Hey guys,

I have an 04 530i, 6 spd manual, K&N air filter, 37,xxx miles.

I changed the spark plugs yesterday hoping that the idle would improve it but seems to be the same. The RPM gauge goes up and down a 100 or so RPMs while I am in neutral at a light. Is there anything that I can do to fix this? It is not terrible but annoying!

Thanks!

Jarek

 

I just noticed a similar issue on my 07 530xi. I'm bringing it to the dealer for service on Thursday (oil change, brake flush), and I'm having them look at it. My service advisor said it could quite possibly be a valve issue of some sort, which he said he has heard of before causing Idle fluctuations in the N52. I'm not sure if its the same deal for your engine, because it is a different one. I'll let you know what they say.

 

I wonder if it could be the MAF....

 

Try cleaning your MAF sensor, and run some Chevron Techron fuel additive through your tank. That's wat BMW uses as their fuel additive ad just rebrands it. Then give her the good ol' Italian tune up. Run her hard through an entire tank with the fuel additive in it. Red-line the car a lot and stay in lower gears and keep the RPM a little higher. That should help the additive shoot out some of the carbon build up. What fuel do you use? Brand/Octane Rating?

 

Always use premium (93 octane), will try the Techron....

Jarek

 

That's good, yea try the techron and just run her a little hard

 

+1

Clean the MAF. Search for the numerous threads about it.

 

I had the same problem about a year ago. Took it to the dealer and they determined it was the engine idle sensor. They replaced it under warranty and now it idles smoothly when I'm stopped at a light.

 

Would that be the same as Idle Control Valve? I am out of warranty, did you see how much the sensor costs?

Jarek