I just read the throttle body DIY. And I was wondering how dangerous is it to clean a throttle body. Because at the end of the post it said do it at your own risk and I'm not so sure I want to now...

 

I cleaned mine on my G a year ago. Disconnect the neg battery terminal. It's not rocket science.

 

Ehhh . . initially, I shared your inclination, but unfortunately some people who reported issues claimed this had no effect. They disconnected the battery and had high idle issues just the same.

I'm also wondering if you're even referring to a V36 in your prior experience though. A single TB system is a far simpler than any multi-TB system; there's nothing to synchronize. ( I can only imagine what a PITA a relearn procedure is for the 8 TB system on the M3 )

I have yet to need a cleaning on mine, but I think if I were ever to do this, I'd try and use the gas pedal to open the butterfly so that there's no unexpected movement of the butterfly to require a recalibration in the first place.

.02

 

I find it hard to believe that your throttle body(s) are dirty and need cleaning...

 

I have a 2005, mine was a little dirty at 80k miles. I didn't have any issues afterwards.

 

OK, That's what I thought. Totally different animal though.

 

hmmm so do you guys suggest doing it? Or does the risk out weights the benefits? And what are some signs that suggest cleaning must be done?

 

If your idle is fine don't bother.

 

My idle starts out around 2k revvs and in 1 or 2 minutes settles to a bit under 1k revvs. This is normal right?

 

Thats the way it should be. Most engines will be below 1500rpm, but VQ's normally rev upto 2000rpm on a cold start. As long as it's 1000rpm or below after warming up and is nice and stable there's no need to do anything.

 

^^ +1

I'd like it to settle at more like 800 or less, but that's just me.

 

I planned on doing mine and after reading some issues others had, I just took it in and paid the money.

 

The risks are there, yea for one remember to disconnect your battery, and when cleaning the TB you really have to be cautious about changing the original set position of the valves. But yea it sounds like you don't have to do it. When ppl talk about idle issues its not like starting your car and its rough, its more like go for a drive inc some freeway and a few miles to let everything warm up and if your idle still surges like at a stop sign or red light then yea clean them if not then the benefits dont out weigh the harm

 

If ur idle doesn't fluctuate when stopped at a red light don't mess with it...

I did min with the battery connected, but the car totally off. Moved the butterfly plate with finger and stuck a rag in there with TB cleaner on it and cleaned it out without any issues, or having to take the Plenum off.

 

service manual states 650 rpm +-50 at idle after warm up. idk how people are getting 800-1k rpm idles. are people turning the ac on or something cus that doesnt count?