Newbie (help ) '87 325is warm idle/stall problem

[Rfitz25]

Hello to all,

Awesome site, just signed up.
First attempt at a post/thread.
Sorry if I screw up.
Just bought an '87 325is and Love it.
"Delphin Metalic" (aka Dolphin Gray) sweeeet
Im embaressed to state the miles.
Lets just say over 200k, but with many new/rebuilt parts.
A few issues still, lots of work to do.
Cant wait to continue working on it tonight.

One warm idle issue that keeps me from driving it anywhere yet.
I'll try what Ive read so far tonight, but if anyone has any more suggestions I'd love to get some more help.

Symptoms:
Runs great for 30 min.
then occasionally a light flashes on dash while downshifting.
(heel and toe of course, ha ha)
I think its the check engine light.
Then stop it at a light and the revs start oscilating or it stalls.
Check engine light comes on full time.
Almost got rearended when I tried to take off after this happend.
Engine still restarts.
MPG needle thing below the tack (that I usually would ignore) oscillates from one extreme to the other along with the rpms. (0-40 mpg I think)
Nice show of dancing needles but I can barely drive it off the road at this point.
Wait several minutes mess around with fuses etc, eventually it starts idles fine and runs fine, but check engine light stays on.

I think it goes out eventually.

I just got the Haynes manual last night.
Autozone rules.

Read all the faqs and threads hear.
I'll try the following tonight:
clean ICV insides. (carb cleaner then WD-40)
clean ICV relays (Electronic contact cleaner)
check for shorts/ dirty contacts (I'll hace to trace theese with the manual etc)
check dip stick seal for vacume leak (This is so freaky)
SI board batteries? (might wait on this adventure until I have to)

It has dinan chip I believe?
It has a new O2 sensor I think.
New Mass air flow meter is on the way.


I'll let you all know how it works out.

Cheers,
Richard

[drz]

Welcome Richard!

I don't know much about E30, but we have several knowledgeable members in that area. Try posting about your issues in the E30 tech section for better chances of getting a pertinent, useful response. Also, I recommened that you get the Bentley Repair manual for your car. In general, Bentley writes much better manuals than Haynes does for BMWs. You should be able to get it at Amazon.com, generally with free shipping.

Lastly, I commend you for first reading the FAQ and tech threads.

Good luck,

Daniel

[drz]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/083...lance&n=283155

[Rfitz25]

I thought I posted to the right forum but I dont know where this ended up.
I'll have to read the instructions. My first post.

I'll try to move this over to E30 tech forum later.
Anyway worked on it till midnight.
Running better.
Mass airflow meter definitly a problem.
banged on it, juggle it and the car sputters.
Tore it apart sprayed it out with electronic cleaner and now runs OK.
reving high but steady. (1500)
occasional check engine light at low rps once warmed up, but goes away at high revs.

Thanks All,
Richard