Member
Hey everyone, we all know idle control valves for eta E30's are no longer available to purchase brand new. (The L shaped ones) And you wouldn't want to buy one anyways, they're listed for over $400. My E30 is currently chugging along with the penny trick as I'm sure many of yours are too. My idle control valve just recently died. I purchased a used one from eBay which to no surprise was a broken one too. We know we can't use a late model idle control valve because the late model idle control valves have a 3 pin connection and the eta cars have a 2 pin connection. So, I've been researching other vehicles that are using idle control valves with 2 pin connections that are still in production and not super expensive. I came across this one for certain VW's made around the model year of 1993-1999. Specifically Golfs, Jettas, and Passats all with the 2.0L engines. This idle control valve is has a 2 pin connection, is "L" shaped, affordable, and still in production. The reason I'm posting this forum is to ask you E30 electrical gurus if this would even work. Would our Idle Control Modules and ECU's even get a reading from the VW one? In my eyes this would work as long as you have an idle adjustment screw on the valve its self. Basically stop me before I spend $150 and waste my time attempting this. I know it's definitely worth a try in my book if you guys see it that way too. No one else seems to care enough to create an aftermarket idle control valve for us guys that actually work. That eBay one is horrible as I've heard from everybody to ever try it. Thanks for reading and please give your input. The part number for the VW idle control valve is 037906457E
Member
This maybe of some help. My brother has an Alfa GTV 6 and it has the same vintage Bosch fuel injection. he gave up on the idle control valve ( my old 86 e one) and went to a “manual” system, which I not suggesting, but you may want to check out some Alfa forums for ideas. I have an 86e and dumped the injection system for Motonic 1.3 about 5 years ago and haven’t looked back.
Last edited by PEZ2; 11-28-2022 at 06:16 PM.
Member
Will this work?:
https://www.amazon.com/Control-Valve...NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Member
I'm not sure if that one will work. The only way I can see it working is if it has a 2 pin connector. Doing this whole thing would be extremely easy. The "hard part" of it would be swapping the current ICV plug from the 2 pol style to a Bosch EV1 style plug.
Member
I know this is an old thread but I am still chasing idle issues with my 84 325e. Its either the control module and/or the ICV. The early cars had the 2 wire valves that, if you find one new are $$$$. Early Mercedes used a similar looking ICV that physically appear the same. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BRPMXWS...v_ov_lig_dp_it. Anyone ever try one? I may get one to try out to see if it makes a difference.
Member
I noticed that the other day as well, the Mercedes ones look exactly the same. I also learned that some old Mercedes Benz cars used idle control modules with the same connector that plug into ours. Idk, give it a try and definitely let us know how it works. They’re probably the same valve produced by the same company just with a different sticker on it.. they all have an adjustment screw and work the same way. The only reason I haven’t tried it yet is because I’m lazy and have been busy with other projects. Good luck, LET US KNOW PLEASE!
paper mechanic
it can't be that hard to get a connector and just wire it in as a pigtail.
Member
The two connector uses a spring for return the 3 wire use multiple solenoids and thus need a control signal. Not sure it is that simple.
Last edited by DanZ3; 03-21-2023 at 08:03 PM. Reason: Wrong wording
paper mechanic
Originally Posted by DanZ3
i think they were discussing 2-wire icv's. the e uses a 2 wire, there are few that are still out there.
Member
Got that. I was just responding tot he comment of adding a new connector. It's my eta that is having the issues.
Member
Oops sorry, I guess I should’ve made more clear what I was talking about. I was referring to the 12 pin plug next to the ECU that plugs into the ICM. Old Mercedes cars also have that, I was just comparing how similar the idle system is in the 325e to like the 560SEL.
Member
No problem
Old Guy
BMW CCA MemberAt least in '86, the 528e also used the 2-wire version.
"Howdy, Folks!"
1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
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Member
Any update on the Merc ICV? I have a similar issues with an m10 318i I bought a week ago. Still have to check idle relays though.
paper mechanic
you don't have anything close to what they are talking about. your car has an air slide valve, also called an aux air valve, not an icv. air slides are partly mechanical and work off engine temp.
Member
I will do more research about this. Youtube is misleading then and the Haynes manual are misleading.
paper mechanic
get a bentley manual. they are better. most things on youtube focus on the later cars. yours is an early model.
Member
Bought one of the MB ICVs from Amazon. It actually looks pretty nice. Will report back once I install and try.
Member
No go. Fits fine and the car runs but at high idle. 1500-1800 or so. Put old one back in and idles normal. Worth the try.
paper mechanic
does it have an adjustment screw ? you may be able to make it work.
look in to blue streak electronics. they refurb all kinds of automotive electrical and electronic parts. a member here had good luck with a ford branded afm from them. it was the same as original. they sell under a couple of names.
edit : holy crap - $1300 at rock auto
Member
There isn’t an external adjustment screw
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