Replacing a faulty Idle Control Valve (ICV) can often resolve rough idling, stalling, and other performance issues in your BMW. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the replacement process, focusing on the ICV, also known as the Idle Control Device (ICD) in BMW terminology. This DIY guide builds upon the excellent actuator replacement guide by W/// from m3post.com, focusing specifically on the ICV replacement steps.
Diagram highlighting key engine components, including the idle control valve location.
Locating and Accessing the Idle Control Valve
Before starting, gather the necessary parts: a new Idle Control Device (BMW part number 13999941 or 13-41-7-838-024) and, if necessary, the connecting tubing (BMW part number 135040 or 13-41-7-839-097). Follow the initial steps in W///’s actuator DIY guide (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735033&highlight=actuator%27) to access the necessary area, stopping before actuator removal. The ICV is located beneath a set of tubes near the center of the engine bay, with the tubing connecting it to the plenum on the right side.
The idle control valve is positioned beneath the indicated tubes, connected to the plenum via the adjacent tubing.
Disconnecting and Removing the Idle Control Valve
First, locate the metal ring clamp securing the tubing to the ICV. Loosen this clamp and carefully move the tubing aside. If the connector on the ICV is difficult to detach, simply move the entire assembly out of the way for now. Next, disconnect the electrical connector on top of the ICV. If you’re replacing the tubing, disconnect it as well. Remove the metal ring clamp at the base of the ICV.
The metal ring clamp on the idle control valve tubing needs to be loosened.
Remove the bottom clamp and the top electrical connector to free the idle control valve.
With both the top connector and bottom clamp removed, the ICV is held in place by two rubber grommets. Gently wiggle and pull the ICV upwards to remove it from the grommets. You should see two metal prongs on the base of the ICV that fit into the grommets.
The idle control valve removed, showing the two metal prongs that secure it to the rubber grommets.
The engine bay after the idle control valve has been removed.
Installing the New Idle Control Valve
Install the new ICV by aligning the metal prongs with the rubber grommets and pushing it firmly into place. Reattach the bottom metal ring clamp and the top electrical connector. Reconnect the tubing and secure it with the metal ring clamp. Finally, reverse the initial steps from W///’s guide to reassemble the engine bay components. This completes the idle control valve replacement. A properly functioning ICV is crucial for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. This guide simplifies the process, allowing DIY enthusiasts to tackle this repair with confidence.
