Help with 94 318 engine revs erratically.

Help needed with 94 BMW 318. Engine has gotton worse approaching service. It revs in a spike, then falls instantly. Just short of dying it rebounds and revs high again. It does this non-stop but occasionally drops too low in the rev department and dies. Have done all the minor service variables and also replaced the throttle sensor thinking this might be the problem. All to no avail. Had been told that the inspection reset might be cause. Unfortunately, have purchased an oil/inspection reset but didn't work, also tried the shorting method between pins 7 and 19 but didn't reset.

Any suggestions re the nature of this problem, or even why the oil/inspection indicators wont reset.

Any help would be greatly appreciated before I give up.

That sounds like your icv(idle control valve) needs to be cleaned. Heres a diy it shouldnt take you to long good luck.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454501&highlight=m42+icv

With engine running and revs surging and dying remove oil filler cap
If now running smoothly problem is pcv valve

Help needed with 94 BMW 318. Engine has gotton worse approaching service. It revs in a spike, then falls instantly. Just short of dying it rebounds and revs high again. It does this non-stop but occasionally drops too low in the rev department and dies. Have done all the minor service variables and also replaced the throttle sensor thinking this might be the problem. All to no avail. Had been told that the inspection reset might be cause. Unfortunately, have purchased an oil/inspection reset but didn't work, also tried the shorting method between pins 7 and 19 but didn't reset.

Any suggestions re the nature of this problem, or even why the oil/inspection indicators wont reset.

Any help would be greatly appreciated before I give up.

it is ur cam sensor,u will have to take it to the shop and let them run thru the codes, part cost 70 and labor is like 300, it happen to me ,car jumps up and down in rpms, cuts off, wont crank, this is a serious problem ,

You can pull your own codes~ no need to visit the dealer. If you can access a Chilton manual, they are all listed there along with how to get them with out even starting your car.