540i - lumpy idle!!

[95-540iLE]

My 1995 540i 6spd has developed a slightly lumpy idle when cold. It disappears when the car heats up. It has also developed a slight whining noise at times.

Although the Nikasil issues weren't a problem here in Oz, I took it to the local stealer with a degree of trepidation, knowing that lumpy idle is a symptom of that problem.

Anyway, they tell me my motor is fine, apart from a leaking PCV/PVC/PVA?? valve or something similar at the back of the motor, which is leaking air, resulting in the lumpy idle and the whining noise.

The fix involves removing the intake manifold, repairing, and putting back together at a cost of some AUD$750 or so.

I have 2 questions:
1) does this sound like a reasonable solution (and cost) to the problem, and
2) while the 'top is off' is there anything else that I should get done as part of recommended maintenance etc?

Comments appreciated.

Cheers

[Johntee540]

Intake Manifold Gasket is a common problem at this age in the car. The second I replaced mine the engine smoothed out and my gas mileage increased about 30% and all of a sudden I liked my car again. I cant speak to the cost in AUD. It cost me about $600 USD. I did not do any other maintenance - as I had this job outsourced. It was beyond my ability. - JT

[Bill R.]

reasonable price or not...If you're going to pull the manifold to do it , then you'll replace all the gaskets while you're at it.

My 1995 540i 6spd has developed a slightly lumpy idle when cold. It disappears when the car heats up. It has also developed a slight whining noise at times.

Although the Nikasil issues weren't a problem here in Oz, I took it to the local stealer with a degree of trepidation, knowing that lumpy idle is a symptom of that problem.

Anyway, they tell me my motor is fine, apart from a leaking PCV/PVC/PVA?? valve or something similar at the back of the motor, which is leaking air, resulting in the lumpy idle and the whining noise.

The fix involves removing the intake manifold, repairing, and putting back together at a cost of some AUD$750 or so.

I have 2 questions:
1) does this sound like a reasonable solution (and cost) to the problem, and
2) while the 'top is off' is there anything else that I should get done as part of recommended maintenance etc?

Comments appreciated.

Cheers

[DueyT]

LE, yes...it is most likely the rear vacuum plate. See more M60 vacuum plate thread here.

Like John says, might as well do the intake gaskets as well while you have the whole upper engine cleared off...

Cheers,
Duey

[95-540iLE]

Thanks Guys. Sounds like I have been steered in the right direction. It also sounds like I might notice a bit more of an improvement than just a smoother idle!

In terms of the maintenance thing, I guess what I was getting at, is, if there is any other common problem(s) I could face that would involve removing the intake manifold, should I look at spending a bit extra and getting this done while it is off - to save costs of removing it all again some time in the future?

Thanks again.

David