idle problem

hey i have 1996 bmw m3 i have a really bad idle this is my first bmw and i'm not sure were to start can someone help me out?

Please when you post provide as much information as you can.
Bad idle means what?
Idle is too high, idle goes up and down
Idle is too low?
See what I mean?

Typically on our M3 the bad idle is caused by:
Idle control valve dirty or shot, typically they get dirty and can be cleaned with teflon safe throttle body cleaner
You have a crack in the boot from the MAP to the throttle body allowing unmetere air to enter
Other vacuum leak caused by a bad hose (could be the one from the boot to the idle control valve)

I would check those.
If you don't know what I am talking about take a look at bmwfans.com or realoem.com and see the exploded views there to locate the parts I mentioned.

More info really helps locate your issue...