318i flat spot

[muggins]

Hi All
New to this forum, but recently bought a 1988 318i with M40 engine (120K), and really enjoyed it.
I have technical issue that I could do with some seasoned advice though?
From cold the car starts well, ticks over well, but there is a nasty flat spot at almost the lowest point in the rev range. It can cause those embarrasing off the line skips,as the revs die and then pick up. Puts me in mind of air leaky carbs in the days before injection, and it can be a bit of a challenge drive it smoothly and slowly. No such issues when the foot is heavy, even though engine looks standard.
Any advice gratefully accepted

[sihooker]

Hello muggins!
Has it been serviced recently?

[muggins]

Hi sihooker
Not that this means much but its got fresh clear oil, a shiny filter, and new air filter. Its also very clean under the bonnet, in a very fussy sort of way. I guess the previous owner was quite fastideous with a heavy foot and deep fuel pockets, but servicing does look regular, its just in really good nick.
Cheers
M

[robsy]

number of things - but the main are:

1)check your dizzy and rotor arm - some people have not changed these since new as they need to be bolted off

2)check air box, cleaness of the filter and check pipes for leaks - some of the pipes deteriate and cause air leaks.

3) check throttle cable on the engine side - check for looseness as the clip which holds it can sometimes be missing

if still not found the problem - check your leads and plugs one by one..