Revving idle

[tonytones]

Hi guys got my first E30 yesterday. Been such a blast so far.

I’ve beeen noticing a high idle what can be the issue? And do you think it’s a concern or normal?

Car info
1986 325e 146k miles
New tranny / clutch / timing belt / water pump

Today i changed the oil Castro 20w-50 and bmw oem sir filters
/ replaced some worn out and cracked vac lines

Can the idle be due to oil change? And the eco is tryina learn.
I believe P.O. used 10w-30 or 40 (saw Mobil 1 bottles in trunk. Mobil 1 does not offer 20w50)

I can also be paranoid and over reacting lmk your thoughts

Here is the link to vids
(Shot of engine)

https://youtu.be/zL5JrmUsnCA

(Idle in dash)

https://youtu.be/81nO57uZYus

[ak-]

My brother's 325e idles at the same spot and it's never been a problem - we kind of gave up looking for an answer. With the Dinan chip + 91 octane, it still passed smog without an issue too.

We tried all the online suggestions as well except for replacing some idle module near the glovebox. It's green in color.

[tonytones]

My brother's 325e idles at the same spot and it's never been a problem - we kind of gave up looking for an answer. With the Dinan chip + 91 octane, it still passed smog without an issue too.

We tried all the online suggestions as well except for replacing some idle module near the glovebox. It's green in color.

Yah it’s not bugging me, but this morning idling at 5-6
After a few hours out on and off driving in local busy traffic and also
Ioil change (20w50 i believe this is new to the engine) previous owner had 10w30 oil in trunk

• ⁠Re hose intake to ICV
• ⁠re hose engine to FPR

I wanna find out what i did wrong so i don do it again lol
+ i think I’m being paranoid because this is my first old car and I’m expecting it to run like a civic

[robby41]

the same thing happens with mine. 87 325e at cold will idle around 800rpm. then will jump up to pretty much exactly where yours idles but once it gets to opporateing temp. does the idle drop at any point in time when driving?
also running castrol 20w-50 and used to have mobil 1

[tonytones]

the same thing happens with mine. 87 325e at cold will idle around 800rpm. then will jump up to pretty much exactly where yours idles but once it gets to opporateing temp. does the idle drop at any point in time when driving?
also running castrol 20w-50 and used to have mobil 1

Hrm it used to drop during driving but now it’s consistently before 1k in red lights. And it’s not holding i hear a very slight surge.

It’s weird too because my temp gauge is a bit jumpy. When i tap the dash it went down to 800. Maybe the sensor is dirty

[wholepailofwater]

Check the actual throttle linkage. When I got my e30, someone adjusted the linkage tight so it would idle high. It was pulling on the throttle arm at idle. I think there should be a couple mm of play on the wire at idle.

JP

[tonytones]

Check the actual throttle linkage. When I got my e30, someone adjusted the linkage tight so it would idle high. It was pulling on the throttle arm at idle. I think there should be a couple mm of play on the wire at idle.

JP

There’s definiely some play in the link age I’m ale to wiggle it

[robby41]

i also have play in the linkage. tony has it had trouble starting. where it will crank for awhile then surge once started

[ELVA164]

It may be your communist Castro oil

[tonytones]

It may be your communist Castro oil

Im starting to think so as well..

yesterday morning and this morning (after about 10-12 hours of cooling engine) it took a considerable longer time to turn over than before.

I might just go back to 10W40. I live in los angeles so im not worried about a super cold start, but i hate hearing my engine gasping for air to start lol

[ELVA164]

Use Mobil 1 0W-40. I've done the research and it's great. You'll notice an obvious change in cold cranking, though maybe not as obvious in LA.

[robby41]

what that be suitable for 100+ degree weather though?

[cheffy30]

have you removed and cleaned your ICV?

[robby41]

icv, throttle body, afm every month and a half

[cscracker]

Check for vacuum leaks - they often cause hunting idle. Check all the rubber hoses on the intake, the vacuum lines, intake boot, the oil cap seal, valve cover gasket, vent hose, etc. Don't forget the oil dipstick. If it doesn't fit tight, replace the o-rings (or install some if yours doesn't have any).