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1996 BMW 328IS E36

2.8L I6 M52•RWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
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Repairs0Labor548Torque2346Fluid7DTC642Battery1Maintenance0Recalls0
P1519moderate severityPowertrain

Idle Control Valve Position Circuit

on 1996 BMW 328is E36 2.8L I6 M52 · RWD

What this code means

The DME detected a malfunction in the idle control valve (ICV) position circuit. The ICV regulates airflow at idle to maintain a stable engine speed. On BMW engines, this is commonly caused by a sticking or carbon-fouled valve.

Symptoms

  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Engine stalling at idle
  • Idle speed too high or too low
  • Check Engine Light

Common causes

  • Carbon-fouled idle control valve
  • Faulty idle control valve motor
  • Wiring issue to ICV
  • Vacuum leak affecting idle
  • DME output driver failure

Diagnostic steps

  1. Test ICV operation by commanding open/close with scan tool
  2. Measure ICV motor resistance
  3. Clean ICV with throttle body cleaner
  4. Check vacuum lines around throttle body
  5. Inspect ICV wiring

Repair notes

Clean the idle control valve with throttle body cleaner; replace if cleaning does not resolve the issue.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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