idle

[MikeE30325i]

i recently started my 86 325es for the first time in two years and when i start it, though it starts pretty promptly. the rpm's immediately drop down to around 650~ or so. even when the engine is cold. is this bad? if i start it and just let it sit without touching the accelerator it idles smoothly, but as soon as i jump it up to above 1000 rpm's it reidles back down to 650~ and it gets rougher, like the car is shaking to a degree.

also, after around 20 minutes of driving around in 100 degree weather i park the car and i can put my hand right onthe intake and it isnt very hot. i can put my hand on the valve cover and it is warm to the touch, but i can leave my hand on there for around 5 seconds then it gets too hot. and i can pour water onto the header and it will immediately boil away. is all this normal, temperature wise? this is my biggest worry with the car that it is being too hot. the temp gauge rises steadily until right before the half-way dash in the gauge. is this normal operating temperature?

and a few other questions

what goes in this multiple holed socket right near the throttle body?


and the previous owners did a lot of fucking around with this car and i dont think they knew what they were doing.

is this an average appropriate depth for the idle control valve?

thanks
Mike

[moloc325]

the socket is where you plug in the service reset tool....it resets the si board (the green, yellow and red lites at the bottom of guage cluster) so you know when to change your oil and service the engine...

[DoriftuEvo]

Your temperature indications sound quite normal. Half way point on the gauge should be operating temperature.

[MikeE30325i]

thanks again.

[Garageaholic]

Yeah, i've had a 325es. pretty normal.

[MikeE30325i]

Yeah, i've had a 325es. pretty normal.

awesome. so i guess everything checks out on the car. awesome. thanks a lot