’89 316i idling problems

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Hi All, 
Recently bought a 316i (1989), in near perfect condition, except it seems to idle really erratically. The rev counter moves from about 400 to 700 rpm when it's idling (i don't know how accurate this is though) and therefore if you leave it, it will eventually stall. 
Taken it to a couple of garages, but they all seem to have different ideas as to what's up.
Sorry this may seem like a pretty basic problem, but I'm just a girl, who needs a wee bit of advice
Thanks

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
amanda1812 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16-February-2006 Status: Offline Points: 2	Topic: ’89 316i idling problems Posted: 16-February-2006 at 07:21
	Hi All, Recently bought a 316i (1989), in near perfect condition, except it seems to idle really erratically. The rev counter moves from about 400 to 700 rpm when it's idling (i don't know how accurate this is though) and therefore if you leave it, it will eventually stall. Taken it to a couple of garages, but they all seem to have different ideas as to what's up. Sorry this may seem like a pretty basic problem, but I'm just a girl, who needs a wee bit of advice Thanks

Sponsored Links

neileg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 20-July-2004 Location: Northumberland Status: Offline Points: 638	Posted: 16-February-2006 at 07:55
	I'd suspect the idle control valve or the O2 sensor. Could be an air leak on the induction side. Have the garages put the car on a diagnostic tester?
	Cheers, Neil

amanda1812 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16-February-2006 Status: Offline Points: 2	Posted: 16-February-2006 at 08:07
	No they just had a look at it!! There is also a fuel smell, which disappears when the car is being driven but obvious when it is idling, i pointed out this to them as well...but as the car is quite old they don't seem particularly interested. Honestly, this car is spotless, body, interior and engine are all in pristine condition....so, I was totally shocked when one garage receptionist even suggested not even repairing the car as it would cost possibly �100 to repair...I couldn't believe it!! I just gave her a really dirty look and left... But anyway, in reply to your question, 3 mechanics have looked at it, scratched their heads then said they would change the idle control valve. I'm thinking about taking the car to a proper BMW garage, may cost quite a bit more but hopefully i'll get a proper diagnosis!

dirtybeemer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II 1996 P E39 523i se Joined: 29-January-2006 Status: Offline Points: 563	Posted: 16-February-2006 at 18:58
	Hi Amanda it could well be a straight forward fault but it is finding it the best way forward is going to a garage with diagnostic equipment and asking for a test to see if there are any faults recorded and take it from there. Edited by dirtybeemer

neileg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 20-July-2004 Location: Northumberland Status: Offline Points: 638	Posted: 17-February-2006 at 07:15
	What you really need is an independant BMW specialist. They tend to take older cars more seriously and they are usually a fair bit cheaper than the dealer.
	Cheers, Neil