BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement Cost

Between $707 and $807
The average cost for a BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement is between $707 and $807. The average cost for a BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement is between $707 and $807. Labor costs are estimated between $97 and $122 while parts are priced between $610 and $685.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement

Understanding the cost of a BMW 128i throttle body replacement is crucial for any owner experiencing issues with their vehicle's performance. The overall expense can fluctuate based on several key components, including the price of the part itself, the labor involved, and where you choose to have the work performed.

Pricing Comparison Table

Note: This table provides an average estimate. Actual costs may vary.

Regional Cost Variations

The geographical location of your BMW 128i can significantly influence the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost. Areas with a higher cost of living or a greater demand for specialized BMW service often see higher labor rates. For instance, a throttle body replacement in a major metropolitan area might be more expensive than in a rural town. It's always advisable to get local quotes to understand these regional differences.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts Costs

When it comes to replacing your BMW 128i's throttle body, you'll typically have the option of using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket alternatives.

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Shop Type Differences (Dealership vs. Independent)

The type of repair shop you choose will also impact the overall BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost.

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several factors can influence the final BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, extending beyond just the price of the part and labor.

Vehicle Mileage Impact

As your BMW 128i accumulates mileage, various components can experience wear and tear. While mileage itself doesn't directly increase the throttle body replacement cost, higher mileage vehicles are more prone to other issues that might be discovered during the diagnostic process. For example, a technician might find worn vacuum hoses or other related engine components that need attention, adding to the overall repair bill.

Geographic Location Effects

As mentioned earlier, your geographic location plays a significant role. Urban areas with higher operating costs tend to have higher labor rates. Additionally, the availability of specialized BMW parts or technicians in your area can also affect pricing. If you live in a region with fewer BMW specialists, you might encounter higher costs due to limited competition.

Additional Repairs Commonly Needed

It's not uncommon for a throttle body issue to be accompanied by other problems, or for related components to require attention during the replacement.

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Seasonal Pricing Variations

While less common for routine repairs like throttle body replacements, some repair shops might adjust their pricing based on seasonal demand. During peak automotive repair seasons (e.g., before long road trips in summer or winter), you might find slightly higher prices or longer wait times.

Diagnostic & Repair Process

A thorough understanding of the diagnostic and repair process for a BMW 128i throttle body is essential for appreciating the associated costs and potential complexities.

Throttle Body Replacement

The process of replacing a throttle body on a BMW 128i involves several steps, requiring specific tools and a degree of mechanical expertise.

Jump to:

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Your technician may recommend cleaning the throttle body or programming the powertrain control module before replacing the throttle body.

Common Symptoms:
Throttle body and electronic throttle body issues can result in the engine stalling, failing to start, warning lights on the instrument cluster (such as the check engine light or a specific throttle body warning), and hesitation or power surging on acceleration. You might also notice rough idling or poor fuel economy.

Common Misdiagnoses:
The throttle position sensor is often blamed for throttle body issues, and care should be taken with electronic throttle bodies to ensure the accelerator pedal is not the faulty component. A faulty accelerator pedal position sensor can produce similar symptoms to a failing throttle body.

1. Diagnosis: A technician will first perform diagnostic tests to confirm the throttle body is indeed the faulty component. This may involve scanning for error codes, checking sensor readings, and performing physical inspections.
2. Preparation: The battery will typically be disconnected to prevent electrical issues. Access to the throttle body might require removing other engine components or intake air ducting.
3. Removal of Old Throttle Body: The electrical connector and mounting bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold will be removed. The old gasket will also be taken off.
4. Installation of New Throttle Body: The new throttle body, along with a new gasket, will be installed and securely bolted to the intake manifold. The electrical connector will be reattached.
5. Reassembly: Any components removed for access will be reinstalled. The battery will be reconnected.
6. Programming (if necessary): The new throttle body often needs to be programmed or calibrated to the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This ensures proper operation and throttle response.
7. Final Testing: The engine will be started, and the technician will check for proper idle, acceleration, and ensure no warning lights are illuminated. A test drive is usually performed.

Replacing a throttle body requires standard automotive tools, including socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and torque wrenches. Specialized diagnostic tools are crucial for reading error codes and performing the necessary programming or calibration. Expertise in working with electronic throttle control systems is also important to avoid further complications.

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the early warning signs of a failing throttle body on your BMW 128i can save you from more significant issues and potential safety concerns.

Early Detection Indicators

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Performance Impacts

• OEM Throttle Body: These parts are manufactured by or for BMW, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and quality standards of your original throttle body. While they often offer the best fit and performance, they generally come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the $610-$685 parts cost range for an OEM unit.
• Aftermarket Throttle Body: Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. The quality and price of aftermarket throttle bodies can vary widely. Some are high-quality replacements that can rival OEM parts in performance and durability, while others may be cheaper but less reliable. Choosing an aftermarket option could potentially lower the BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost, but it’s essential to research the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reputable product.

Dashboard Warning Signals

The most common indicator is the illumination of the Check Engine Light. Depending on the severity and specific fault, other warning lights, such as a specific throttle control warning or engine management light, might also appear on your instrument cluster.

When to Seek Immediate Repair

If your BMW 128i is experiencing severe stalling, a complete loss of power, or if the warning lights are flashing (indicating a severe misfire), it's crucial to stop driving the vehicle and seek immediate professional assistance. Continuing to drive with these symptoms can cause further damage to the engine or transmission.

Cost-Saving Strategies

While a BMW 128i throttle body replacement can be a significant expense, there are several ways to manage or reduce the overall cost.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Before committing to a repair, always obtain quotes from at least three different reputable repair shops. Compare not only the total price but also what is included (e.g., OEM vs. aftermarket parts, warranty on parts and labor, and any diagnostic fees).

Best Timing for Repairs

Consider the timing of your repair. If your throttle body issue is not critical and your vehicle is still drivable, you might wait for a sale or promotional offer from a repair shop. However, if the symptoms are severe, prioritize safety and functionality over potential minor savings.

Warranty Considerations

Check if your BMW 128i is still under any extended warranty or if the throttle body itself comes with a manufacturer's warranty. If the part failed prematurely, you might be able to get it replaced under warranty, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Also, inquire about the warranty offered by the repair shop on their parts and labor.

DIY Feasibility Assessment

For those with significant mechanical experience and the right tools, a DIY throttle body replacement is possible. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexities, especially with electronic throttle bodies and the need for programming. If you're not entirely confident, the risk of causing further damage or making costly mistakes often outweighs the potential savings. The programming step typically requires specialized equipment that most DIYers do not have.

FAQ Section

How much does BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement cost?

The average cost for a BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement is between $707 and $807. This includes an estimated $97-$122 for labor and $610-$685 for the part.

Can I drive with this problem?

It depends on the severity of the symptoms. Minor hesitation or rough idling might allow you to drive cautiously for a short period, but if your vehicle is stalling frequently, losing power significantly, or displaying flashing warning lights, it's best to avoid driving and seek immediate repair to prevent further damage or safety hazards.

How long does BMW 128i Throttle Body Replacement take?

The replacement itself typically takes between 1 to 2 hours of labor. However, when you factor in diagnostic time, potential programming of the new unit, and shop workflow, the entire process from drop-off to pick-up can take anywhere from a few hours to a full business day.

What causes this issue?

Throttle bodies can fail due to wear and tear on the internal electronic components, carbon buildup on the throttle plate, or failure of the throttle position sensor. Electrical issues or a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor can also mimic or cause throttle body problems.

If you're experiencing symptoms related to your throttle body, it's essential to get your BMW 128i diagnosed by a qualified technician. Don't delay in addressing these issues, as prompt attention can prevent more serious and costly repairs down the line. Get a quote today to understand the specific BMW 128i throttle body replacement cost for your vehicle and location.