Expert: John Kingery - 3/14/2009

Question
Have a 1995 540i.130k miles. Idle is a "little" rough. If A/C engaged...Smooth idle. Runs strong otherwise. Should I be worried about this "nikasil" issue I'm reading about?????? The BMW mechanic says it's normal for an engine with 130k miles????

Answer
The Nikasil issue should have bitten you a long time ago if it was going to.  Not likely this.

A/C probably ups the idle enough to get over the rough idle.  My wife drives a '95 740 (same engine), and i'm always trying to smooth the idle.  Try cleaning the idle valve.  take it off and flush it out with brake cleaner.