Service Engine Soon Lite : aFe Intake??

[nespo_x5]

So I bring my X5 3.0 into service for the inspection and some little things here and there and the service adviser said there was a recall on the TCM or something and they perform the work. Then the service engine soon light comes on days after and turns out the O2 Sensors (fault code 235) bank 1 before the cat is replaced. Days later after the second pick up, the service engine soon light is on again and now I am fed up. The X goes back to the dealer and the fault code is now 235 (same as before) but they tell me its "rich mixture" and that the after-market intake is causing a rich fuel delivery to cylinders and recommend I remove the intake to clear the code. They stated they tried the a stock intake and code didn't come up. I am not sure who to believe, but I know its not the aFE!!!! period. I have had that on since 15k on the sav and its at 43k and now its a problem! please...

I have reason to believe whatever TCM or computer update they did has caused this error or maybe its a air mass sensor, I am not sure. Any ones help on this matter would be great! I really don't want to remove the aFe, thanks!

[tonycajjo]

you try any injector cleaner. put that in your gas extra strong and get her up to temp.

[steed77]

Try cleaning the Mass Air meter. Sometimes the oil from the air filter can get on the meter and cause a rich condition.

there is a special cleaner for Mass Air meters, it works the best. I have used in the past Electronic cleaner, carb cleaner and brake cleaner.

[Bimmer360]

why don't you put the stock and remove your afe for a day or 2 and see if the error will go away. Afe makes smog check fail on X5 as proven by zerochief and an advice i got from a friend. After almost 30K of miles with afe on, i wouldn't be surprised if thats causing it. Remember, air distribution is different. But then again, i could be wrong. Just do that original swap and see if your dealer is telling the truth.

[nespo_x5]

thanks everyone for the info. I put the stock one back on the they have been working on it since wednesday of last week and Friday I got a call it was the mass air sensor and they are replacing it.

[ljnlaw]

Nespo I just bought a used AFE CAI from another X5World member and in anticipation of my install I read and watched some maintenance instructions on the web. One thing I learned is after cleaning and allowing the filter(s) to air dry, oil them good and let the oil soak for about 25 minutes. After the oil soaks take a wet/dry vac and vaccuum the (clean side or inside of the) filter(s) to remove excess oil before installing, this will simulate the vaccuum on your intake and get rid of the excess oil before you install them and the oil hits the Mass Airflow Meter. I don't understand why AFE does not include this step in their instructions but it seems logical.

[dkl]

Yes...the vacuum solution will work, but it will get oil all over your vacuum; then all over your rug. Very messy if you ask me.

[ljnlaw]

I just did it with my shop vac over the weekend and it was not messy at all. I did have to wipe the small amount of excess oil out of the vac's hose...when finished I sealed the filters in zip lock baggies and they look blue and brand new.

[Weasel]

Yeah, the mass air problem is the most common one for the rich mixture faults. I would recommend using the store bought (autozone, etc.) mass air cleaner a few days after servicing the filter to get whatever extra oil makes it to the sensor, and the vacuum trick definitely helps.

[Icer006]