Bob Smitter wrote:
> "bmwguy2" > wrote:
>
>>My car's idle is not stable (it fluctuates b/w 800-1800 RPM) and I was
>>told to replace the O2 sensor and it might fix the problem
>
>
> The E36 has a tendency to foul idle control valves. One that
> is not working correctly will cause an idle fluctuation. First you
> can try cleaning it by removing it and spraying well with throttle
> body/carburetor cleaner. If it is especially dirty and stuck you
> may have to replace it.
>
> I had a really fickle E36 which required both an idle control valve
> and an airflow meter to stabilize the idle. Just be sure you have
> checked all the vacuum areas first.
>

That's nice, but we are talking about a 1986 (see subject line) and
those are E30's (not E36's).

However, E30's do also have ICVs, which is why the idle goes up and down
when they have a vacuum leak.


--
-Fred W