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      04-09-2014, 11:55 AM   #1
MR CROWN
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Idle Inquiry

Car: 08 e92 335i 6 speed
Mileage: 50K

Hello,

So I've done various searches on rough idle issues and most of the results I found when searching had to do with cold starts or generating some sort of light to come on. In my case, at idle either cold or warm, it just seems like the car has a slight rough idle however the RPMs remain at 600. The car still accelerates fine and I have not experienced any issues with the performance or have received any warning lights. Yesterday it was pretty warm outside about 80 degrees and while stopped at a light my RPM dipped down to 500 and started feeling rough. I immediately gave it a little throttle and the RPM returned back 600 and that was that.

Just purchased the car about a month ago from a dealer and based on the carfax, the car was brought in for maintenance regularly. I used Lucas injector cleaner 2 weeks ago and since I'm at 50k miles, I will be doing a spark plug change soon as well.

My question is if the n54 typically has a slightly rough idle? Or is this due to it needing the plugs to be changed?
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      04-09-2014, 12:30 PM   #2
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It's a nasty idle on these motors for sure. I wouldn't worry too much so long as there aren't any codes or serious issues. If it is really hunting that's one thing, but 50-100rpm movements don't seem all that out of the ordinary. It's a loud and gruff idle.
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      04-09-2014, 12:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 135Pats View Post
It's a nasty idle on these motors for sure. I wouldn't worry too much so long as there aren't any codes or serious issues. If it is really hunting that's one thing, but 50-100rpm movements don't seem all that out of the ordinary. It's a loud and gruff idle.

Thank you for the input!
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      04-09-2014, 12:48 PM   #4
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A slightly rough idle, meaning not 100% smooth and steady, is normal. If you haven't had your valves walnut-blasted, I would do that though. improves the idle greatly. IF that doesn't work, maybe a bad coil. But, unless it is very severe or causing codes I would not worry about it too much.
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      04-09-2014, 12:52 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mg4734 View Post
A slightly rough idle, meaning not 100% smooth and steady, is normal. If you haven't had your valves walnut-blasted, I would do that though. improves the idle greatly. IF that doesn't work, maybe a bad coil. But, unless it is very severe or causing codes I would not worry about it too much.
Thanks man. I figured as much based on the research I did but wanted to make sure. Since I'm at 50K, would it be best to do the plugs before walnut blasting the car? If I understand correctly, the plugs should be changed at 45k right?
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      04-09-2014, 01:22 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MR CROWN View Post
Thanks man. I figured as much based on the research I did but wanted to make sure. Since I'm at 50K, would it be best to do the plugs before walnut blasting the car? If I understand correctly, the plugs should be changed at 45k right?
At 50K, I'd do the walnut blast first. I had mine done around 75K and it was really nasty in there. Once the walnut blast is done, then you can go through and do plugs after.
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      04-09-2014, 01:33 PM   #7
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Walnut blasting helped me a great deal. I had it done at about 50k and it looked bad in there. It will hardly ever be a perfect idle but it'll definitely help.
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      04-09-2014, 02:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MR CROWN View Post
Thanks man. I figured as much based on the research I did but wanted to make sure. Since I'm at 50K, would it be best to do the plugs before walnut blasting the car? If I understand correctly, the plugs should be changed at 45k right?
I'd do both since plugs are not expensive. Can be done DIY for around $90 (which includes the socket, extension, and torque wrench). But the priority should be walnut blasting in terms of your idling issues. Are you stock? If you have a tune doing the plugs asap would be very smart
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      04-09-2014, 02:24 PM   #9
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Check me if I'm wrong but I believe walnut blasting only applies to turbocharged engines.

EDIT: Sorry, I was looking at the ZHP in your sig. So I'm not sure why all the talk about rough idle - never had any rough idle in mine whatsoever. Had mine walnut blasted at 120k miles, and my indy said the valves were the worst he'd ever seen, and he'd seen some bad ones . But the walnut blasting can make a significant difference in terms of smooth acceleration.
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      04-09-2014, 03:11 PM   #10
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Yeah I think it's normal as well, since my car does the same. It can be a temperamental beast sometimes, gives it character IMO.
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      04-09-2014, 03:24 PM   #11
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walnut blasting will really smooth out the idle and change your spark plugs also.
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      04-09-2014, 03:46 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mg4734 View Post
I'd do both since plugs are not expensive. Can be done DIY for around $90 (which includes the socket, extension, and torque wrench). But the priority should be walnut blasting in terms of your idling issues. Are you stock? If you have a tune doing the plugs asap would be very smart
I'm completely stock at the moment. WIll most likely pick up an intake soon and some aesthetic parts. My car will be driven 4-5 days out of the weeks so no plans for an extreme build here. Just want the car to be as reliable as possible.
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      04-09-2014, 03:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie1 View Post
walnut blasting will really smooth out the idle and change your spark plugs also.
Thanks. Will look into the walnut blasting cost. I saw a few threads for some places that do it here in Norcal. Anyone have a good experience with a particular shop in the bay area?
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