Re: <E28> Idle Control Valve

[EAB Jr <wyavdayx@xxxxxxxxx>]

Tony:

The symptoms you describe are classic for a faulty or crudded-up idle
control valve.  I have an '86 528e that exhibited the exact same
problem.

Cleaning the valve is quite easy.  You can remove the valve from the
car by disconnecting the electrical connector and the rubber hose
attachments.  If memory serves there's also a mounting bracket that
you'll have to disconnect.  Once you have the valve out of the car,
simply spray some WD40 spray liberally into the guts of the valve, and
by shaking the  valve back and forth (be gentle!) you can tell if the
plunger has loosened up.  I would also suggest applying 12 volts to
the terminals of the valve (I assume you have the 2-wire valve, not
the three wire) -- you should be able to hear the plunger moving with
a nice solid "thunk."  You may want to refer to your Bentley manual
for a few more details on the location of the valve.  I also have some
info on this at my web site: http://home.att.net/~ebaines/528e.htm

- -Chip Baines
 BMW CCA
 '86 528e
 '97 328iC 

>I have an erratic idle on my '85 528 - it changes from 1,000 to 2,000
rpm,
>rhythmically.  When I tap the idle control valve with my hand, the idle
>settles to 750 rpm.  The valve was replaced about a year ago due to the
same
>problem.  I use to have my mechanic clean the idle control valve, which
>helped.  Can anyone give me instructions/tips on cleaning the valve
myself?
>
>tabrams@domain.elided









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