devilsadvocate Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Hi I have owned my 325ci for about a month and the idle has always been low, probably 600rpm. It means I stall the car sometimes or end up putting on too much accelerator when pulling away. Its a pain when on a hill due to this. So far I have tried: Removing and cleaning the ICV, it was a little dirty but nothing major. Removing the MAF and using some electrical contract cleaner on it. Changing the air filter Checking for split induction hoses, all seem fine. There are no error codes or lights on the dash so I am not sure if taking it for a diagnostic will achieve anything? My thoughts next are: Replace fuel filter Replace spark plugs. After I cleaned the ICV, the idle seemed fine the first time I started it (800rpm) but then dropped back to 600 after a few seconds. It doesn't matter if the car is warm or cold, the idle is the same. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edges Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 I'm in same position as you, stall or over rev. 325ci too. I think it's a clutch fault as my old 330 revved about the same but no issues at all Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devilsadvocate Posted February 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 I think my clutch is the original, 89k miles. It doesn't slip at all but I did also wonder if it could be something to do with the clutch. It does feel a little 'springy' but having not owned an e46 before, I have nothing to compare with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edges Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 In mine, I think the springs have worn out in the centre plate, doesn't slip either but I'm pretty sure it's that. Just waiting for it to wear out before I change it lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cymro Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 My E46 has on two occasions in my ownership developed the low revs and stalling problem. On both occasions it was fixed by having the sump/air cleaner breather system stripped and cleaned out. Both times the problem was accompanied by occasional, short-lived smells of hot oil in the seating cabin. They ceased after the strip and clean. Cymro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Have you removed the CDV? Its a restricter that reduces the amount of fluid allowed through which slows down operation of the clutch. A lot of people (including myself) have removed it to improve pedal feel when pulling off. I think that idle figure sounds not far off normal when the engine is warm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirkynut Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Try an Italian Tune Up, ie: a jolly good thrashing. If it's as suggested above this may clear it out but I use the word "may". If not clean it out properly. If still an issue, look for a vacuum leak. Kirkynut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devils_advocate Posted February 4, 2016 Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 I have driven it some more and I'm not convinced it's the clutch, I'm sure it's the idle. If it's not in gear and I very slowly depress the gas pedal, it feels like there is a few millisecond of play before I see the revs go up at all, combine that with 600rpm at idle and I am sure that is the cause. Every other car I have owned has been very responsive when pressing the throttle but this feels like there is a delay or a lag before the revs start increasing. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
