Engine Performance problem
1995 BMW 325 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 75,000 miles

I have a 95 BMW 325iS.
When I start the car, and the engine is in neutral, the engine revs up and down between 2,000 RPMS and 4,000 RPMS. Up and down, up and down. (Sometimes, if I crank the fans in my interior, it idles normal for a while). When I drive it, and step on the gas, it will almost redline (almost like its sticking) and then resume the normal up and down up and down RPMS.

I opened the hood and noticed the Air Mass Meter boot is torn, with a big hole in it. When I manually close the hole with my fingers, it really doesnt do much. If i open the hole further, the idleing slows down to normal.

Do you think if I replace the boot, this will fix the problem? Or do i need to clean the air intake valve? If I need to do the later, can i just unplug it and clean it?

Thank you.

The replacement of the boot is critical and might in and of and of itself fix the issue. If not repost and we will work on it together.

So, I replaced the boot and that didn't seem to fix the problem. The boot definitely had a huge rip in it...i did replace it, now, im still getting the same revving action. Also, when I am driving down the road, the acceleration sticks for a few seconds (the car continues to speed up - and then slowly loses acceleration after i have my foot off the gas). .....should i try cleaning the Mass Air Flow? I'm sorta lost now because I really thought it was the ripped boot.

Do you think the acceleration problem is something in need of greasing? I rarely use the car.

Thank you much

...actually, i believe i fixed the revving part. I took everything back out, and put it back in. I cleaned the metal door-thingy which the boot connected to. I also really lubed up the throttle body and that totally fixed the "sticking" of the accelleration...that's entirely fixed.

Now, however, the car is idleling way too low (under 1,000 RPMS), when i rev the engine and take my foot off the gas, the engine sometimes stalls out.

Is there a way i can adjust the idle on the throttle body?

It is adaptive and will reset. if not, take it out and drive it for awhile.

AWESOME.
Thanks....will let you know it it works.. appreciate all your help!