fixing the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

[TheRipster]

i did a search but can't find anything on this topic...

just got a 2004 X5 3.0i, and the throttle control is KILLING me. i had a 2002 540i that i had modified that computer with somehow... someway.... many years ago. now i don't remember how i did it

the throttle response on the X5 is so bad that i feel i will get in an accident. i go to accelerate to make a turn, and for a good 2 seconds, nothing happens, except that i start rolling out in the middle of the road. then all of a sudden it feels like i stomped on the gas and then i get moving

i want the same "punch" i had in my e39 pedal!

i am looking at some programmers on some BMW sites, and they are a lot of money for a little accessory that i'll only need to use once! is it possible to buy a used one and program my car, then re-sell it?

[TheRipster]

i'm looking into the Spring Booster.... anyone used that before? i've read only good things so far from google searches, but i'd love to hear from you guys!

[afstud]

have you tried the throttle reset procedure?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by TheRipster

i'm looking into the Spring Booster.... anyone used that before? I've read only good things so far from google searches, but I'd love to hear from you guys!

You must only be searching half of the internet.

Opinions are sharply divided. Some have it, and like it. Others don't like it.

For some of us, the issue with the Sprintbooster isn't what it does, but rather what it has been claimed to do. Those claims have frequently been misleading. If we boil it down to just being a signal converter for the accelerator pedal, to send a different voltage to the engine controller than the pedal sensor would otherwise send for a given pedal position, then it works fine, and it provides a different pedal feel, in a similar manner as the adaptive throttle control (which you already have, stock) does.

Here is an analysis of what it really does, if you want to review it:

http://www.peony888.com/VS/SprintBooster.pdf

[Benvette]

This is from page 23 of The Manual Transmission Thread. Thanks to Green Dragon.

"Benvette, I know BMW came out with DME update (SIB 1220404) to address the "stumble" or "hole" in the throttle map. Mine was done in 2011. It helped a ton. You may want to look into that. The Jim Conforti Shark Injector reprogram sharpened the throttle right up and eliminated any residual lag of the fbw. I love my shark injector. I'm getting one for the wife's X3. Just a thought for you as well.

Also...check your disa valve---that can cause goofy stuff if that flap is well...flapping around."

I dont know if it applies to autos, but it might be worth a look.
Ben.

[TheRipster]

i did a bunch of searching, and have ruled out the sprint boost now.

i checked on here, and all i got was a throttle reset but that was on e70s.

so now i'm wondering what i can do?

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Benvette

This is from page 23 of The Manual Transmission Thread. Thanks to Green Dragon.

"Benvette, I know BMW came out with DME update (SIB 1220404) to address the "stumble" or "hole" in the throttle map. Mine was done in 2011. It helped a ton. You may want to look into that. The Jim Conforti Shark Injector reprogram sharpened the throttle right up and eliminated any residual lag of the fbw. I love my shark injector. I'm getting one for the wife's X3. Just a thought for you as well.

Also...check your disa valve---that can cause goofy stuff if that flap is well...flapping around."

I dont know if it applies to autos, but it might be worth a look.
Ben.

good call for next time I am at the dealer to check my DME update number, I bought my car in 2011 and probably have an old throttle map!

[TheRipster]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

good call for next time I am at the dealer to check my DME update number, I bought my car in 2011 and probably have an old throttle map!

i have no clue what that means

but if it would help alleviate the problem, i'll try it!

[Green Dragon]

Ripster,

Yeah buddy! You need your DME updated(it the computer module that controls the fuel maps and other stuff). I had the same issue....huge hole/stumble in the throttle map. This requires a trip to the dealer or maybe an good independent BMW shop can do it. Well worth it. Just reference (SIB 1220404). Its an internal service bulletin in reference to the problem you are having.

[TheRipster]

Originally Posted by Green Dragon

Ripster,

Yeah buddy! You need your DME updated(it the computer module that controls the fuel maps and other stuff). I had the same issue....huge hole/stumble in the throttle map. This requires a trip to the dealer or maybe an good independent BMW shop can do it. Well worth it. Just reference (SIB 1220404). Its an internal service bulletin in reference to the problem you are having.

thank you sir!

i have a good independent mechanic who specializes in BMW... i wonder if he'd be able to do it?

if i go to the dealer without warranty, any idea how much this would cost?

also, how do i find out if there are any other necessary computer updates or even recalls that need to be address on my vehicle?