starts then dies....very rough low idle help!!

[pagz]

newbie here with an issue...

got a 1997 528i with 125k miles....tried to start the car the other day and it started fine but will not idle....sometimes just dies....I was told that most of the idling prblems with BMW's are related to the Idle COntrol Valve....is this true, is there any other things that might be wrong? When i hold the gas pedel down while starting it and keep it slightly depressed it is ok, but as soon as i let go, it idles really low or just dies....The check engine light does not come on and i am able to drive it ok as long as i do not let off the gas pedel.....any thoughts...where is this idle control valve anyway???

Help Please ghead

[E28boi]

The idle control valve is connected to your intake boot. It is round, with an electrical connector.
You may also have vaccum leaks or need a valve adjustment.

[CBA]

inspect the MAF sensor..

[LOS]

CBA is right, check the mass air flow (MAF) sensor... this is the big hose (housing) connected next to the air filter going into your engine block. Remove the coneector (wiring harness) and inspect screen visually. Also check the orings inserts into the air filter housing and intake boot, check for loose wiring connections.

LOS

[silverlea]

There are many possibilities why your car will not idle...........the easy one is the idle valve which is simple to replace.The fuel pump supplying the go-juice to the injectors could be failing,or you could have a blocked fuel line and soiled filters.your local dealer could hook your car up to a smart-scope and nail the problem quite quickly.
trust you find the problem.
chers.
SILVERLEA.

[pagz]

Took the car to a master tech who tapped on the Idle control valve with a long screwdriver.....did the trick, car started idling correctly. So the Idle COntrol valve needs to be replaced. Thanks for all your suggestions!