question about MAF....

[warchieft2k]

hey I have a 318is 1994, and as all 318 owner know the MAF sux! so i was wondering if i can use the one from a 320, 325, 328, or even the one form an M3.... you guys think it would work?

thanks for the help! :embarrasm
Carlos

[Persian BMW]

Good question. I read engine codes yesterday cause the engine light came on and it said that the MAF had an issue.

I think (keyword: think) that the MAf's are all the same but I may be wrong. Anybody have a definite answer?

Will a MAF problem cause problems with the idle?

[warchieft2k]

MAF will give you idle problems... for sure. my MAF right now is bad and my idle is like crap it goes up and down and it stay high as well. they way i found out that it was my MAF is b/c i took it off and started the car with out it and the idle is just fine. since my MAF is bad i want to replace it but maybe i can get a better one or a wide one so i can get more air flow. Since the 318 MAf is so restricted and has that flap thing i figger if i wanted more air thats a good way to start.

and yes i did try running the car without a MAF and it runs sort of wierd i guess the computer goes a little krazy on you. it runs hard one run and the next sux. but when it runs it runs much harder that with that small flow from the MAF.

also if anyone has anyclue how to make it run stable woithout the MAF let me know... im up for any ideas.

Carlos :D

[DeanP]

I am pretty sure that the 318i sensor is called an Air Flow Meter and the car is calibrated as speed density system. It does not use as mass air flow meter as the later models do. I don't think you can use a later MAF sensor without major ECU upgrades. I know there are threads in here that discuss a mass air flow retrofit to earlier cars. The only upgrade I have seen for the air box on the 318i to remove the restriction of the metal flap is a BMP Design race air filter with AFM.