e34. idle issue unsolved

[dreamfootage]

Hello,
Its so great getting help when we get stuck with our toys.
well, I have a 1992 bmw 535i.
it had few idle issues but I did everything possible to get it solved.
90% solved now.
what I did....
-valve adjustment as it needed it anyway.
-vacuum leaks to the best i could do.
-icv and maf clean up.
-dipstick rubber washers.
-oil sensor on pen as the oil level kept flickering...now solved.
-oil sensor.
-rubber booths and lines.
-gas cap.
-spark plugs and wires.
-ignition coil as I have seen e34s drive rough.

-the problem is that it will not die or stall,no error codes but in idle its rough and for some reason the dash digital lights flicker a little.
-Just of recent in the last two days with the cold weather in Toronto, the battery light and ABS light come on but go off after 10 seconds.

I bought another e34 from a family friend for cheap but fill bad to start removing and experimenting with parts as this car runs well and drives great...so I will sell it soon.
I think someone else should enjoy it instead of using it for body parts.
so I ask if any one can try and help with this issue I have on my automatic 535i.

[632 Regal]

Low battery can cause those issues as well. Hook up a volt meter to batt + and see where it's at when running. Anything less than 13 volt is too low.

[dreamfootage]

I did a smoke test today with a home made machine and pushed it thru the vacuum booster brake hose.
found some leak in front near the radiator hoses but it hard to see around there. a little near my ICV plugwhich was weird
as its a electric connector( the one that is just a pin connection)
Going to buy a tester and do what you told me on the battery.
Just getting into the DIY fix part of BMWs and its kind of fun.
Ill keep you posted.
thank you

[shogun]

Testing on the B+ as mentioned by 632 Regal is of course best, but for a quick test you can unlock the OBC and set it to test #9 where you see actual volts. It will fluctuate and that is normal. But if it is always too low, then it might be a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator. On the OBC I see usually about 0.5V less compared to direct test with a voltmeter on the B+ post in engine bay.
How to unlock the OBC: http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/obc_secrets/obc_secrets.html

[duckloads]

Sounds like you have some bad engine/chassis grounds.