1985 BMW 318i Will Not Idle Properly (HELP!)

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jjnorth06@yahoo.com - 20 Feb 2006 04:33 GMT

I recently aquired a 1985 BMW 318i. It will not idle properly. When
the engine is not in gear and moving, the engine will jump constantly
between 900 and 1100 RPMs while idling. Everything else seems to be
running properly. Someone told me that the idle control unit needs to
be replaced. Do you think this correct? I have heard that there is an
idle control valve; this is not the problem? I cannot locate the idle
control unit. Someone told me that it is located in-between the glove
box and dash, but I can't find it. Will someone provide me with
detailed instructions or a diagram? I cannot afford a mechanic and am
not savvy with cars. I cannot afford a manual, but wonder whether or
not this information is
provided in the Bentley manual.

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Scott Dorsey - 20 Feb 2006 15:01 GMT

>I recently aquired a 1985 BMW 318i. It will not idle properly. When
>the engine is not in gear and moving, the engine will jump constantly
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>not this information is
>provided in the Bentley manual.

I think perhaps this is not the car for you. If you cannot afford a
mechanic and are not savvy with cars, this is most definitely not a car
you want to have.

But I will suggest that it _could_ be the throttle position sensor, but
that it probably isn't. It's much more likely to be the airflow sensor.
But it could be all kinds of things, including the fuel injection
computer. Do you know someone with a parts car that you can use to swap
some stuff out? Start with the mass airflow sensor.
--scott

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"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

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