1981 320i idle problem

Thanks in advance for everyones help.

I recently had the starter solonoid go out on my 81 320i. The screws holding the starter solonoid were stripped and rusted all to hell so in order to change it, I had to pull the intake in order to pull the starter. Well I drove the solonoid screws out with an impact driver, put it all back together and im having some serious problems.

First of all, keep in mind that im not a mechanic and the only reason I even did it myself is because im a starving college student who cant afford to pay someone to do it. I worked in a shop for a year so I know a litle bit.

[1] Thick white smoke from the exhaust but only when I start it. It stops after if runs for a couple of seconds. It never happened before.

[2] The motor dies if my foot isnt on the gas constantly. It doesnt seem to be idling. I have to keep my foot on the gas when I come to a stop light otherwise it will die on me. Its a standard too so you can image the inconvenience.

I cant hear a vaccum leak anywhere and everything seems to be hooked up the way it was when I took it apart. Could I have no gotten the intake on tight enough? There was one nut that gave me hell (second from the left on the bottom) . I didnt change the gaskets because they were in almost perfect condition. The intake had been taken off very recently. Could I have just moved the idle valve down accidently? Where is the idle control valve located anyway?

If anyone can offer some help, I would greatly appreciate it.

Hello Nicholas!

[1] let's leave this one alone for the moment.

[2] I think you'll find one of the several air hose you had to disconnect or move to remove the intake cracked, broken or off it's connector OR that big 'intake boot' you had to disconnect in the same condition. These leaks can be hard to hear 'cause they can be so large but htese M10 engines won't tolerate any air leaks. Carefully reinspect ALL of them.
The gaskets are probably fine [they're were nice and thick back then] and as long as you got them all fairly tight, I doubt that's your problem.
There is no true 'idle valve' on these cars, just that 'Aux. Air Valve' you see from the top between the intake and the valve cover. This only functions during warm-up and if yours is original, it no longer realy works anyway. The only adjustment is that screw in the throttle housing [under the intake plenum] you can see and get to from the pass. side.
Be sure those 2 small coolant hoses, one above the starter, the other from the water pipe that go to the throttle housing are ok.
I 'feel' for you doing the starter R&I, I leave the intake on and move the airflow sensor assembly forward to access it [almost as much work]
Check the above and see what you find. Let's deal with #[1] afetr you make sure it's running as good as it was first.
p.s., I also have an '80 320is my daughter and I restored 2 years ago that I now drive daily and a son in your position too..............jeff b.

Thank you for your quick reply. I am going to take the afternoon to check all my hoses, boots, lines, etc and hopefully I will find the culprit. After doing that, I will get back to you and tell you what ive found. I really appreciate your help. People like you make the internet a better place.

I want to thank you for your help. I finally got a chance to rip it apart and it turns out, the hose that goes from the air box to the throttle body was cracked very badly. Apparently it was old and brittle and when I took it off the first time, I cracked it pretty bad without noticing. Well I took it off and hot glued all the cracks (cause im too cheap to buy a new one) and it works better than it ever has.

The smoking problem came from an unsecured dipstick that came off at the hose and was spitting oil into that same broken and brittle hose, causing smoke to go through

The no hot start problem seemed to go away with the idling problem. Anyway, you are a great guy and I sincerenly appreciate your help.

Nothing like good news near the end of a long week!! Stay in touch Nicholas, best to you in school this year..........jeff b....