idle problems

[Speedy Gonzales]

Guys I have a problem.

Whilst driving back from work i was stuck in traffic. But within 10 minutes of crawling in the traffic my car suddenly cut-out. So i turned the ignition on again and it started up fine but immediately when the revs settled, the idle gauge went below 1000rpm and at a steady decline went to zero and so the engine cut out again. I did this two times and then it seemed to be fixed.
However, for the remainder of the journey i am hearing a knocking sound from the engine at low revs (sounds like a diesel engine).

What can all this be due too? Have i got a problem with the idle speed valve or have i got something wrog with the pistons?

Thank you.

I must add that I do have a problem with setting off in 1st gear (stutters and jerks) which is probably down to the flywheel....could this be linked to the new problem.

Cheers :thumbup:

[bimmer dot info]

Idle valve or a problem with the ignition. Check plugs, wires an coils.

[zachiepie]

Mine was doing that, turned out to be a whole computer issue. Lets hope your plugs are just dirty!

[Pirate_copy]

I vote for the ICV mate. Dont worry about your pistons unless you are having serious performance issues :)

Check all that Bimmer_dot_info mentioned though!

[Andycapps]

Could be a number of things. Lets hope its not your computer. But start with the easier things first. My car wanted to cut out and die on me when the breather hose on the bottom of the intake boot was cracked pretty bad and kept coming off. Do a visual inspection check the intake boot/hoses for cracking. Check the ICV and clean it if you havent done that yet. Then go ahead and Check the spark plugs out. It wouldnt hurt to go ahead and replace them since your'e gonna have them out anyways and since they're relatively cheap. It could also be a fuel issue or the actual computer acting up, but start out with the simple things first.