 Series throttle failure reasons are as follows: 1. Damaged position sensor: The throttle position sensor is damaged, the throttle position sensor circuit has poor contact, open circuit or short circuit, and the initialization position is incorrect. The engine will have poor acceleration, and the vehicle may experience delayed gear shifting and strong gear shifting impact. 2. Excessive carbon deposits: Excessive carbon deposits in the throttle, and damage to the throttle servo motor. The engine will idle roughly and unstably, stall at low speeds, and have poor throttle control. 3. Poor circuit contact: Poor contact, open circuit or short circuit in the throttle servo motor circuit, engine control unit failure, and the engine fault light will illuminate.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for a while, and the most common throttle failure is caused by carbon buildup. After long-term use of the engine intake system, dust and oil residue stick to the throttle, causing the valve to get stuck or not close properly. This results in noticeable shaking and lack of power during acceleration, unstable idling, and even stalling. The sensors in electronic throttles are also prone to aging and malfunction—for example, position sensors may provide inaccurate readings. BMW's complex electronic control system can trigger false actions if software updates are delayed, and poor contact or short circuits in wiring harnesses can also pose risks. Regular highway driving helps blow away carbon deposits, using high-quality gasoline instead of cheap fuel, and cleaning the throttle every 20,000 kilometers can prevent issues. If the warning light comes on, don’t delay—visit a professional repair shop immediately, as safe driving is the priority.
