Rough idle & jumping idle

[///M Power]

mi friends e36 has a rough idle. when u tur it on the idl jumps to 1400 then drops to 500 almost dying then jumps again. im thinking its the MAF sensor? any ideas? cud it be spark plugs? fuel pump?

[mathetas]

I just got an account today... However, on other cars I've seen with those symptoms, I've suspected a vacuum leak or insurgence of air somewhere in the system. I've diagnosed such problems by spraying a little carb cleaner around the intake or breather. If the idle settles and improves a few seconds after spray, you're on your way to finding an air leak. But, like I said, I have 0 experience with BMW's. I just got mine last week. You're probably right, as sophisticated as these cars are, it is probably something electrical - that I obviously wouldn't know about.

Just a suggestion. Hope no one bites me for my post. For all I know, BMW's might not even have vacuum lines!

[Speedy-325is]

read the "idle problem..." thread on pg. 3 its @ 8-10 down from the top. there are quite a few good idead for troubleshooting problems like this. just take it slow when you go searching and be meticulous, if u miss something u might diagnose incorrectly. good luck..

let us know what happens.

[Kevin325i]

Clean the ICV valve. Info in the FAQs. Good luck

Kevin