idle rev Q - 91 E30 325i SE

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:42 pm

Just changed the battery after the frost killed the old one. Starts on the button now but the rev counter is now idleing at about 500 rather that 1000 as it was before and is stalling between the gears.

How do I fix this - I need to turn something up a bit don't I?

Also the engine oil light just came on, what grades do E30's need again?

Sorry for my lack of technical know-how

Cheers

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:47 pm

Razza, pretty sure the oil light on the dash is for oil pressure, not level of oil.
Don,t run your engine until someone a bit more clued up comes along to say i,m wrong.

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:51 pm

You need to follow the bedding in procedure which is after reconnecting the battery (you'll need to disconnect it again first!), allow the engine to idle for at least 10 minutes to enable the base idle settings to be learnt, then *switch off* the engine, then restart and go for a drive - about half an hour or so at all speeds to let the ECU relearn its settings.

Be aware it may feel a bit rough and spluttery until the settings have been relearnt.

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:53 pm

First what engine?

Second which oil light came on the one by the rear view mirror or the oil pressure light on the dash?

Assuming its an m20 the oil grade should be 5w40 as a best, but 10w40 will be ok.

If you disconected the battery the ECU will have "forgotten" how to idle correctly, the best cure is to take it for a damn good thrashing

but it can take a couple of days to settle right down. Sort the oil issue first.

This is where you say its a carbed 1.6

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:55 pm

Engine is in the thread title - '91 325iSE

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:56 pm

Sorry as speed touch says let it idle for 10 min before taking it out

I just like the thrashing bit

Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:58 pm

Engine is in the thread title - '91 325iSE

Just doing the zip up on me coat

Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:32 pm

Apologies if i unduly worried you Razza, i,ve got a thing about oil lights.

Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:44 pm

Apologies if i unduly worried you Razza, i,ve got a thing about oil lights.

No you are right this is the first thing that needs to be addressed

Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:16 pm

Cheers guys.

I've had the kids all day and a good few beers now so will get some oil in the morning and start her up as advised.

Its nice and wet here so the thrashing part should be fun

Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:18 pm

Disconnect the battery first and leave it for a few minutes while you top up the oil, to allow the ECU to fully reset itself...