Yea, its the ICV or idle control Valve. Spray some WD40 up in there and that should solve the problem if not just temporarily. ill get pics of where it is if you cant find it

 

Where is the ICV located? I've had a similar issue, but not as drastic. Idle jumps around from 750 to 1000 or so. The new exhuast I just got added helped a bit, but I'd still like it to be smoother. Pics would really help a lot, Fox. Thanks

 

check the FAQ forum. there is a general FAQ on this issue.

 

I have had ideling trouble on my e30 325i touring. That was a small split in the air intake hose from the air cleaner to the idle control valve

 

Where is the ICV located? I've had a similar issue, but not as drastic. Idle jumps around from 750 to 1000 or so. The new exhuast I just got added helped a bit, but I'd still like it to be smoother. Pics would really help a lot, Fox. Thanks

i have the same problem

 

On my 325i the idle control valve is located on a pipe comming off the air intake. If you follow the air intake pipe from the air filter box, you will find a small pipe comminig off before you get to the throttle body. The small pipe goes into a metal 'tube', and then I think the pipe out of the other end goes back into the main engine air-intake bu the other side of the throttle neck. You will see an electrical conector atatched to the side of it as well. My car is a UK spec 325, not sure if that makes a diffrence.

I have been told you can clean them up with brake cleaning fluid. I just got a new one from the scrap yard, then found it was the a split in the airintake pipe.

When the engine is running the idle speed should increase if you remove the electrical contacts, and the resistance should be 9 - 10 ohms at about 73 degrees F, (23 degrees C)

Hope that helps

Kind regards
Dave

 

I know some 318 (i think late 1985 models) have an idle stabalization relay. Thats also worth a look as I have had a couple of engine management problems that have always been traced back to certain relays.

 

i have the same problem the car goes revin itself and idles... what happen to my is the air filter boot or hose .. i got a new one and it works pretti good not but best is to change the air filter too... thats my opinion im not shure but try it out esp to the ppl wit the cut on teh air filter hose. 1986 bmw 325e

 

I have the same problem with my 87 325i... I also heard that there is another sensor/switch that goes hand and hand with the ICV. It is located underneath the dash somewhere.... Does anyone know anything about this? I heard it from a very reputable source. Who knows...

 

I also have the same problem on my '91 318is. However, it is not a constant thing. It happens if I do a cold start SOMETIMES. I do alot of driving in a day (usually 60 miles) and it happens sometimes when I come to a stop after being on the highways for 30 minutes. That leads me to believe that it is something else besides a crack somewhere. Is this incorrect?