Replacement MAF 2.8

[Dino D]

So I probably need a new one.

Suffered a sudden loss of power and car wouldn't run as if out of fuel. I thought another cam sensor had gone but remembered (whilst waiting for the recovery truck) to try unplugging the MAF.
Engine started and ran fine again (well as fine as it can in that mode it runs when MAF is unplugged). Recovery truck called off, lots of embarrassment saved...!

I cleaned my MAF last year when tracing down can sensor fault. The car had a piper cross oiled filter which I've since replaced with standard as I read about oil contamination on the MAF being possible.

It's possible a good clean will help but give it was such a bad failure I reckon it's time for a fresh MAF (it's been in there since 1998 and over 100k miles now).

So what are the experiences of replacement MAF's. Are they like the cam sensors where OEM is best or can other brands be used?
Have yet to look at prices again but if I recall correct an OEM one is the best part of £200 and other brands pricing vary wildly.

 

[t-tony]

I would look at others so long as they're guaranteed O.E.M. Quality. Try Euro Car Parts, GSF or Andrew Page. We use lots of non Genuine parts in these type of situations, unless it turns out to be a dealer only part, then thats Hobson's choice.

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

Thanks for that Tony,
Just checked ECP and it's between £180 or 80!
They have stock at my local branch so think I'll pop in and ask to see the £80 one, hopefully it's just a re-boxed OEM supplier part..

 

[Dino D]

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

If you wanted to try a used 2.8 MAF let me know mate

 

[t-tony]

View attachment 15634

Thanks for that Tony,
Just checked ECP and it's between £180 or 80!
They have stock at my local branch so think I'll pop in and ask to see the £80 one, hopefully it's just a re-boxed OEM supplier part..

Hi Dino, it's very common to get GENUINE parts with the makers trademark and part no. ground off and in their packaging.

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

I know what you mean Tony.
I've been inside a multi million pound turnover business that specialies in re-packaging if automotive parts.
They take the part out if the manufacturer box and out into the Marques box and other 'brands'.
Literally same part in a different box = different price!


On another more in your experience how long to MAF's last, are the a 'service item'. What makes them fail?
I understand mine is 'hot filament' so burns through with use?

 

[t-tony]

To be honest that's an open ended question Dino, they're not a common replacement part and not on any particular model. How long has your original one lasted? Will you need to get that much out of another one?

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

Update: had the airbox off to get the MAF out and found the problem. A piece if duct tape was over the protective grille in front of the filament blocking the air flow.
Scratched my head, pulled the filter out and looking to see how the hell it got in past the air filter....then I remembered that someone who shall not be named read somewhere in the interweb about blanking off/remove the rectangular resonator tube that pokes out the side if the box.
Apparently it's there to cut out induction noise...now why would you not want induction noise on a straight six roadster I don't know, in 7 series ok but not a Z3!
So instead of cutting off the resonator and filling the hole left behind he who shall not be named experimented with some tape to see if worth it.
It doesn't make much difference and was soon forgotten about until many months later the tape decide to part ways with the inside of the airbox...

Tape removed and all as it should be!

Just as well as it turns out my car had a particular MAF that is not available from anyone else but BMW.
ECP/GSF website brings up the wrong part for my car so always chat the actual part number where possible.

The people at Emmisions control were helpful and pointed it out when I called for a price:
http://www.emissioncontrols.co.uk
They specialize in MAF and associated Emmisions parts and only do OEM quality.
They used to do cheaper brands that had warranties but have up as too many problems, so only do OEM manufacturers now. A lesson there I guess.

This is my MAF in case it helps anyone else with the same early 2.8 engine.
The give away is the round plug compared with the rectangular plug that ECP/GSF show: