hi all,

I have a '92 740 b230ft with 120k miles. It is has been my daily driver for the last two years with few issues, and has been well maintained (e.g., regular oil changes, hose repair, changed water pump and radiator, etc.). Today while driving it seemed to choke on gas, not accelerating well, and almost stalled. But it got me home, and at rest the idle seemed a bit high (~1100rpm).

I have done some research and understand that these issues can be related to either a.) a faulty MAF (mass air flow sensor or AMM, air mass meter), b.) a dirty or faulty throttle plate/body/idle air control valve, or c.) an failing ECU.

To diagnose, I tried unplugging the MAF sensor and this appeared to cure the high idle. However, when I drove with the MAF unplugged, I still had throttle and acceleration problems. My question is: if the MAF were the culprit (as it seems to be since my idle returned to normal without the MAF), shouldn't I be able to drive normally without it? Why not? Will replacing the MAF fix the high idle AND throttle issue?

Or are these two separate problems surfacing at once? If the throttle/acceleration issue is separate, do I begin by cleaning the throttle body and plate? How do I know whether it is functioning correctly? Where is the idle air control valve?

Though I'd prefer not to, can I drive it? Or will I further damage the car and risk stalling on the road?

Thanks for any help!