'94 318is -- how to deal with the idle problem of the ex-wife (sic)

[LtWacko@xxxxxxx]

A little long, but I have a question near the end that I need help with.

Okay, I am a nice guy.  We had a very friendly divorce (upset our attorney.)  
As usual, something needs to be worked on her Bimmer.  The dealer called for 
major $$$, but she knew I could always help her out.  The car has 76,000 
miles and getting near it's major tune-up.  She brings the car in to the 
dealer because of a bad idle/stalling and the car needed an oil change.  
Report card comes back bad.  

Typical ball joints - replaced there for immediate safety reason.

Muffler - Not bad, but starting to sound like "tired japanese car" - her 
qoute.  I did replace that today with a factory part.  I don't want her 
coming back to me with problems of an aftermarket unit.

Idle Control fault codes come up according to the dealer.  Bad valve and 
Eprom the codes read.  I replaced the valve which was a pain in the a$$.  On 
the coupes, they are located under the intake manifold.  Can't figure out why 
they are different from the 4-doors.  Completely different part (had a look 
earlier at both units.)  After burning my hands a couple of times (the X 
didn't want to wait for the motor to cool down), I finally got the valve out 
then in.  I asked her to start the car to see if everything was put back 
together correctly, and noticed the fan was stuck on the shroud...  "TURN OFF 
THE CAR!!!!"  I yelled.  As I suspected, the passenger side mount was bad in 
a big way.  I couldn't believe the dealer didn't notice this.  We were at my 
office and didn't have access to any tools.  Called everywhere near, but it 
was 5 pm.  No one wanted to replace this.  I ran to the dealer to pick up the 
part, loosen the fan shroud on her car so the fan could spin freely and drive 
to my house... no problems, whew!  Car up, motor raised... oh NO!  Other 
mount ripped too -- more on that in just a sec.  Break two universal joints 
of my socket set trying to remove the top nut of the motor mount and have to 
run to Sears to get new ones.  Break extension rod, save it to be replace and 
use another one.  Finally rip things apart and fix passenger side mount.  I 
know this will hold the motor until I get a hold of a driver's side motor 
mount later.

Sorry for the rant, but this car was trying my patience.

Now for the question...  Replacing the idle control valve did not solve the 
idle problem.  According to the dealer, the codes came back valve and Eprom.  
I took care of the valve, how do I take care of the Eprom?  How do I read the 
codes?  I remember something about pumping the gas pedal while the ingnition 
was on and counting how many times the check engine light blinks.  Does 
someone know where I can find this procedure along with what the codes are?  
How can I do this on the cheap?  The dealer quoted between $500 and $1400 
depending if the Eprom was soldered in or not assuming that is the problem.  

Anyone have advice, hints and suggestions on replacing the driver's side 
engine mount?  I want to get it over with as fast as possible.

I will also be replacing the rear shock mounts.  I assume they will be 
straight forward.  Are the convertable mounts any better or different?

Like I mentioned earlier, the car has 76K.  She is trying to decide whether 
or not to keep the car.  I told her once we get past this phase, the car is 
good for another 75K plus miles.  If it were my car, that answer would be 
great.  For my X?  Maybe not.  She cannot stop and diagnose something let 
alone fix it.  Leasing a new Bimmer would relieve any headaches or doubts for 
her (me?) but she would rather spend the money shopping and traveling.  No 
car payments right now, but she needs a reliable car to get to and from the 
hospital (resident right now, no real money until next year.)  

Anything else I need to do for the 80K check-up.  I have to do plugs and all 
filters, but what about the coil wires?  trans, diff and brake fluid...  what 
else am I missing?  I haven't really worked on a 4 cyl. E36.  

Hope ot hear from you guys soon...

Rodney

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