BMW 550i GT Engine idle speed is high Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(9)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(9)

Engine idle speed is high Inspection Service

How much does a Engine idle speed is high Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 550i GT Engine idle speed is high Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2014 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
2011 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2015 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2013 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
2012 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
2010 BMW 550i GTV8-4.4L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
Show example BMW 550i GT Engine idle speed is high Inspection prices

What is engine idle speed and how is it maintained?

Engine idle speed is the speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) an engine is designed to run at when the engine is fully warmed up and the vehicle is stopped in park or neutral. Typically, the idle speed will be set at a value in the range of 600 to 800 RPM, but the exact value will depend on the number of engine cylinders and whether the vehicle is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. Idle speed is maintained by the throttle body working in conjunction with the vehicle’s powertrain control module.

When to check for idle speed issues:

  • RPM on dash gauge does not match OEM specification. Many cars have RPM gauges. If the engine speed displayed on the gauge does not match the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specification on the underhood label, there is probably something wrong.
  • Engine is idling higher than normal. If there is no RPM gauge but the engine sounds like it is turning faster when idle, a mechanic can use an instrument to measure the actual engine speed.
  • Harsh engagement in drive. If the idle speed is too high, the vehicle will jump forward when placed in drive.
  • Excessive brake effort is required to hold vehicle at a stop. If idle speed is normal, only a very light force on the brake pedal will be necessary to prevent forward motion in drive.

How do mechanics adjust or repair incorrect idle speed?

The repair procedure depends on the exact cause of the high idle. The below lists common causes of high idle and in each case, the appropriate vehicle system, components, and parts involved would be inspected, removed for repairs, and/or replaced as needed.

Faulty Fuse: In the majority of vehicles, engine idle speed is controlled via an idle control valve (ICV). A faulty or blown fuse in other electronically controlled systems can cause the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor to malfunction, leading to a higher than normal engine idle speed.

Faulty Idle Air Control Valve (ICV): Some cars are equipped with an idle air control valve to maintain idle speed. This part can malfunction due to excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold.

Vacuum Leak: On any engine, a vacuum leak will cause a high engine idle as the oxygen sensor detects lean operation and the engine computer then tries to compensate, which can result in abnormal idle. Malfunctioning Throttle: A malfunctioning throttle system can cause both a high or low idle as well as an engine stall. A dirty air intake or cracked air intake tube is often the culprit. Computer Malfunction: If the powertrain control module is malfunctioning, idle speed may be affected.

Is it safe to drive with incorrect idle speed?

No. High idle speed could make your vehicle difficult to control and were the idle speed to suddenly and unexpectedly increase to really high levels, you could experience unintended acceleration. Even moderately high idle speed, that is up to 1,200 RPM will make it more difficult to slow your vehicle when stopping and, once stopped, there remains the risk of your foot coming off the brake and the car jumping ahead. High idle speed also wastes gas and can be distracting as the vehicle does not perform as expected.

When addressing idle speed issues, keep in mind:

  • Related functions, such as the idle up function when the air conditioner is turned on, will be inspected by a mechanic during the repair of a high idle problem.
  • Prior to replacing parts, such as the throttle body, the mechanic will also need to rule out electrical causes of incorrect idle speed as well as physical causes such as vacuum leaks.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(9)

Rating Summary
9
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0

Ricardo

14 years of experience
339 reviews
Ricardo
14 years of experience
BMW 550i GT V8-4.4L Turbo - Coolant is leaking - Redondo Beach, California
Very knowledgeable. Thorough. Great explanations.

Chris

22 years of experience
2239 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
BMW 550i GT V8-4.4L Turbo - Coolant is leaking - Menifee, California
Great work/advice as always...

Chris

22 years of experience
2239 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
BMW 550i GT V8-4.4L Turbo - Spark Plugs - Menifee, California
Are usually never do these reviews but this is an exception. Chriss was very punctual something that us military can appreciate and very professional. Answered any and all my questions while still performing his job in the utmost matter! After he was finished he went over everything done and even pointing out other things going above and beyond The scope of what he was here to do ! I know my vehicle was in great hands!

Sayeed

17 years of experience
82 reviews
Sayeed
17 years of experience
BMW 550i GT V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Woodside, New York
Experienced, professional and honest. I would like to work with him again in the future.

Excellent Rating

(9)

Rating Summary
9
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
Number of BMW 550i GT services completed
99+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Buy a Good Quality Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen Oxygen sensors help your vehicle control both the fuel and ignition systems, making it a critical component to ensure your car is running and starting smoothly. Boost your ride’s fuel performance and improve emissions output with a properly-functioning oxygen...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Anti Lock Pressure Switch
If your ABS system is not working or continuously running, or if your brakes are locking up, you may have to replace the anti-lock pressure switch.
How to Apply Feng Shui to Your Car
Feng Feng shui is a set of principles that promotes the flow of positive energy. It can be applied to all aspects of life, and your vehicle is no different. The phrase comes from a Chinese philosophical system that emphasizes...

Clunky noises whenever I reverse

The noise could be coming from your front control arm stabilizer bar link arms. These link arms connect your front stabilizer bar to the lower control arms and the arm joints could be defective. A certified mechanic, such as one...

Trying to locate the Mass Air Flow sensor , and the Idle Air Control valve 2002 Ford Fiesta

Hello - Mass Air Flow meter is a short, cylindrical section of the air intake, just inside of the air filter housing, and just before a large cuved plastic-molded piece of the air intake. It has a flat electrical connector...

I'm getting a po420 code is it possible it could be due to my rear catalytic converter even though there's no sensors after it? Or

You will have two O2 sensors on this engine. One will be before catalyst in manifold and one will be after or in the rear of the catalyst. If you do not have one then vehicle was modified in some...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com