SportE430

Hi,

I pulled some codes from the vehilce and they indicated changing the front o2sensors. Done, runs better but still rough idle and can't hammer it without sputtering but can slowly accelerate to high speeds with ease.

I believe it is the MAF, so I run car until CEL comes on again. Pull codes and they are P0170 and P0173 which is either vaccuum leak or MAF, but most likely MAF.

Now, I look at my MAF for some information and all it has on it is PBT-GF30, which after research I come to find out on eBay that this is a "high quality after market part", sold for half the price. Hmmmm???

So it appears the sensor went bad on the vehilce at some point and was replaced with a cheapy that worked for awhile and is now dead.

My question is, can I just buy the Bosch MAF sensor insert for $140 from Germanstar.net or should I just replace the whole cheap piece of crap with a new BOSCH complete MAF sensor and housing for $179.95 from Importecparts.com.

Has anyone purchased from these vendors before?

Thanks!!

acarter53

I would get the entire assembly. People have experimented successfully with just the insert. But there is also talk of both pieces being calibrated together. For the price difference, be safe and do it once. German-star is very good to work with. I don't know about the other vendor.

SportE430

Thanks,

Is it worth buying a $7 can of CRC MAF cleaner and trying to spray it?

acarter53

Definitely worth it. I have seen several cases where that solved the issue also. The only way to truly know is to remove the insert and properly test it.

SportE430

Thanks, I will give that a shot. I am going to go with the all new bosch assembly and get it back to stock.

thanks again for your help.

ohlord

unit from www.autohausaz.com is $141 free shipping.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...0Mass%20Sensor
unplug it while running if no difference it is dead replace it if a noted difference clean it with crc brand maf cleaner per the diy on benzworld.org w210 section diy.The whole section is a must read anyway
ohlord
The germanstar insert is an exact match and on the 3.2 engine saves about 40 bucks,on your 430 for the price get the new unit.
BTW the insert is not calibrated to the maf.So if you ever go the insert route they work
and always check before you buy anything autohausaz.com prices are far better than the place you were looking at and they have greater access to more parts and free shipping over 50 bucks.
Another tip always throw a code up on a post sometimes it is best to let the experience of the masses suggest a solution.

SportE430

tried to clean it, no luck, sensor is shot....

ordered the new part from ohlord's link on autohausz.... 141.83 no tax free shiping.


Thanks to everyone for the help with htis fix.

Now if I could only figure out how to get new steering control button since mine are melting!!!

Thanks again!!


mf.

ohlord

from what?

SportE430

The steering wheel control buttons are sticky and when you try to clean them, the plastic and the writing smears... it is like the rubber coating on the buttons is melting.... also my radio knob is melting...

any ideas??


Thanks.

ohlord

are you cleaning them with?

husk323

I would also be interested on a DIY on how to replace the steering wheel controls, mine are getting scratched up....For the radio you can just pull the knob off and replace it from a broken parts unit on ebay? Sometimes sellers on german ebay sell knobs too. I just ordered some new Comand knobs from Germany they are expensive like 100 bucks for two knobs !! If you have a COMAND unit getting the knobs out are more involved you actually have to disassemble the unit to get to the knobs are they are set inside the faceplate.

SportE430

MAF replaced. The car runs stronger than I ever remember. Thanks for all the tips.