High idle once warm

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  • BrownHausE30
    Noobie
    • Jul 2025
    • 6

    #1

    High idle once warm

    First time posting, long time reader!

    I have a 325i convertible 1986, owned it for 10 years and love it when it runs right

    over the last year I have been chasing a high idle issue, when the car warms and I’ve driven it for more then 30 minutes the idle will sit at 1500rpm

    the list of things replaced it’s as follows
    -new idle control valve
    -rebuilt TB with new seals
    -checked and calibrated AFM
    -ECU tested by injectronics (Australian ecu repairer)
    -New rocker cover with gasket and D seals
    -Fuel system rebuild after tank went rusty (new pumps, injectors, reg, filter and lines as well as tank)
    -New intake boot
    -New intake manifold gaskets
    -Converted TPS from 6 to 3 pin and installed new TPS

    I’ve also tried blocking off the booster line when the issue occurs with no change

    any suggestions are welcome, I am starting to think I have a faulty wiring harness as I’m at a loss to what it might be

    (just quickly, I own a workshop and specialise in VAG cars, this old girl is testing me big time)
  • tomstin
    E30 Addict
    • Mar 2015
    • 541

    #2
    A few thoughts, there is a harness connector under the intake manifold that tends to corrode over time. Unplug that and make sure all the pins are clean. Next, I have more experience with the E model, but check the various temperature sensors are reporting resistance back to the ECU correctly. There is a good write up for the E model, not sure on the I models.
    2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

    Comment

    • BrownHausE30
      Noobie
      • Jul 2025
      • 6

      #3
      Thanks tomstin, I’ll look for that connector

      I have also replaced the temp sensor but thank you for the suggestion

      Comment

      • 82eye
        E30 Mastermind
        • Jan 2009
        • 1847

        #4
        have you done a smoke test on a warm engine?

        Comment

        • It's Soda Not Pop
          E30 Modder
          • Jan 2022
          • 853

          #5
          The new ICV is it Bosch (OEM) or knock off brand? If so they can cause issues. I have ran into this problem.

          88' Seta 2.7i Zinno

          https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...430-my-88-seta

          Comment

          • BrownHausE30
            Noobie
            • Jul 2025
            • 6

            #6
            Originally posted by 82eye
            have you done a smoke test on a warm engine?
            I did previously hence the new rocker cover gasket and D seals

            Comment

            • BrownHausE30
              Noobie
              • Jul 2025
              • 6

              #7
              Originally posted by It's Soda Not Pop
              The new ICV is it Bosch (OEM) or knock off brand? If so they can cause issues. I have ran into this problem.
              it was a Bosch part, sure I purchased it through FCP

              Comment

              • It's Soda Not Pop
                E30 Modder
                • Jan 2022
                • 853

                #8

                88' Seta 2.7i Zinno

                https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...430-my-88-seta

                Comment

                • BrownHausE30
                  Noobie
                  • Jul 2025
                  • 6

                  #9
                  Update

                  found my ICV connector pins to be spreading when warm causing the erratic idle, squeezed the pins back together and stabilised idle significantly​

                  Comment

                  • BrownHausE30
                    Noobie
                    • Jul 2025
                    • 6

                    #10
                    Just went on a extended road test, issue resolved

                    might look into getting a new wiring harness made up

                    Comment

                    • packratbimmer
                      E30 Fanatic
                      • Dec 2009
                      • 1329

                      #11
                      Can you hear an audible click at the throttle switch when returning the throttle to rest? The 325i really enjoys having the throttle plate and switch adjusted properly.

                      Comment

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