316i problems....

[samy_tee]

before i start i just need to let you know that my car has done 170,000 miles. head gasket changed 1000 miles ago and cambelt changed 3000 miles ago also new ecu . ive had the car since 150, 000 miles and have not been taking her to the limit and i have been regually maintaining her but i have a couple of problems.

1.it sometimes idles at a higher speed than normal or maybe a lower speed than normal its totaly random

2 only when the engine is warm its a pain in the arse to start. takes 3-6 times to start her. almost sounds like its flooded. it only does this when ihave left the car for a couple of minutes (or longer)after turning her off. not imidiatly afterwards. but again this is quite intermitant. but it never ever does it when its cold, she starts first time.

3. i know they have got self adjusting tapets but its tapping. when im driving down the road and i go past a wall or something close to my window i can hear the sound from my engine. and it sounds horrific.

4. one more thing my temp gauge does not work

thanks for any help

[Brianmoooore]

1/ Idle control valve is probably worn and sticking. Try taking it off and cleaning out with carb cleaner.
2/Leaking injector possibly, but try a new blue temperature sender.
3/It's a M40. It's probably been doing this for half its 170,000 miles and is harmless. A different grade of oil may help, or make it worse.
4/ Pull the connector off the brown temp sender (under front of inlet manifold) and short the socket in the connector to earth with a short piece of wire. If the gauge goes to full hot, replace the sensor. If not, post again.