S38 throttle linkage repair kit (pics up)

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 15, 2011 6:37 PM

I'm not giving up my cruise control

You can use the older style without cruise, but of course it will wear out too.

cgraff · Post by **cgraff** » Feb 15, 2011 6:40 PM

mooseheadm5 wrote:I'm not giving up my cruise control

You can use the older style without cruise, but of course it will wear out too.

I learn not to trust that and to call up my dealer. Last I checked (last fall) they were both available.

-Chris

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 15, 2011 7:10 PM

They update the parts list every month. They may indeed have been discontinued since last fall.

L_N_Love · Post by **L_N_Love** » Feb 15, 2011 8:42 PM

The parts described sound pretty impressive. Still kind of crazy that something so small costs significant moolah but I guess one has to include the intellectual value of the engineer.

I am sending funds but would like for you to help me install if you will. I will drive to C'ville if ok.

P.S. Your PayPal method of paying on your site is pretty slick!

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Feb 16, 2011 12:15 AM

Put me down for one at The V. and include me in the wrenchfest.

I may choose to PP and have it shipped prior to.
I'll let you know.

Post by **Justin_FL** » Feb 16, 2011 6:50 AM

Are these a common wear item? My M5 has 190K miles and I don't detect any issues with the link or bushings, which as one car isn't statistically relevant, but was just curious how many people considering buying a kit have slop issues.

If I was sure about restoring my car and rebuilding the engine I'd still buy a kit for good measure, though.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 16, 2011 10:54 AM

It is pretty common from what I can tell. Philo has 2 that are pretty sloppy and so do I. I would bet that some people that are considering it just want a better part than stock. In the end, I want to make my throttle linkages super smooth.

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Feb 16, 2011 11:32 AM

Mine has 183K and very minimal play, but it is there.
I've not removed the linkage to do the "hang down" test, so not sure what the result of that would be.
Due to the minimal slop, I figure it can only get worse as I drive the car, so why wait since these are available now and should fix the issue for the life of the car.

Speaking of waiting;

Any chance you've got an extra set of your UCA bushings, that don't have somebody's name on them, lying around?

cgraff · Post by **cgraff** » Feb 16, 2011 1:36 PM

mooseheadm5 wrote:It is pretty common from what I can tell. Philo has 2 that are pretty sloppy and so do I. I would bet that some people that are considering it just want a better part than stock. In the end, I want to make my throttle linkages super smooth.

I'd second that it's pretty common. On the M88s, in fact, there was a fix that I believe either Dinan or someone else had way back in the late 80s - basically the M88 uses plastic bushings instead of the metal on metal, but the plastic would wear out too. Anyway it may not have been Dinan, but a friend has that fix on his M635CSi.

On the S38s, there was even slop on the B38 motor we swapped into an E28. So it wears out. It only gets progressively worse.

Personally I'm particularly sensitive to throttle position and throttle play, so it annoyed the heck out of me on my old M5. Driving an M5, there shouldn't be any bucking or stuff like that that happens with lots of play in the throttle - especially going between open/closed throttles. Being able to finely control that is important. And it makes driving in traffic so much smoother with that extra control there.

-Chris

cgraff · Post by **cgraff** » Feb 17, 2011 7:57 AM

cgraff wrote:
mooseheadm5 wrote:Alright fellas. If you need yours shipped out to you, please go here to purchase:
http://mooseheadengineering.com/parts/throttle_linkage/

If you are picking up at Vintage, just put your dibs here and I will write it down.

I only have 17 links available to ship but it'll be no problem for me to get more before Vintage.
Sorry for being a stickler, but...

"The problem? The main throttle linkage on your S38 is wearing out. Solution? Buy a new one. Umm, yeah. The part has been discontinued and costs $500 from the discount dealers if you can get it. Plus, it’ll wear out again."

Is not really true.

1. PN 13 54 1 310 826 is still available, at >$500 list from your friendly BMW dealer.

2. PN 13 54 1 309 714 is also still available, at a more reasonable ~$70, but this is the non-cruise control equipped lever.

-Chris

There's 13 available of the 826 in Germany as of 2/17/2011 at 8AM EDT. None in the US.

There's none available in US or Germany of the 714.

That's probably why your screen-shots came out the way they did.

-Chris

GaAlpinaOwner · Post by **GaAlpinaOwner** » Feb 17, 2011 4:07 PM

Moosehead good stuff, this looks interesting and the design beats the heck out of the plastic oem......

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 17, 2011 4:24 PM

cgraff wrote:
There's 13 available of the 826 in Germany as of 2/17/2011 at 8AM EDT. None in the US.

There's none available in US or Germany of the 714.

That's probably why your screen-shots came out the way they did.

-Chris

Cool, thanks for checking on that. Only 13 left of the cruise and none of the non cruise. Until now, that could really ruin your day.

cgraff · Post by **cgraff** » Feb 17, 2011 4:37 PM

mooseheadm5 wrote:
cgraff wrote:
There's 13 available of the 826 in Germany as of 2/17/2011 at 8AM EDT. None in the US.

There's none available in US or Germany of the 714.

That's probably why your screen-shots came out the way they did.

-Chris
Cool, thanks for checking on that. Only 13 left of the cruise and none of the non cruise. Until now, that could really ruin your day.

Yeah.

Well, there was a need to develop a fix because, as we all know, that part jumped in price from $50 to $500+, BMW's not making any more (that we know of), and there's only 13 left in their warehouses, and it wears out.

So that means a better solution was in order, and now we have it. Yay!

-Chris

Philo · Post by **Philo** » Feb 23, 2011 9:54 PM

Paul.., are we shipping yet

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Feb 23, 2011 10:04 PM

UPS is killing me

M5BB · Post by **M5BB** » Feb 24, 2011 10:09 AM

Paul,
Even though I don't think mine is too bad I would like to PU one at Vintage. Save it for later.

Gary Beck
M5BB

Philo · Post by **Philo** » Feb 24, 2011 1:40 PM

Gary.., to test this hold the throttle open by pushing down on the adjustable links.., then with the throttle and cruise cable slacked wiggle the lever that the throttle cable attaches to in an open/closed manner and you should see the play at the rivets.

But your ride is low mileage so you might be in good shape. I can't wait to take mine apart to see how badly the rivet or hole in the plate is worn.

Philo · Post by **Philo** » Mar 04, 2011 4:33 PM

Just got my linkage kits from Paul...... BITCHEN ! Even came with brass bushings to replace the plastic ones. Didn't know i was getting that too

Thanks Paul...

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 04, 2011 4:41 PM

I promise I will post a pictorial on how to do the installation shortly. Been wicked busy but I will be home all weekend.

Philo · Post by **Philo** » Mar 04, 2011 5:28 PM

Hey.., will make you a deal for helping me with the TC project. I can take the pics of removing the linkage from the Tbs. My new engine is the perfect test bed and everything is bright and shinny

Let me know...

L_N_Love · Post by **L_N_Love** » Mar 04, 2011 10:01 PM

Sent my money 19 days ago. Assumed home delivery. Should I expect delivery at Vintage? Don't know...just asking.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 04, 2011 10:04 PM

Large order of bearings got lost in transit

More on the way, though

Sorry for the delays. If anyone needs theirs ASAP, I can order single bearings from McMaster Carr, they just cost me a lot more. I'm more than happy to do so, though, just say the word!

L_N_Love · Post by **L_N_Love** » Mar 05, 2011 11:20 AM

I'm not in a hurry...take your time and get the good prices. I just didn't want to slip through a crack. All is well!

BMW 635 · Post by **BMW 635** » Mar 11, 2011 6:56 PM

Will this fit the M88 throttle arm?

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 11, 2011 9:50 PM

BMW 635 wrote:Will this fit the M88 throttle arm?

If the center to center distance of the pivot is 30mm, then it probably will.

I keep getting screwed on these bearings! First I got the wrong type from National Bearing because their online catalog is wrong. No flange, and no extended inner ring so they are utterly useless to me. Fine, so I ordered them from another supplier so I could get them today. These are wrong too.

Now I won't get them till Tuesday.

So sorry everyone that is waiting!

And just so you don't think I am sandbagging:

funfunfer · Post by **funfunfer** » Mar 13, 2011 1:47 PM

Hard to find good help these days.

Rich Euro M5 · Post by **Rich Euro M5** » Mar 14, 2011 9:31 AM

mooseheadm5 wrote:
BMW 635 wrote:Will this fit the M88 throttle arm?
If the center to center distance of the pivot is 30mm, then it probably will.

I keep getting screwed on these bearings! First I got the wrong type from National Bearing because their online catalog is wrong. No flange, and no extended inner ring so they are utterly useless to me. Fine, so I ordered them from another supplier so I could get them today. These are wrong too.
Now I won't get them till Tuesday.

So sorry everyone that is waiting!

And just so you don't think I am sandbagging:

Have you tried Boca Bearings? These guys supply all sorts of specialty bearings for the R/C Hobby enthusiast. I've purchased phenolic raced bearings for my Ducted Fan engines from them, and they also have ceramic bearings for use in miniature turbine engines.

R/C Cars and Helicopters are full of miniature flanged bearings, so they might have what you're looking for.

Rich

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 14, 2011 10:27 AM

Thanks for the lead, Rich. I checked them out and they can get the bearing I need as far as fit goes, but the price is higher and it is a lower grade bearing.

Parts are on their way and will be in Tuesday (fingers crossed) and all the shipping labels are printed, so they will hit the mail first thing Wednesday.

Thanks for your patience, guys!

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Mar 16, 2011 4:59 PM

All shipped! I just took them into the post office. If anyone needs their tracking number, just hit me up with a PM or email.

For the Vintage guys, see you at the show!

BMW 635 · Post by **BMW 635** » Mar 16, 2011 6:56 PM

Could you post a picture of the final product?
See what is in the kit.

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

S38 throttle linkage repair kit (pics up)