E30 Idle Control Fix for 5 Cents

In this video I show how to fix a failed ICV for a nickel. My ICV was actually good but the green ICV control box in the glove box was bad. I didn't want to chase down a replacement since I had plans to swap the engine out at some point. I believe this DIY hack may work on m20 cars as well. How this helps. let me know in the comments if my intro sucks. lol

[@davidc6377]

Dude thank you for much for passing that info. Im having the same problem with my E30, Cant wait to get home and give it try. Cool Ride.

[@TwistedGripGarage]

Sorry for the crappy video. I need to do a little better but I was hoping to help at least 1 person. Lol. Thanks!

[@PanopticWorldWide]

I want to see this video shared on the realmechanics youtube channel so they can dissect what's wrong with this advice. I assume they will say something to the effect of 'This "fix" clearly shows that under normal operation the intake has more inflow of air than the computer can account for, creating a lean condition known as a ""vacuum leak"". The $.05 kludge in this video ignores the actual problem of vacuum leaks in the intake and restricts airflow to the idle valve instead. Now the total amount of air intake is reduced which compensates (kind of) for the vacuum leak.. Just fix the vacuum leak & avoid sucking spare change into your engine. Smoke generator kits work flawlessly to find vacuum leaks & are sub-$100 on amazon!

[@bnosrati]

Thank you. Good to know. Mine is 1987 325es. Hope I can use your approach.

[@p51dgp91]

My 323i was idling at 1800 rpm hot or cold and tried this method but only made a slight improvement. I ended up putting a disc of metal in the pipe with no hole at all, result…..idles at 7-800 rpm cold and 900 rpm warm. 😉

[@TwistedGripGarage]

Nice.

[@hessianhillbilly]

Hi. Interesting trick. I noticed the steering wheel in your car seems to have a comfortable angle. Do you have a vid for how you did that? Thanks.

[@TwistedGripGarage]

Unfortunately, I do not. I haven't actually modified anything with the steering wheel. My seats are mounted using some custom made brackets. That puts them lower. My steering wheel and seat setup is very comfortable. Let me know if you want a video on the seat brackets.

[@Rockelement]

Was the high idle when you had the car in drive as well or just in P and N. I have a e23 m30 engine which idles high in cold start. They goes normal.. Dont know if I should do anything about it or just let it be. Any suggestions?

[@TwistedGripGarage]

This is a manual trans car. I think autos would idle a bit high in P and drop when you shift to D

[@Rockelement]

@@TwistedGripGarage Thanks. Yeah, mine is a auto so maybe that is why. Would it be a good idea to clean the idle air control valve just to check if it makes it better?

[@TwistedGripGarage]

Yes, you can clean them with carb/intake cleaner.

[@eSchlumpberger]

Bypass for bad valve. Best bet replace intake with itb’s.

[@aniluzun2321]

I cleaned it’s working but when i drive little bit after its not going back 1000/1200 rpm how can i fix

[@TwistedGripGarage]

Try the nickel with a hole in it. Start with 1/4 inch then work your way up to bigger sizes until you get the desired idle.