Recall 97V-131: throttle or cruise cable bushing can break and hold the throttle open
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What causes "Recall 97V-131: throttle or cruise cable bushing can break and hold the throttle open" on the BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999), and how is it fixed?
The plastic bushings on the throttle and cruise cables can break from age and vibration, letting the outer cable catch and hold the throttle partly open. Fix: Dealers fitted spring-steel clips to keep each outer cable seated.
Symptoms
The car may not slow down as expected when you lift off the throttle.
Cause
The plastic bushings on the throttle and cruise cables can break from age and vibration, letting the outer cable catch and hold the throttle partly open. The record covers about 410,000 vehicles across all the BMW models it lists, including the Z3.
Fix (summary)
Dealers fitted spring-steel clips to keep each outer cable seated. Check by VIN.
Related build entries
Other E36 problems
- Cooling system plastics fail with age (pump impeller, tanks, thermostat housing)
- Rear shock mounts crack and can tear the body
- Rear subframe bushings wear, then mounts crack
- Power window regulators wear and jam
- Recall 98V-178: heater core end piece can split if the engine overheats
- Recall 96V-110: driver airbag contact ring tab can break (1992)
More for this car
- All BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999) fitment answers · E36 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall 97V-131: throttle and cruise control cable bushing — NHTSA (received 19 Aug 1997) (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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