What Happened?

[BMW Blitz]

So, today I went to start up my car to go to school, and when i started it, it started fine, but then the rpm's started fluctuating a lot. It was acting like it wanted to stall out. It went from about 200 rpms then back up to 900. Then the check engine light came on. So i pressed the gas, to stop it from stalling out. Then when I let off the gas it was back to normal and the check engine light went off. So I turned the car off and went to check the code, and it was i believe 1215, but anyways when i looked it up it said it was the mass air flow sensor code. But my car runs fine now, and that problem only happened once, I don't know what to do? Change my mass airflow sensor? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[freakgeek]

Try CLEANING it first, then see what happens.

[BMW Blitz]

cleaning the mass airflow sensor? How do i find it and take it out?

[Performance///M]

its the circled one. The actual sensor is in the tube. Just spray some Mass air flow sensor cleaner on it but do not touch it. Let it dry and then reinstall.

[Big Empty]

if you got a good amount of moisture in it it will throw codes and malfunction also.

[Bimjam96]

you should be fine, just spray some cleaner on it to be sure. make sure all wires and plugs are in tight

[97black328is]

my truck did this exact same thing a couple times really sucked when it did it when i was out places.. i had to drive with both feet and keep giving it gas at stoplights to keep it running. but i kept cleaning it and it kept working right for a little while. take it out soak it in MAF cleaner let it dry and put it back.

[Meatball546]

If you look at the intake pipe leading from the air filter housing, the MAF is the black plastic section of tube with a wire harness leading from it. Just take out that section by undoing the clips, and douse the inside with cleaner, especially the element in the middle.

[BMW Blitz]

ok this is the mass airflow sensor unit correct?

http://67.129.153.73/CGv2Production/Pictures/BMW%20J-Pegs%5C0280202082.jpg

[Bimjam96]

yes it is, you might want to clean your idle control valve too

[CoolJoe]

Here's the link http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454501 for the M42 ICV cleaning.