Im thinking about throwing the towel in.

[smithy318i]

I cant seem to fix my poor idle and high emisions and Im thinking of getting another car.

what do you suggest I get ?

E46 looks nice.

[HairyScreech]

a 325i

[Brianmoooore]

I cant seem to fix my poor idle and high emisions

The best plan would be to let someone look at it who can! These are not complicated engines, and there's only a very limited number of things that can be the problem.

[Jesus325iTouring]

Have you had the Co2 levels checked? Mine was running like a sack sh1t and was pumping seriously noxious fumes,a quick of check of the levels by a garage with one of them probes up the exhaust,followed by a bit of adjustment on a screw in the inlet manifold and she was sweet as a nut Only cost a fiver too!

[johnna]

Don't do it Graham.
Those are minor problems on a top car.
e30 prices are in the doldrums, so you'd not get a fair price for it.

[swindy]

As saif before, get someone to look at it, must be cheaper than a new motor, and wouldnt you kick yourself if it turned out to be something cheap?

[bmwe30mtech]

I could never sort my idle on my 1.8 either, so just adjusted the dead stop screw on the bulk head. problem solved.

If your car is badly rusted also (?), I would say its not worth it. If its solid, try and fix!

I was also tempted by the e46 recently. Bought a 325i E30 instead. In all honestly i dont know how long it will keep me away from something more modern either .

[Jon_Bmw]

Have you done a compression test smithy?

[smithy318i]

Have you done a compression test smithy?

I got a loan of a guage so I'll be doing that today.

Will post results.

[smithy318i]

Compression test results

Cylinder 1 = 14 bar
Cylinder 2 = 14 bar
Cylinder 3 = 14 bar
Cylinder 4 = 14 bar

I also got some readings off a Gunsons gastester

830 RPM
1.06 CO
13.3 Volts

[Alyman]

The poor idle on my 318i was doing my head in for ages.

I tried loads of stuff - changed the TB and TPS, the airbox and meter, idle control valve, inlet manifold gaskets, blue temp sensor. When I changed the blue temp sensor, it came out bone dry which I thought was odd.

Just after that, my radiator blew. When I removed it it was absolutely knackered beyond belief (looked fine when fitted, but the front was a real mess). I drained the system and put in a new radiator and was very careful when refilling the coolant to make sure there was no chance of an air lock.

My theory is that there was a block in the radiator or an air lock that meant that the sensor was always reading the temp of the air instead of the coolant. My idle has been steady as a rock ever since. I know that it is sickening when it's not idling correctly, but it's well worth persevering - the feeling you get when you finally crack it is great, and it becomes a pleasure to turn the key and hear it fire up and stay level!

[kuSt]

you prob wouldn't need to bother with a mechanic, but just in case, there's this place called Auto Bavaria in newcastle. he seemed to know his stuff regarding emmissions (my car was failing on emmissions and he sorted it), £35 an hour though.

hope you get it sorted...maybe there should be a new medical term...e30 depression (follows e30 paranoia + e30 anxiety)

aah, interesting, my radiators just gone, maybe a new one will solve my crap arse idling too!

[e30bmlover]

no one likes a quitter! get the car to someone who knows there shit!

[E30BeemerLad]

wanna buy a soarer?

[Morat]

I think most of us have had that sinking feeling at some point. The weird thing is that the solution is never that far away on an E30 because they're pretty simple old things and all the parts are available from scrapyards or the zone. Then once you've got it sorted, you'll feel so proud of the car and proud of yourself.
Go give her a good wash and wax while you're thinking it over!

[adamS]

you prob wouldn't need to bother with a mechanic, but just in case, there's this place called Auto Bavaria in newcastle. he seemed to know his stuff regarding emmissions (my car was failing on emmissions and he sorted it), £35 an hour though.

hope you get it sorted...maybe there should be a new medical term...e30 depression (follows e30 paranoia + e30 anxiety)

aah, interesting, my radiators just gone, maybe a new one will solve my crap arse idling too!

George is a legend!