You may be right, I assumed you had an m103 of some sort. Checking linkage is a good start anyway, and maybe unplug the idle air control valve while the symptoms are present.

As far as the cold start valve, try just removing it, and block off the hole. Leave the valve plugged in (fuel line) so fuel doesn't go everywhere. It only runs for a few seconds when the engine is ice cold, so try this test with the engine somewhat warm..

It's an expensive part that almost never goes bad.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2