Hello All,

I have a 2004 545i and wanted to clean the throttle body. I just recently cleaned the MAF. Has anyone done this? I know we have a throttle by wire setup, so the question is can I clean while on the car or should I remove. I know you should not move the butterfly while still on the car and plugged in as it could require recalibration or damage to the unit. Is it safe to remove the TB to clean or would you just clean on the car? If you clean while on the car, you could turn the key one click before starting and have someone push the gas pedal. This will open the plate. Again, not while the car is started!! Is there a concern with the Throttle Body Cleaner spray getting into the intake? I did this on my SUV and it ran like crap and blew smoke for a minute or so but then cleared up. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Anyone?

 

You CAN clean it while its on the car, but once you get to the TB its so easy to remove you might as well just pop it off - it will only take an extra ~5 minutes.

It won't hurt the car to do it with the TB still on there is just more risk for damaging stuff working in a small area. Plus you could probably clean it better with it completely off and away from the car.

Just my .02 cents. If you're feeling lazy just clean it while its still on the car, but if you want to give it a proper risk-free clean I would remove it.

 

+1. Just make sure you get a new gasket.

 

is your TB dirty? FYI the N62 motors are valvetronic, so the TB only cycles on startup to avoid it getting stuck. it's only there as an emergency backup in case valvetronic goes haywire.