recurring problem wtih idle control valve (archive)

I just posted an advertisement on the roadfly website for my 1984 533i. This has been an amazing car, and I love it dearly, but at 36 years old, I'm ready for something new. Anyway, the only problem I've ever had with the car(and we're at 124,000 miles now) is the idle control valve.

The car has been idling irregularly...running rough when I'm at a stoplight, and the RPM's would drop off suddenly...sometimes the car would cut off completely! It would always start up again, no problem, but it's a complete pain to worry about whether or not the car is going to turn off whenever I come to a red light!! I have to put the car in neutral, keep it revved up, and then put it back in "drive" when it's time to move forward.

Since I bought the car (8 years ago), I have had FIVE new idle control valves. Lest you think I'm a typical chick who gets ripped off by her service station, I've had the car in three different cities, and four different mechanics have all diagnosed it the same way. Always, the problem is fixed for a while, then it comes back. Most recently, I got a new idle control valve three months ago, and the rough idling has reappeared. The mechanic adjusts the RPM's when I take it back in (for free), but it always comes back. ARRRGGGGHHHH!!

My question is this: I'm trying to sell this BMW, and it's a GREAT CAR except for this one problem. I know that whoever test drives it is going to notice the rough idling. It's a beautiful car in great condition otherwise. So, what is my best shot at selling it? Should I just try to sell it through the paper or whatever, letting people know that the idle control valve is a constant issue? Or should I just sell it for parts? If I do the latter, how do I go about that?

thanks for your help! Margaret

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BE HONEST underwaterdog 22:02 6/10/2001 (0)

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