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I just picked up an '83 320 5 speed, 202k on it with a fresh top end rebuild. Lowering springs, strut braces, sway bars, etc. and as expected, it has a few issues. I'm definitely not a mechanic, this is the first car I'm going to attempt to work on myself.

It wants to die when cold. It fluctuates between 400-1200rpms. I'm thinking idle air control valve?

Also, the heater... It only blows hot air out of the floor vents and warm air for the defroster. Clueless on this one.

Weird one: my turn signals only work when I flip the lever and hold in the hazard button. Hazard lights don't work.

Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome. I moved your post out of the Top Tech Topics and to the regular Tech section, but who knows if its going to be a Top Tech Topic after all!

Where are you located? You speak of a 320, is this a 4 cyl 320i (US spec) or a 6 cyl 320 with carb (Euro spec)? When warm the engine runs ok and strong, no stalling issues in traffic?

As for the vents, you may want to take a look at this topic in our FAQ section: http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=13420

Ahh sorry about that, new to forums as well.

I'm in eastern Oregon! Lots of diesel pickups and farm equipment. It's a US model! Definitely quirky, but also more fun to drive than my '89 325i. It sputters just a tiny bit but idles pretty steadily. The throttle is very slow to respond when the car is cold.

And that explains the vents! I feel as though I should have looked over the manual now. Thanks for taking it easy on a rookie and being so helpful, I feel a lot better about the car already.

Nice, btw we love to see photos here

If the car starts up ok then dies or has problems idling it could indeed be that the aux air valve died or is clogged, good one to check first. Also make sure all vacuum hoses are connected, no leaks, remove the intake boot between AFM and throttle body perhaps for a check as they can tear. If all that doesn't help you out do an exhaust gas analysis to check if the engine needs adjustment or to get an idea what's happening.