E43

My check engine light came on yesterday so I took it to the dealer to determine the problem. They told me that the MAF sensor went bad and they quoted me $890 to fix it. This seems really high for just a sensor. Can anyone tell me how much this part should cost from the dealer and how long it should take to replace it?

Also, the dealer told me that the rubber intake piping has deteriorated and that it should be replaced (at a cost of $70). I only have about 47,000 miles. Should this be a problem with this few miles on the car?

The car is at the dealer right now, so any quick response would be appreciated. Also, would it be bad to drive the car with a faulty MAF sensor? Thanks in advance.

mbmiller

I have a 97 E320 78K miles and my MAF went bad at 75k miles, which from what I have read is about right for the MAF on the Mercedes. I looked around on the internet for a new Bosch part and I paid around $275 for the part with free shipping. I believe I decided on autohauz, but many other places sold them too, just google 'Mercedes parts.' I went with the cheapest one, and they were pretty good, fast shipping, etc. (I drove my car around with the bad MAF for a month before replacing it, the MAF affects the fuel trim ratio, etc. So you will be fine waiting a few days for a new part from the internet instead of shelling out $800 something dollars)

It takes about 2 mintues to change out the MAF. Real simple. You can see the MAF inbetween your air filter and throttle. Just unscrew the metal ring bracket. Take out your old MAF. Put in the new MAF. And then you'll have to reset your check engine light. I just disconnect my battery to reset it, but make sure you have your stereo code to reenter in order for your stereo to work. It'd be better for Mercedes or your local mechcanic to reset it but disconnecting the battery is also okay and FREE. Your stereo code should be with your manual on a business card or call Mercedes with your Vin #)

Hope this helps you.

MBmiller
97 E320 78K

smazur

I bought mine from alloemparts.com for $292. The dealer told me it would be 1.5 hours labor @110/hour and $500 for the part. It was shipped overnight and it took me all or about 15 minutes to change it. (Think: changing a lightbulb, that easy). Unplug the wire, unscrew the clamp, pull the old one out, put new one in, replace clamp and wire. I called the dealer and asked them how a trained mechanic could possibly take 1.5 hours to do something I did in 15 minutes and he backpedaled knowing he got caught trying to screw me. (Chambers Motorcars in Boston for those wondering). My CEL light reset itself after about $200 miles.

zam2000

Call Phil at FastLane (mercedesshop.com). It'll probably run you around $250. Take about 5 min at most to install (even easier than installing air-filter). FYI, the MAF stay between the air-filter and the injector. Can't miss it, it's pretty obvious. Two claim right hold it to the pipe between the air filter and the injector housing.

If you have an ODB2 scanner, you can reset the CEL. Another option is unplug the battery, which will trigger the CEL to be rest. Otherwise, drive it around for a week or so, and the light will reset itself.

E43

Thanks for the responses guys. I went with mercedesshop.com and I got the part for $280, which included free shipping. Based on the encouragement I got from you guys, I will attempt the install myself when the part gets here (the installation of my K&N filter seemed easy enough).

Unfortunately, the dealer charged me $87 to diagnose the problem (does it really take over an hour to check the codes on the computer?). On the positive side, $280 plus $87 is still a lot cheaper than $890!

007

in fastlane, is the air mass meter same thing as the MAF. (sorry for ignorance)

BlownV8

Yep, same thing.

zam2000

Buy an ODB-2 scanner from eBay for $50, and you never have to be fooled by dealer again !!

You can use the ODB-2 scanner to read code, and reset code too.

007

some of the scanner on ebay listed obd-2. however it says it will not work on mercedes.
zam which one (part number) did u get? and do u remember the seller thanks.

zam2000

dream_cars_etc , however, can't seem to find that seller on eBay anymore.

Mine works w/ Mercedes

007

thanks, will wait for ones that list compatible with benz