'95 M42 Erratic Starting Issues
 

I've been experiencing an issue on my 1995 318ti (M42 1.8 liter) that has me baffled - it sometimes won't start. It seems to occur randomly, as I can't identify any factors that are constant when it gives me trouble. I end up needing to rev the engine over and over for 10 - 15 seconds before I can get it idling, and sometimes even that doesn't work. The frustrating part is that I'll come back to it later that day or the next day and it'll start with no issues, although the idle sometimes dips pretty low after it starts. Beside some erratic spikes in idling RPM's when I roll up to stop lights, I haven't experienced any other engine trouble.

I recently replaced the spark plugs hoping that they were the cause of the issue but that didn't seem to fix anything. I've also recently replaced the air filter. The engine has 147k miles on it and it performs well when I'm not experiencing these issues. My gas mileage appears to be normal as well. I've scoured through these forums for a solution but I can't find anybody whose issues are similar to mine.

What are your thoughts?

Sounds like you need to clean your Idle Control Valve.

Yeah I would start with the ICV. Unplug it and see if you have any issues starting the car.

Cool, seems straightforward enough. I'll give it a shot and report back with my results.

Thanks for the quick replies, this is a fantastic community:smile:

Where exactly is the ICV?
I should know this... LoL

On a M42 engine, its between the upper and lower intake. When you remove the upper intake, you will see it cradled in the lower intake. Its easy to take it out and clean it.
On the M44 its a different design attached to the front of the upper intake.
I think I have seen cleaning DIY's for both types in the knowledge base.

Edit... Links added.
M42 ICV Cleaning
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=454501

M44 ICV Cleaning
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...+control+valve

If this does not fix your problem... look into the Crank Vent Valve

Hmmm... No intake manifold on my car.
Dasc. I'll check out realoem I guess

Marko- on the m44 it is attached to the throttle body just next to where the TPS sensor is.

Look at this thread- http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...php?p=13444664 post #21.

Got it.
Thanks dude!