air flow sensor HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!

[bmw e36 328ic]

hi, i have a 1997 328i vert that recently was idling very badly and at start up i would have to step on the x just to keep the rpm up and the car from dying on me. i plugged in my computer and it gave me the code for the air flow sensor this is a 300+ dollar part from the stealership. long story short i bought a new one and the car does the same thing what do you guys think the problem can be please help!!!

[PJBIMMER]

Did you try cleaning it 1st? you can buy air flow sensor cleaning spray at an auto parts store. unplug it and take it off the car, then spray it.......see if that helps...

[bmw e36 328ic]

i tried a brand new air flow sensor and it does the same thing as the old one its an electrical part so its like i just gave away money to the stealership cause they dont take refunds on them i will try the cleaner any other suggestions is highly appreciated thanks alot for the suggestion

[PJBIMMER]

Well the next suggestion would be cleaning the ICV valve, it does have something to do with the idle circuit, there was a thread that Pirate_copy did.

[bmw e36 328ic]

thanks for your input

[jasonf860]

how about this??
A bad connection to the K6300 engine control relay! The relay socket was not holding
the #87 power output terminal correctly. This relay powers the idle control valve, Vanos,
the O2 sensor heaters, air flow sensor, fuel pump relay, and a few other items. I'm really
surprised the car would start at all. I found the problem by checking the voltages at the idle
control connector.
Found it on the web...

[bmw e36 328ic]

is this something i can fix myself or i have to take it somewhere? if you can give me a very detailed explanation of where that is located it would be helpful

[bmw e36 328ic]

bump!

[gaspain]

have you cleaned your idle control(ICV) valve lately?

[im]

check for vacuum leaks...look at the boot/tube that goes from air cleaner to motor..look at all the hoses that are between air cleaner and motor... look at any little hose in this area for a leak...check center topside behind the engine and firewall/cabin..feel the hoses are there any really soft grease coated ones.(on a 97 very highly likely there is a bad hose) top back behind the engine...does your 97 328 have a hose that goes from the passenger side valve cover that runs along the back of the engine and then pops up on the drivers side ? any hose that is attached to the valve covers should be checked.. my money would be on any hose that begins or ends with the valve cover..about $10 for a universal hose and 2 clamps at auto part....check the rubber ring on the oil dip stick (rare)..i had a leak that drove me crazy on a 96 318..poor idle/vibration/almost cut-out was ready to spend same $$$ ...cheap hose that ran from valve cover around the back looked OK to the eye but when i touched it ..the hose was paper thin and cracked badly...vacuum hoses dissolve/melt from the inside due to gases and oil..to the eye they look ok but in reality when you squeeze them they will fall apart..

[c1cer0]

'im', I'm having a similar issue (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212267) so thanks for the great info.

jasonf860 - does the K6300 relay you refer to also control the beeping of the central locking as well? Would there be any reason this could happen only when the engine is warm and not cold, as this is how mine is at the moment, but also with loss of power and the revs take a long time to pick up, even when in neutral. The beeping of the central locking no longer beeped when the engine did as described yesterday when warm, but worked fine (as did the engine) when cool again 3hrs later.

'bmw e36 328ic' I'll let you know how I fix this when I finally manage do if you'd like as the stall side of my issues appear similar to yours.

[DazMac]

Like Gaspain said ICV, I recently looked at 325i in a garage and when it was started for me the rpm was going up and down like a yoyo, the dealer explained that the ICV or Idle Control Valve had gone and they were waiting for the part which would be fitted before i handed over my hard earned readies! Might be worth a shot? Apparantly an inexpensive part!

Hope This Helps? :thumbup: