Car cuts out at idle. Crappy fuel?

[matt21]

Just picked up a brilliant fully track prepped E36 off a track day company who went bust. Infact I have bought three. Pictures to come.

Anyway one of them has an idling issue whereby it cuts out at idle. Always starts on th button but a bit of a pain. Car had been stood with almost a full tank for well over a year, it does feel a little lumpy, but still plls like a train.

Filled up with v power to top tank up and issue remained, swapped MAF with another of the three and it is better but still not cured.

Just completed a 100 mile motorway run and again it is getting better and often will now idle fine. Probably cuts out only about 25% of the time now.

What do you guys reckon. Simply crappy fuel? The MAF switch improved but did not resolve it, although this could be because the good fuel is getting through.

[Condi]

I would have drained the old stuff out first, but yeah could be old fuel.

[MG CHRIS]

Air leak somewhere idle control valve if it has one could be a number of problems. Keep driving it and see if it gets any better.

[snotrag]

Idle air control?

Not familiar with E36 but probably an electronically controlled valve in the throttle body, and common fault on all sorts of cars. Might be stuck closed or clarted up.
Resetting the ECU can help on some cars.

[anonymous-user]

Probably a gunked up throttle body. Get some carb cleaner and give it a good clean