IDLE PROBLEM E36 M44

[stef]

Hey guys and girls.

My 1999 318ti E36 M44 suddenly developed a funny idle problem this week. I looked through all the posts already on this topic but wondered if anyone has any other suggestions.

The car idles at just under 1000rpm, but when I'm sitting at traffic lights, it seems to drop off and stutter at around 500rpm-ish for a few seconds before coming back up to 1000rpm.

It gets very closing to cutting out, but just holds on.

I took out the ICV (or as real oem call it, the Idle Regulator Valve) and cleaned it as best I could with petrol and a small brush, but it seems quite flimsy inside and I didn't want to damage it.

No joy, same problem.

FYI, I had a full Inspection 2 service done just under a year ago by a BMW dealership, so all the plugs were changed then.

Could it still be worth changing plugs, or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[2ndBimmer]

Mine does that once in a while. More often when running the AC.

[stef]

I don't have air con in my car if that helps.

[tiFreak]

mine does that sometimes, I haven't worried about it since it hasn't actually stalled on me

[angel318ti]

camshaft positioning sensor............ maybe?

[stef]

hmm, tiFreak...I wouldn't be too concerned myself, but it happens all the time and I get the feeling it's only a matter of time before it cuts out.

It sounds nasty and the whole car shakes and rattles when it happens, I really need to get it fixed. I bought proper carbuerator cleaner today and will give the idel reglator valve another good clean tomorrow and report back.

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Originally Posted by stef

hmm, tiFreak...I wouldn't be too concerned myself, but it happens all the time and I get the feeling it's only a matter of time before it cuts out.

It sounds nasty and the whole car shakes and rattles when it happens, I really need to get it fixed. I bought proper carbuerator cleaner today and will give the idel reglator valve another good clean tomorrow and report back.

Clean and flush the ICV and make sure there is no crud in it. Lube with WD-40 and put back in. Disconnect battery for a few minutes (Don't forget to have your radio code if it's a OEM radio. Reconnect battery and take it out for a good drive. It should run like crap doing the same as before until the DME sets a new base-line for idle and fuel curve about 15 minutes or longer of driving. Good luck!

[sokat1989]

I wanted to clean my ICV. where exactly is it? any body have a DIY or any pics of what it looks like?