P0638

[breacher]

thanks for all the replies and info. I read up on some of your other postings with other codes, but still related to the Throttle-Actuator.
I can see the throttle close a brief second and then open back up 94%. It stays open while the engine idles or even accelerates. Only when the pedal is released do I see a brief blip of 30-60% open. Otherwise it pretty much stays open.. I guess on diesels they will stay open until the EGR valve is overcome by pressure or the run-away effect?

I cleared the code as step 1, but it hasn't come back on yet after around 40+ miles. I guess it's more like a ticking-time-bomb now? It will fail, just don't know when?

it looks fairly easy to access and swap out. Am I wrong here? no need for coding, etc.. I hope.

So the honest thing is to change it asap? to avoid getting stranded?


Thanks all. very useful info. Especially Zeta and ninja..

[breacher]

Geez, I really hope it's not soemthing to do with the DDE failing. How would that be a fail item? and if the e-fan isn't fully working, that would kill the DDE? how awe full is that! so the code p0638 is only a symptom of a larger issue? not necessarily the Actuator itself? Or possible more true to the picture Zeta posted with a gummed up actuator/gears etc?

Thanks.

[ninja_zx11]

I would say more chances are that your throttle actuator is going bad because it's known to fail because of oil and soot entering the electronics.But hard to pin point the fault at this moment just by the code.Regarding DDE fan,chances are less as zeta said that it's monitored closely.Best would be to run test plan via Rheingold if you can and software will guide through all the possibilities.Test plan only runs if Rheingold is connected to the car.

Another thing is that there are protections in place in the DDE to disable any component or sensor incase it's drawing too many amps.So let's say if you actuator is drawing too many Amps then DDE should disable it before overheating.

[breacher]

This may be off topic, but how does one obtain rheingold? I've simply glanced through some forums, some say it's VM, some say it's direct windows, etc. I've installed INPA ISTA D/P, etc. on top of VM.
I don't have a good understanding of all the different 'snapshot'

Do I get more instructions via bmwcoding.com? or can someone help us figure this out? or PM?

Thanks.

also, Siemens/VDO $225 for a diesel x5 throttle-actuator. BMW-OEM is like $398. Safe to settle for VDO?
Thanks.

[Ron07x5]

If the problem is oil has contaminated the actuator could one clean it with alcohol and dry it out with a dryer? Then seal any oil entry point and then have it running again. Love a good lo to no cost fix!
If this works it might mean we all should check and cleanup the actuator?

I consider the x5 like a plane one needs to inspect and service to avoid in flight issues 😁

[ZetaTre]

Originally Posted by Ron07x5

If the problem is oil has contaminated the actuator could one clean it with alcohol and dry it out with a dryer? Then seal any oil entry point and then have it running again. Love a good lo to no cost fix!
If this works it might mean we all should check and cleanup the actuator?

I consider the x5 like a plane one needs to inspect and service to avoid in flight issues 😁

Well,

some of us have gone down the route of eliminating oil getting into the intake -> http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...separator.html

I'd suspect that oil gets there through boost leaking (very minor, but builds up over time) through the shaft so it's quite challenging to fix.

As far as disassembling the throttle and cleaning it, I don't know if it can be done and being able to put it back together.