DIY w/ PIX for X5 3.0 DIESEL MAF Replacement / Cleaning please

[fullmetaljacket]

Hi guys! Any of you have any information on how to replace or clean the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor / Meter) of an X5 Diesel? I found some links on how to change the X5 Diesel's AIR FILTER but did not find any concerning the MAF - specially How to clean or replace it.

I'd appreciate any info on links or pictures on how to do this. TIA!

[Helmuth]

Nearly sure you are already through that one with all it's links:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-question.html

If you have an answer -> please post. I am collecting everything if time changes ... right now no real problems :-)

Good luck.

[rb0135]

Diesel MAF's are in a totally different location than the Petrol versions and are a buggar to get to.

You dont want to clean it. If you are taking the time to remove it, replace it. I got an OEM Bosch unit for about AU$240 from Germany (off ebay. I can send you the info if you want)

I just replaced mine last weekend.

There are NO DIY tutorials for the Diesel and I didnt write one or take photos.

However, I can supply the steps to do so.

Basically, you follow the same procedures in getting to the air filter to replace, except you dont have to remove the micro filter unit or fully remove the filter, only the side cover.

There are two HEX screws you need to remove, then you need to remove two reverse torx screws (sometimes known as eTorx).



The Allen Screws are easy (fiddly) but the bottom Torx is hard. What I learnt when putting the new MAF in and screwing the bottom torx in, is that the air pipe that attaches to the MAF, can be rotated anticlockwise about 3 inches (or from the front of the car leftwards). This allows easy access.

It took me 3.5 hours to do (30 mins to find the lost torx socket I dropped down to the cross member and 40 mins getting the bottom torx screw out). So, now that I have done it, I am sure it would take about 1 hour. I suggest taking it slow first.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more info.

Regards,
Rob

[fullmetaljacket]

@Helmuth - Thanks for the link! The information was very useful.

@Rb0135 - Hey Rob thanks for this picture! This is exactly what I've been looking for. In the DIY to replace the air filter pictures..xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - changing air filter E53 30d ...I just have to connect your picture and the whole DIY for replacing the filter and MAF is done!

Thanks again guys! I appreciate this. Will do this tonight! I hope I don't break anything

[rb0135]

Originally Posted by fullmetaljacket

@Helmuth - Thanks for the link! The information was very useful.

@Rb0135 - Hey Rob thanks for this picture! This is exactly what I've been looking for. In the DIY to replace the air filter pictures..xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - changing air filter E53 30d ...I just have to connect your picture and the whole DIY for replacing the filter and MAF is done!

Thanks again guys! I appreciate this. Will do this tonight! I hope I don't break anything

No probs...

[fullmetaljacket]

I changed my MAF this morning successfully! It took me an hour. Thanks for the info guys. I just wanted to add that you don't have to dismantle the parts needed to be dismantled when changing the air filter. You can actually take out the MAF and replace it at this point already...



...even if the air filter is not exposed.

[Helmuth]

Hi SIr,

is the engine running better now? Did you have errors or what was the reason for replacing that?

Helmuth

[fullmetaljacket]

Originally Posted by Helmuth

Hi SIr,

is the engine running better now? Did you have errors or what was the reason for replacing that?

Helmuth

Hi Helmuth, I brought my X5 to an Indy for a simple reset on the airbag light and found out that I had un-erased errors on my ECU - problems solved / fixed / replaced by the stealership but they DID NOT RESET MY ERROR CODES! Stealership practice

Anyway, one error was the MAF ERROR which would not go off even after several tries so we concluded that the MAF was really faulty (or was soon to be) or it needed some cleaning. I opted to just replace it based on numerous opinions. The MAF cost around US$500 though

I have not gone back to the indy yet to check if I still have the MAF error but I noticed that smoke coming out of the tailpipe had decreased to -80% to -50% because the DIESEL fumes / smell was not that irritating any more. Also, the power / torque and speed (maybe my imagination?? ) has increased a little close to like it was new again. So, I guess there was an improvement

[blueagle]

fullmetaljacket,

Which indy shop did you go to ?

[fullmetaljacket]

Hi Blue, it's not a shop. He's a hobbyist who has many diagnostic tools. Erasing codes and diagnostics is his main thing. Nothing on the hardcore stuffs. I found him on Sulit.com. If you're interested, I can PM you his contact Information.