E30 Zone

Hello All,
I hope that you might be able to point me in the right direction here. My 318i Auto (1988 year) is idling rough and is not a good starter from cold (sometimes it starts first time, sometimes not). It also sometimes(rarely) feels that it is trying to cut out when running.

I have replaced the battery, air filter, plugs, distributor cap etc and still no joy. I think the plug leads are also ok, and was wondering if this was a common problem and whether it might be the ECU at fault.

All comments or advice on things to check most useful.
thanks
Mark

hi there, I had some problems recently with my 318i running rough and I suspected it was due to the distributor cap / HT leads etc but it turned out to be to do with my throttle body. Check all pipes attached to the throttle body and check for splits or if any have become detached. I also had to adjust my throttle body switch mechanism as it was idling a bit low before.

If this helps here was my post

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

Thanks, I'll have a look at the weekend, do you have a photo of the where to find the switch as I haven't got a workshop manual for this yet, as i've just bought the car. Guess I now know why i got it cheap, i thought one with mint bodywork was too good,

I can't access your link, it just says restricted access??

cheers
Mark

Mark, have a look a the hose from the air flow meter to the inlet manifold, then can split and draw in unmeasured air. Also have a look a the blanking plug on the throttle body (small black rubber hose with end sealed) they can split on the sides and draw air in aswell. Air leak = rough/poor idle.

If all is well on both those points M40 engines also suffer badly with air leaks from tired inlet manifold gaskets. With the engine running spray some wd40 or brake cleaner along the inlet manifold gaskets to the head and see if the revs "pick up" if so new gaskets required.

Good luck, enjoy the car.

Darren.

Thanks, Does anyone have a pic of a 318i engine showing where the different bits are (ICV, throttle body, blue temp sensor)???

sorry for being a duggie

Thanks
Mark

ok, today I have taken the ICV and mass air flow meter off, cleaned up with choke and carb cleaner and checked all hoses for leaks (non found). Falppy bit seems to be free enough.
I don't have a muilti meter so not check that bit yet, but it looks like I might have to change the ICV and/or mass air flow meter.

Any other ideas of things to check first, as i'm a bit skint.

thanks
Mark

318i auto