Idle Problem

[Rich328]

I have a problem with my car when its idling - after i've been driving for a while it's idling around 2000 revs, which is not what its usually like - it usually revs about 500 -1000 revs.

[BMW-ATI]

U may need your idle adjusted, I think u can do that at least lol

[KILOCHARLIE]

This is the exact same problem I have. The strange thing is its not constantly idleing at 2000 revs.

When I start the car it idles at 2000 revs (usually its at 750), then after moving off, i can pull up and the revs are back to normal. Then when I randomly pull up at traffic lights I'll notice the engine is idleing at around 2000 again.

occasionally, I can fix it by punching the accellerator up to about 3500 and then when it drops the idle revs are back to normal. This only happens about 1 in 5 times though.

Can anyone help at all? Other than this there is nothing wrong with my car. The temp etc all looks fine. Does anyone know if it may be a faulty Auto choke? If so can anyone tell me how to adjust it or adjust the normal idle revs?

Thanks if you can help

[e36surge]

From European Car Website:

Your surging idle at startup is most likely the idle control valve, which is located under the intake manifold. Sometimes it will continue to work for a while if you remove it and clean it out, but eventually you'll need a new part. And for what it takes to get at it on this engine, I'd just replace it.

I had the same problem on my 318is. I just cleaned it and replaced it.

Some links below that may help.

http://www.bmwe36tips.20m.com/unstable-idle.htm

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~xuan/auto/DIY-ICV.html

Hope this helps.

[KILOCHARLIE]

e36surge. you are a credit to this site. i'm gonna try it out tomorrow but this sounds like it will solve my problem.

many thanks again, this isn't this first time you've solved my problems too!!