What is the purpose of the Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) on BMW M3?

The Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) are used to inform the control unit about the position of the throttle, whether it is fully closed or fully open. These sensors are located in a single housing at the end of the throttle assembly. If either switch fails, the control unit will rely on air meter signals to calculate idle and full load control, and a fault code will be stored in memory. To test the TPS, a BMW service tester, OBD I blink code, or a suitable Data Scan Tool (DST) can be used to check for faults or read component values. If this equipment is not available, a continuity tester or ohmmeter can be used. For 1989-95 models with M20 or S14 engines, there should be continuity between specific terminals when the throttle is closed or fully open. The switch can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the housing. For M42 or M50 engines, the potentiometer should receive 5 volts with the ignition switch ON, and specific resistance values should be measured between terminals. The resistance should change smoothly as the throttle is moved. For 1996-98 models, the TPS is mounted on the side of the throttle housing and cannot be adjusted. The voltage signal and resistance values should be checked using a digital voltmeter and ohmmeter. If the sensor has failed, it must be replaced. To remove and install the TPS, the ignition switch should be turned off, the connector should be unplugged, and the switch should be removed using screws. On M20 and S14 engines, the switch must be adjusted for continuity between specific terminals when the throttle is closed or fully open. The switch can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the housing.

Genuine BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor

TPS Switch

Select Vehicle by Model
Select Vehicle by VIN

Select Vehicle by Model

Series

Model

Year

Select Vehicle by VIN

For the most accurate results, select vehicle by your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

5 Throttle Position Sensors found

View related parts
BMW M3 Throttle Valve Switch
Part Number: 13631721456
$147.43 MSRP: $195.55
You Save: $48.12 (25%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor
- Replaces: 13-63-1-726-591
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1999 BMW M3 | Convertible(E36), Coupe(E36), Sedan(E36)
View related parts
BMW M3 Throttle Valve Switch
Part Number: 13631703562
$147.43 MSRP: $195.55
You Save: $48.12 (25%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1999 BMW M3 | Convertible(E36), Coupe(E36), Sedan(E36)
View related parts
BMW M3 Throttle Valve Switch
Part Number: 13637840383
$147.43 MSRP: $195.55
You Save: $48.12 (25%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor
- Replaces: 13-63-1-402-143
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 | Convertible(E46), Coupe(E46)
View related parts
BMW M3 Throttle Valve Switch
Part Number: 13631726591
$147.43 MSRP: $195.55
You Save: $48.12 (25%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaced by: 13631721456
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1999 BMW M3 | Convertible(E36), Coupe(E36), Sedan(E36)
View related parts
BMW M3 Throttle Valve Switch
Part Number: 13621273277
$308.08 MSRP: $387.90
You Save: $79.82 (21%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1988-1991 BMW M3 | Coupe(E30)

BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor

The BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor continuously tells the engine computer how wide the throttle is open in order to deliver fuel accordingly with driver demand. By transmitting rapid voltage signals, the ECU can determine the airflow and speed. The sensor allows the car to accelerate, cruise, or decelerate seamlessly within milliseconds. Early BMW performance icons such as the E30 and E36 M3 made use of a contact potentiometer type Throttle Position Sensor that is mounted on the butterfly shaft, reliant on a sweeping brush on a resistive strip and individual closed or wide open switches. When BMW switched to a non-contact Hall effect or magnetoresistive Throttle Position Sensor to read magnetic field changes from a two-pole rare-earth magnet on the E46 M3, it increased precision and is resistant to heat and wear. This non-contact format is retained in the recent BMW G80 M3, which incorporates the Throttle Position Sensor into the drive-by-wire module, where it is paired with an accelerator pedal sensor for more precise torque commands. Regardless of its generation, a failing Throttle Position Sensor can cut fuel economy, cause hesitation, and even trigger limp mode, so attentive owners should not ignore warning signs and address the issue promptly.

If you are looking for OEM BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor, we highly recommend to shop with us. Not only do we offer budget friendly prices, but we also provide fast delivery. In addition, we have a hassle-free return policy on all genuine BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor that come backed by the manufacturer's warranty.

BMW M3 Throttle Position Sensor Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Throttle Valve Switch
13631721456
Q:
What is the purpose of the Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) on BMW M3?
Posted by Nikos N.
A:
The Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) are used to inform the control unit about the position of the throttle, whether it is fully closed or fully open. These sensors are located in a single housing at the end of the throttle assembly. If either switch fails, the control unit will rely on air meter signals to calculate idle and full load control, and a fault code will be stored in memory. To test the TPS, a BMW service tester, OBD I blink code, or a suitable Data Scan Tool (DST) can be used to check for faults or read component values. If this equipment is not available, a continuity tester or ohmmeter can be used. For 1989-95 models with M20 or S14 engines, there should be continuity between specific terminals when the throttle is closed or fully open. The switch can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the housing. For M42 or M50 engines, the potentiometer should receive 5 volts with the ignition switch ON, and specific resistance values should be measured between terminals. The resistance should change smoothly as the throttle is moved. For 1996-98 models, the TPS is mounted on the side of the throttle housing and cannot be adjusted. The voltage signal and resistance values should be checked using a digital voltmeter and ohmmeter. If the sensor has failed, it must be replaced. To remove and install the TPS, the ignition switch should be turned off, the connector should be unplugged, and the switch should be removed using screws. On M20 and S14 engines, the switch must be adjusted for continuity between specific terminals when the throttle is closed or fully open. The switch can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the housing.
Answered by BMW Parts Specialist Brad / Aug 08, 2025