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A friend has an e36 that wont maintain idle.
The car is driveable but coughs and stops when idling.
I've checked the air box and boot and they are in good condition - no leaks. I think spark and fuel distribution is fine too as there is no missing when the car revs.
Would anyone know what could be causing the issue? IAC valve?
I had the same problem with my car last year, problem only occurred when idling and not while driving. This is why I immediately suspected the IAC.
Removing and cleaning the IAC did the trick for me.
Hope this will help you.
You can actually insert programming scripts into your ECU. Palmer Performance has a variety of adapters and computer software. I know they have some kind of script library, or you could try replacing the computer. Have someone check your distributor. If it's throwing check engine codes, take off your valve cover and tighten the studs with a breaker bar but be easy. It only take about 60 lbs. on each stud but if they're rusted ur gonna have to break it loose first. Then I would look at smaller things, learn how to check the valve clearance with a feeler gauge, you'll need your engine specs to, and some knowledge on the firing order. If you want to do a head gasket you better have lots of tools and possibly a week to work on it, and about 500 bucks in case you break your knock sensor and have to pay a mechanic to finish the job for you.
