P102 error, MAF sensor low output

[cmartin248]

Just wanted give everyone a heads up on this error. I recently received the P102 OBD II error and reset it, to only have it come back the next time I drove. After checking all the wires and connector, I decided to replace the MAF sensor which is located between the air filter box and the engine and is about 3 inches in diameter and 5 inches long with a plug in wiring connection on top. After reading several posts on here, I was leery of ordering one of the cheaper after market ones on ebay for $47 verses an OEM for $143. Being the tightwad that I am, I order the cheaper after market. Received it in about 4 days and installed it (10 minutes max). Reset the code and everything has been perfect for over 1000 miles... One major vote from me for after market parts....

[nitrorocket]

People love to p*ss money away, good to see you are willing to save! Good choice!

[Isambard]

Was it a 'Chinese copy' or legit German pattern part?

[cmartin248]

I am sure it was a Chinese copy but the finish, fit and operation was just as good as the OEM... And don't think for one minute that BMW builds the MAF, because I am sure they sub it out to other companies who may build the OEM in China... I also buy Harbor Freight tools, which I find to be a fantastic value over the name brands. Its not the American worker can't compete with Chinese workers,, its all the restrictions imposed on our industry by EPA, Federal, State and local government. I can order a typical HDMI cable from China for $3 including shipping or go to Best Buy for $19 plus tax. Heck, we can't even ship the cable to the next town for $3....

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by cmartin248

I am sure it was a Chinese copy but the finish, fit and operation was just as good as the OEM... And don't think for one minute that BMW builds the MAF, because I am sure they sub it out to other companies who may build the OEM in China... I also buy Harbor Freight tools, which I find to be a fantastic value over the name brands. Its not the American worker can't compete with Chinese workers,, its all the restrictions imposed on our industry by EPA, Federal, State and local government. I can order a typical HDMI cable from China for $3 including shipping or go to Best Buy for $19 plus tax. Heck, we can't even ship the cable to the next town for $3....

OFF TOPIC...

I agree Martin, that's why I says to everyone I compete with any workers in US soil but not abroad.
Saw a hidden camera on electronic recycling in China on 20/20, a bunch of workers sitting in front of wood stoves (it's oil barrel cut in half filled with fire-woods) and steel plate on top. the workers use pliers pulling component one at the time off the Printed-Ciruit-Board while the solder melting from the heat. one word from me...WOW.

when they say cheap labor, I didn't expect killing yourself from exposure to toxic fume/lead and other chemicals overtime, that's crazy.
I have nothing against China, I am half Chinese myself.

BTW, Martin, is this MAF for i-6 or V8? do you have the part number, thanks.

[Isambard]

I've also bought a Chinese copy MAF sensor in the past and unfortunately found it to be a load of $hit. And me being me (a tightarse!), not wanting to pay silly money for a sensor (£130 at the time!), I searched online and found a company called 'Pierburg'. I believe they make sensors for alot of the car manufacturers anyway, and for half the price of an OEM sensor I bought just the sensor itself (without the cylindrical housing) direct from them, fitted it and worked beautifully. This was on a 2000 Merc CLK some years ago.

The Chinese copy I bought may have been a duff one from the batch, it may have been a duff company making/selling them, it simply may not have been compatible to the car even though they said it was. It was because of that I havent really looked at buying a Chinese copy anything again, especially such an integral part as that.

However, it will be interesting to see how this one goes for you, it may be that they have technologically advanced since, and so are fully compatible now. Please let us know how things pan out with it