Engine Hunting ??

[craigf]

Hi,

Just got my first BMW ..95 320i e36. The engine is very rough (hunting) at idle and performance is poor, really have to kick it hard to get it to pull...

Nice car but need it sorted...any suggestions?? Don't mind getting my hands dirty...enjoy the mechanics..just need to know where to start ?

Thanks

[dannyb]

Well the 320 performance is poor to start off with, is an engine swap in your options?

[Starmavin]

Do you have a check engine light on?

[craigf]

Don't really want to change the engine unless all else fails...

The check light has flashed up a couple of time after starting but it doesn't stay on

[Starmavin]

Check for a vacuum leak.

[thekid]

Yep vacuum leak and clean the ICV (idle control valve). Both easily done, will take 30 mins to do both tops.

[craigf]

Thanks...

Cleaned things up and fixed a vac hose...new plugs and now idle is good

[victorgallas]

Originally Posted by craigf

Thanks...

Cleaned things up and fixed a vac hose...new plugs and now idle is good

You may also want to check what fuel pressure is the fuel pump making,
5psi difference will make a big difference on actual fuel injected since it is a exponential relationship between fuel rail pressure and actual fuel injected trough the injector.

So you may also want to make sure that the pump is indeed in good shape...