BMW 550i xDrive Throttle Body Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(8)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(8)

Throttle Body Replacement Service

How much does a Throttle Body Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 550i xDrive Throttle Body Replacement is $548 with $408 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$971.22Shop/Dealer Price$1181.58 - $1798.47
2013 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$962.21Shop/Dealer Price$1169.47 - $1784.05
2016 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$962.21Shop/Dealer Price$1169.52 - $1784.12
2014 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$962.21Shop/Dealer Price$1169.52 - $1784.12
2011 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$962.21Shop/Dealer Price$1172.09 - $1788.63
2015 BMW 550i xDriveV8-4.4L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$962.21Shop/Dealer Price$1169.76 - $1784.55
Show example BMW 550i xDrive Throttle Body Replacement prices

What is the throttle body and how does it work?

The throttle body is an air metering device mounted between the air filter and snorkel, and the intake plenum. Within the throttle body is a movable throttle plate whose position controls the amount of air that enters the engine to determine engine speed. Throttle body designs vary. Some incorporate an idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, and other electronic throttle controls. The throttle plate in the throttle body can be controlled directly by an accelerator pedal cable or fully electronically in the newest drive-by-wire systems.

When to consider replacing the throttle body:

  • Check engine light and/or reduced power warning light is on. Most modern throttle bodies have electrical components, such as a throttle position sensor. These components are monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM). If the check engine light or reduced power warning light comes on, a mechanic will determine if any of the stored trouble codes implicate a throttle body malfunction.
  • Wrong idle speed. Carbon deposits in the throttle body, particularly around the movable throttle plate or in the idle air control valve, can cause the engine idle speed to be too low or too high.
  • Poor transmission shifting. In some applications, transmission shift timing relies on signal outputs from the throttle body. If the throttle position sensor is defective, that might adversely affect shift timing and feel.

How do mechanics replace the throttle body?

  • The engine cover is removed, if necessary.
  • The flexible rubber snorkel from the air filter housing to the throttle body is disconnected. Typically, the connection is made with a large stainless steel hose clamp.
  • The electrical connections to the throttle body are removed.
  • If the throttle body is not a drive-by-wire system, the accelerator cable and cruise control cable are disconnected and set aside.
  • The bolts retaining the throttle body to the plenum, the gasket, and the throttle body are removed. If the throttle body is being cleaned and tested for re-use, approved chemicals are used in the cleaning process.
  • The new or serviced throttle body is re-attached to the plenum and the bolts torqued to factory specifications.
  • All cables and electrical connections are restored. The intake air snorkel is reconnected.
  • If applicable, the electronic throttle installation and idle re-learn procedures are performed using an appropriate scan tool.
  • Finally, the engine is started, brought to normal operating temperature, and idle speed is checked. The car is road tested to ensure normal operation and no illumination of warning or service lights.

Is it safe to drive with a throttle body problem?

Yes. But, the vehicle may be limited in power or put into what is referred to as limp mode, in order to get the vehicle to a repair facility. If the check engine light is on, or the electronic throttle control warning light is on, but there is no noticeable difference in engine performance, the car can be safely driven. However, it is best to have it diagnosed and repaired at your earliest convenience to avoid unexpected breakdown or possible damage to the catalytic converter.

When replacing the throttle body keep in mind:

  • Many modern throttle bodies have spring loaded sensors and plastic gears that are not intended to be manipulated directly during any diagnostics or inspections. These components are controlled electronically or generate signals. It is best to let a mechanic use approved tests to diagnose the problem.
  • Wiring faults, bad grounds, or bad terminal connections can make it appear as though an electronically controlled throttle has failed. A mechanic will always rule out all other causes before replacing the throttle body.
  • When cleaning the throttle body, special care should be taken to use only special spray cleaners designed to not damage electrical components or sensors.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(8)

Rating Summary
8
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0

Deward

18 years of experience
156 reviews
Deward
18 years of experience
BMW 550i xDrive V8-4.4L Turbo - Starter - Jamestown, North Carolina
Very good mechanic and highly recommended.

Simon

28 years of experience
378 reviews
Simon
28 years of experience
BMW 550i xDrive V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Beltsville, Maryland
Timely, courteous and knowledgeable.

Blissel

5 years of experience
38 reviews
Blissel
5 years of experience
BMW 550i xDrive V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Hollywood, Florida
This was my first time using this service and I must say it was very convenient. Blissel was very professional and thorough with his work. He completed all services and answered every question I had. I will definitely use this service again for any of my vehicle needs.

Anthony

12 years of experience
77 reviews
Anthony
12 years of experience
BMW 550i xDrive V8-4.4L Turbo - Check Engine Light is on - Aurora, Illinois
Very professional and friendly

Excellent Rating

(8)

Rating Summary
8
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
Number of BMW 550i xDrive services completed
88+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1200+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Properly Use a Floor Jack and Jack Stands
Jack Jack stands (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-jack-stand) are important tools that keep a vehicle propped up after having used a floor jack (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-car-jack), like a scissor jack or a hydraulic jack, to lift a vehicle. Once the vehicle is lifted enough to fit...
Nebraska Parking Laws: Understanding the Basics
Even Even though you are well acquainted with all of the rules of the road and you are safe and abide by the law when driving, you need to make sure you take the same level of care when it...
P0490 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Gas Recirculation "A" Control Circuit High
P0490 means the PCM has detected an abnormally high voltage within the exhaust gas recirculation system, often due to clogging.

About the governor in engine

Hi there. Governors in a fuel system are basically a three-way valve. There is a supply port, exit port, and a dump port. As the fuel pressure regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pressure-regulator-replacement) is set the fuel pressure will remain the same as when...

Vsa, check engine, ! 3 lit up, at stop sign, felt like trans. Changed. Only go 5-10 mph

Hi there. First, you'll need to retrieve the code stored for the Check Engine Light; this will lead the technician to the system that has the fault and possibly be tied with the other warning lights. Many times a simply...

If it starts off a jump is it the alternator?

Hi There, Depending on the year, make and model of the car, it may or may not run this way. Theoretically, on an older car, you can drive for a while once the engine is running, you'll just be without...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com