How to replace MAF sensor in 2003 c230 k

Mar 21, 2011 | 12:14 AM

richiekie

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2003 c230 k

How to replace MAF sensor in 2003 c230 k

Could anyone provide me with information on how to remove and replace a MAF sensor on a 2003 c230 k coupe? I've done searches but have not uncovered info relating to my particular engine. I just bought the car so I'm a newbie. I bought the car in Florida and halfway home to Wisconsin the cel came on. When I got back here the MAF sensor was diagnosed as bad, which also fouled up my spark plugs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Rich

Mar 21, 2011 | 08:20 AM

Glyn M Ruck

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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa

late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/206492-diy-m271-maf-replacement.html

Mar 21, 2011 | 09:51 AM

sknight

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c200k

Extremely easy. On my m111, I periodically clean the MAF with electronics cleaner. The kind that doesn't leave a residue. Last did that about 18 months ago. I do it with an intake cleaning, but reminds me that I have to do my intercooler eventually.

I have no evidence to say so, but it makes me wonder how many MAF sensors are fouled with oil deposits, or how many fail due to oil deposits.

Mar 21, 2011 | 01:20 PM

richiekie

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2003 c230 k

Thanks for the help

appreciate the link Glyn, but I am wondering if anyone has specific information on the w203, the link is for the m271. I'm a newbie so I need pretty concrete information at first until I am more familiar with my specific engine. So far this forum seems to be extremely helpful to its new members.

Thanks, Rich

Mar 21, 2011 | 01:25 PM

sknight

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c200k

the W203 is the type of car, which is what you have, and m271 refers to the type of engine you have.

Quote:

Mar 21, 2011 | 01:49 PM

Boom vang

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From: Toronto, Canada

2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving

Quote:

Originally Posted by sknight

So you are saying that regular cleaning is crucial for longevity of the MAF? Currently I am not having any issues so I worry that if I start spraying some sort of MAF cleaner that this opens a can of worms. The old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'

If regular cleaning is critical why is it not specified on any maintenance item during an A or B schedule or somewhere in the annals in my owners manual?

Mar 21, 2011 | 02:04 PM

sknight

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c200k

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom vang

I never said that. Read the last line.

However, it stands to reason, that a wire that is meant to be in the air stream, with direct contact with air and no insulator (ie: oil), can work better when it is not covered in oil. I don't know what can of worms would be opened. I've been cleaning MAF sensors for years, and have only replaced one at over 130k miles. Others have gone longer.

You may not want to do the maintenance, and Mercedes may not specify it, either (as this part is replaced and non-serviceable), but they also consider the auto trannies non-serviceable and better replaced, too. However, when a MAF is suspected of being defective, before replacement, a cleaning is recommended by manufacturers and retesting before they are replaced. A good mechanic will do that. Unfortunately, many will do it with carb cleaner.

And don't misquote me. I never said I used MAF cleaner. That is your imagination. I use electronics cleaner. MAF cleaner might be fine, but I don't want it attributed to me, since I don't use it.

Now the other part of this is you're talking maintenance cleaning. That is my choice to do it after a few years. In my car's case, it was first done at 80k km, with the intake. Good thing because there was congealed oil on the mesh of the TB and MAF screens. I don't really plan on doing it again for another 2 years or so, based on my mileage.