code i got is
p0441 EVAP Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow
in which you guys suggest replacing the gas cap, but...

problem is that when starting my car at idle, the rpm's rev up and down. does this for a few minutes then stalls. searched and found it is most likely the icv (idle control valve). when i checked at autozone it only came up with that code, so is the code related to the problem or is it separate things to take care of?

I'd clean the ICV. It couldn't hurt.

The P0441 code may not be related.

yeah i know. kinda scared to take stuff apart tho. i used to mess around with my old honda, but looking under the hood of the bmw i cant help but think im gonna f' up something. put it this way, changing the front brake pads of my 94 accord took about 3+ hours. pathetic i know, but at least im trying

Your idle problem could be the ICV, it could be an intake leak, or something else entirely. The fault code you pulled is probably unrelated to the current idle problem and may be just from the gas cap being loose at some point in the past.