1100-1200 idle, cold idle probs

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

Hi, I've pretty much had this problem since I've got the bimmer. When the engine is cold, it starts very good, but has big trouble of keeping the idle up, barely not quitting. After I've driven for 2-3 mins it's just fine, but when in "D" and stopped, the idle is 900-1000, when in P or N idle is 1100-1200... wierd eh? The car pulls very strong, when cold has little hasitation... but I think it's normal.. needs vavle adjustment... Any ideas? I was thinking about coolant level sensor? maybe? Thanks for your help guys.

[BahnE30]

because there's a load on the engine when it's in drive, note you have to keep your foot on the brake to keep from moving...... the drop in RPM's while in gear is normal.....

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

but in the manual it says that in idle it should be around 800-900... mine is 1200
I know what youre saying, it just kinda high... what do you think about the cold idle though?

[chuckybob]

idle is how fast the engine is moving when in neutral. under load (in "d") the engine has more work to do, and so the idle speed drops. -e- (i need to learn to read).

[nando]

christ, an 1100-1200 rpm idle is NOT normal. just shut up if you have no idea what you are talking about..

[chuckybob]

bleh, my bad, i misread his post. the low idle when starting up may be due to a non-functioning cold start valve. is it hard to start when cold? the low idle when cold could also be the fuel system not providing extra fuel to the injectors during warm-up. the high idle when warm is probly due to your idle control valve being out of adjustment or your coolant temperature sensor malfunctioning.

if the coolant temperature sensor is broken, your fuel system is probly functioning ok during warm-up, and its something else. if the coolant temperature sensor is ok, its could be an electronics fault.