Want your car to run good? -Go home tonight and clean this (ICV 540i v8)

[stlga1]

before I break anything, as I want to explore the engine, where is this part on my E39?

EDIT: found it and got it to work Thanks!!!

[Caveit77777]

Noob question but I have a 94 540i how do I get my engine cover off? Does it just pop off? Also does this DI apply to my car? Cause I don't want to go get some TB cleaner just to find out that I can't do it.

[jamesdc4]

Noob question but I have a 94 540i how do I get my engine cover off? Does it just pop off? Also does this DI apply to my car? Cause I don't want to go get some TB cleaner just to find out that I can't do it.

On the E39, there are four buttons on the top of the engine cover that need to be pressed down for removal. I'm not sure if it is the same for the E34. You have a better chance of getting an answer if you post this question in the correct forum (below).
1988 - 1996 (E34)

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Regards,

James

[deathwarden5]

Noob question but I have a 94 540i how do I get my engine cover off? Does it just pop off? Also does this DI apply to my car? Cause I don't want to go get some TB cleaner just to find out that I can't do it.

Your car will definately have a ICV. I dunno if it's in the same location.

[takemehigher]

so, ive been reading this thread for awhile now. i have a 1991 525i bmw, and i want to clean my ICV. ive been having idle problems and the car seems to be stuttering a lot. problem is i dont know where it is or how to get to it. here is a pic of my engine...anyone know where it is. i heard its under the intake manifold, if so, how do i get under there. ??

[jamesdc4]

so, ive been reading this thread for awhile now. i have a 1991 525i bmw, and i want to clean my ICV. ive been having idle problems and the car seems to be stuttering a lot. problem is i dont know where it is or how to get to it. here is a pic of my engine...anyone know where it is. i heard its under the intake manifold, if so, how do i get under there. ??

takemehigher,
You have an E34 with the M50. You might get more out of the M52 thread on this, but I would recommend asking the question in the E34 forum and using the M52 DIY if the ICVs are similar.
How to clean Idle Control Valve (ICV 52*i, 530i i6)

[takemehigher]

hey. thanks for the info. ive tried posting in multiple places, but i cant seem to find an answer. its just very difficult to get under the intake manifold, i dont even know where to look.

[ViolinARC]

2000 540i here and I don't seem to have one...

[jamesdc4]

hey. thanks for the info. ive tried posting in multiple places, but i cant seem to find an answer. its just very difficult to get under the intake manifold, i dont even know where to look.

With all those threads you started in E34, you didn't get an answer? Did you get a response from Binjammin or Attack Eagle? If not, you may want to consider PMing one of them.

[P11]

I just cleaned my ICV 15 minutes ago.

Noticeable changes:

- Idle RPM dropped about 25%
- Low-end throttle much more responsive (have yet to test on cold start)
- Got rid of my RPM jump when idling

[surferml1091]

good call. and im at 15 posts!

[pogieeh]

Will this work for 2002 540i? Thanks.

Anyone have a pic of this thing on a 528i?

[jamesdc4]

Will this work for 2002 540i? Thanks.

Welcome to Bimmerforums.

You don't have an ICV.

[Purdue540i]

Just did this tonight along with cleaning the MAF and deleting the intake silencer. I am very impressed with the change. It really does wake the car up at higher rpm's! I felt like the power kinda died down at about 4-4500rpms before, now it seems to have a stronger pull!! The pedal pressure is defintiely reduced also, which I find strange that it is affected. Very easy and productive 30 minutes.

[Matt Nigro]

do i have an IVC? if not why dont i have one? i have a 2003 540I M-sport.

[Camarok]

What's that cable thingy going to the Throttle body? I hate drive by wire....

Well, I Think this stopped in 98, there is not an ICV on 99-03, then again, correct me if I'm wrong

[libap]

Just did this today. ICV was gunked up. Didn't make the clink noise til after a few sprays.

I didn't watch out for this:

Now, as for cleaning make sure you dont saturate the motor (end that plugs into harness) beacuse you'll kill it. So clean it upside down.

I sprayed through both ends, at different angles. Maybe not upside down......Would you think it would damage easy?

I forgot to plug in the sensor and turned on the engine. Now my check engine light is on lol. After driving, the throttle response is much smoother and responsive. I plan on cleaning it again after another project. Hopefully better results then.

Great tip, thanks John540i6!

[tgaffer]

This is a great idea and I went to do it to my 2000 540 but it is not like the photos. Is it in a different place or is this not appicable?

[jamesdc4]

This is a great idea and I went to do it to my 2000 540 but it is not like the photos. Is it in a different place or is this not appicable?

N/A Your 2000 doesn't have an ICV.

[Edgeburner]

I have been searching for what the problem is with my cars idel and lack of oomph. I can't wait to do this to my '98 540. When I read the first post I immediately realized this is part of my problem with the idle stumble at stop lights and the feeling I am towing something behind the car on acceleration. Sometimes it feels responsive, sometimes it doesn't. We'll see after I do this.



Whoo hoo. First post.

[jamesdc4]

I have been searching for what the problem is with my cars idel and lack of oomph. I can't wait to do this to my '98 540. When I read the first post I immediately realized this is part of my problem with the idle stumble at stop lights and the feeling I am towing something behind the car on acceleration. Sometimes it feels responsive, sometimes it doesn't. We'll see after I do this.



Whoo hoo. First post.

[Devo540]

i just did this 15 project and made me feel awesome for doin something that made such an impact for no money it idles great and smooth now, not to mention quieter. +1 for quick diy

[Edgeburner]

Best 10 minute maintenance I have ever done. Period.

-smoother idle - no surging from 500 to 750 rpm
-better off idle throttle response - no lag

Thanks again for posting this up!

[uncensored188]

does a 2002 540i/6 have an ICV

[tmaurice]

Hello,
Saw your post. I sometimes observe hard starting in my Bmw 535 i v8 which has the same engine with your 540i. Before now, it was jerking and so I changed the fuel pump. Currently it does not jerk but atimes when you kick it goes off until after say three attempts before it starts. sometimes it starts once. Electricians cannot detect the problem and I am sad. Secondly , when I turn the steering i hear alittle noise which has been constant and does not increase. I also notice a somewhot wobbling noise in the front wheels when i drive. Please can you be of help or link me up?
Thanks,
tmaurice