Help, Idle air control valve question.

[Wayward]

A few days ago I bought my first BMW, a 1984 318i. I seen that there was a Component on top of the engine that was disconnected and 2 bare wires not far from it that looked like they used to have a plug that connected to the device. I asked him about it and he told me the car used to belong to his dad and it was part of a smog system that had been disconnected and it meant nothing. After buying the car and doing a little research, its actually an Idle air control valve. "Regulates the amount of air interning the engine during idle" sounds important to me! Engine Idles to low and has a miss. I have ordered many parts on-line for it, but they won't be here until next week. I can't find a place to buy just the plug that goes onto the IAC valve and dealer would prob make me buy the whole harness. No BMW's in the local salvage yard's

I was wondering if someone would be kind enough to tell which color wire goes to which prong on the IAC or does it matter? I would be standing on the right side of the car looking down and need to know which wire goes to the closest prong. I have a Bentley Manual but it does not say that I can tell and would appreciate any help.

Also, what reason would someone have to disconnect this? Is there a problem that someone knows about, that would make the car run better with this disconnected?

Note: The wires did not look cut and what was left of the plastic that was left on the end was very brittle, maybe it just fell apart. IDK

[Jack Dabsy]

A pic would be great buddy !
Where EXACTLY, is the offending item because from your description (at this stage), it could be either a temp sensor or CPS ?!!

[Wayward]

Here is the offender:

[Jack Dabsy]

Yep, Deffo ICV... Soak in a solution of high alcohol content like Isopropyl, give it a shake too! Re-install !