MyE28.com

As seen in this thread:
http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=86319

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.



The real solution:


The old link is at the top. I had already broken the plastic bushings out of this one to see if I could bore it out enough for the bearings. I could not, so I had new links laser cut (middle link.)

Remove the slop in your throttle linkage for good. The worn plastic bushings and worn pivot pins are replaced with shielded stainless bearings. The replacement process is simple. Just grind or drill the pins out of the link and bolt in the replacement.

By Tuesday I'll have the replacement links in stock. The repair kit will consist of:
Laser cut, polished 304 stainless steel link
Ball bearings
Stainless shoulder bolts
Stainless nylock nuts
Two sizes of drill bit
Bronze bushings to replace part 2 in the picture above (plastic ones NLA from BMW)
Repair instructions

I only ordered 20 links this time and 3 are spoken for so there are 17 up for grabs.

No PMs, please, just post your questions and dibs here.

Cost: $70 shipped to the lower 48. Discounts on multiple kits (shipped to same address with only one set of drill bits) for those of you out there that are lucky enough to have multiple S38s.


Try that with your linkage. If your linkage flops down, the bushings are worn.

I'll take one, cash in hand, pick-up at Vintage.

Can payment be processed through the Moose website?

Looking forward to seeing the picks.

I'll put your name on one to bring to Vintage.

As soon as I have all the pics and pricing info I'll set up a page for the group purchase of these so you can pay through the website.

I've already drilled out the pins on Philo's linkage, just waiting for the links to show from the laser cutter.

1 for me. p/u V@V. thanks!

I'm definitely interested.

10th Annual St. Paddy's Day Meet in San Diego

I want one set.

Put me down for one please.

I'll go for one.
Please add me to the list!
JBort

I will take one.
Mark for pickup at "The V"
Thanks,
Jim

Thanks guys, keep the dibs rolling in. I'll post pics and price tomorrow or Tuesday as soon as I get the links from the cutter.

mooseheadm5 wrote:Thanks guys, keep the dibs rolling in. I'll post pics and price tomorrow or Tuesday as soon as I get the links from the cutter.

Put me down for one also.

Thanks

-Chris

I'll take one also

Hi Paul - put me down for one --

Need one set.
Thx.

Just opened up a box of 20 links. Pics coming tonight!

Pics up!
Any questions?

Price shipped is $70 (lower 48.)
Price picked up at V@V paid in cash: $65. Bring your linkage up to the table and I'll even help you fix it.

I feel obligated to buy one, but until I read this thread I didn't know I had a problem. After inspecting my linkage, there is definitely slop...if it's not replaced, will there eventually be a failure? Or if it is replaced, will there be a noticeable difference when driving?

Sorry for the dumb questions, just trying to get educated and manage my already long list of things I need to work on.

Thanks,
Brian.

The linkage isn't going to fall apart, but the more it wears the less your throttle opens at full throttle. It makes a huge difference for people running standalone fuel injection, too, because there is inconsistent throttle position signal.

Mine is so warn I believe it's the cause of the dreaded low rpm herky jerky that I know a lot of you uys have experienced. And yes.., if you have a stand alone or plan on migrating to one in the future this part is a must. My TPS voltage signal bounces enough to trigger my acceleration enrichment which cause a poor idle, surging at cruise and light throttle, and worst of all poor fuel economy.

Here's a datalog image that shows the havoc a worn linkage can cause.

This one is at 1500 rpm.
http://phil.files.infostreet.com/M5_Ima ... rSurge.jpg

This one at idle.
http://phil.files.infostreet.com/M5_Ima ... Surge2.jpg

Paul, confirming here that I need two

Looks like a great fix Paul..! Now can you do something about that ugly thumb of yours.......

Paul,

Put me on the list.

What is your PP addy?

Rich

No paypal yet for these, I am trying to see if I can drop the price a little with a different hardware supplier. Please stand by.

I have that subtle low rpm surge too. I can move my linkage maybe 1/4 inch before it engages the throttle. If a new linkage can fix that (and I can certainly see the possiblity there), then I'm in.

Put me down for one please.

Thanks,
Brian.

Noob question: So the linkage has to be removed from the car to perform the fix? If so, how difficult is that? Pitfalls?

I get a little concerned seeing those springs.

Hear that? Its the sound of the price dropping!

Leonard,
It does require removal of the throttle linkage, but it is easy. I will put up instructions this weekend. If you want to wait till Vintage, we can probably do the repair in about 20 minutes.

mooseheadm5 wrote:Hear that? Its the sound of the price dropping!

Leonard,
It does require removal of the throttle linkage, but it is easy. I will put up instructions this weekend. If you want to wait till Vintage, we can probably do the repair in about 20 minutes.

Count me in on that...maybe we can get a bunch of guys at one time and you can help the process along.

edlocke wrote:

mooseheadm5 wrote:Hear that? Its the sound of the price dropping!

Leonard,
It does require removal of the throttle linkage, but it is easy. I will put up instructions this weekend. If you want to wait till Vintage, we can probably do the repair in about 20 minutes.

Count me in on that...maybe we can get a bunch of guys at one time and you can help the process along.

Wrench Fest! I'm in.

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.

Excellent customer service! Looking forward to picking the linkage up at Vintage.

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