MAF Sensor Cleaning DIY (N52)
05-02-2010, 11:19 PM
#1
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I had a small issue with the engine a few days ago - some erratic behavior at start-up: RPMs jumped up and down, after which the engine stalled. After that I've noticed a tiny bit weird throttle behavior twice - in second gear, around 3k rpm, the throttle would momentarily "pause" (as in, I'd be pressing the pedal and the throttle would open with a little more delay than normal). After a bit of research and some deliberation, I've decided to clean the MAF sensor - like someone on this forum suggested.
The process is extremely simple, but you'll need the BMW torx screwdriver or wrench to get the MAF sensor out.
Results are evident right away - the throttle opens like new, acceleration is very smooth and linear - no more issues.
Step 1.
Go to your local auto parts store and get a can of MAF sensor cleaner, such as this one:
Step 2.
Remove the MAF sensor.
-make sure the engine is off and I always recommend waiting for it to cool off before you dive in (things get really hot under there).
-To remove the MAF sensor on an N52-engine equipped E60, you'll have to locate the sensor on the intake manifold, right aft of the airbox. It is held in place by two torx screws, locate them and take them out, making sure that you do not do anything to the line running directly above it:
-Once the torx screws are out, pull the sensor out. It takes some force to pull it out, but you have to be very careful not to damage it's o-ring, or anything else, including surrounding parts. Pull out the MAF sensor completely:
-Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the fastener that holds the MAF sensor and it's harness together:
-Rest the harness safely, so that it doesn't fall somewhere and you won't have to go looking for it
Step 3.
-Place the MAF sensor on some expendable surface (I used some cardboard), where you'll be able to let it dry after you spray it.
-Locate the "hot wires" on the sensor and spray it somewhat gently (you'll see exactly how gentle those wires are once you see the sensor up close):
give it about 10-15 "squirts". Try not to spray from too close a distance, unless you are certain the MAF sensor won't get damaged from it.
spray the hot wires, making sure you cover the entire area of the exposed wire:
-Leave the sensor out for a few minutes to fully dry:
Step 4.
Re-install the MAF sensor in the intake manifold. It will not go in easily, because it has to be air-tight, so what I did is simply rest it in it's place, align the torx screws and tightened them, using that as the only force to drive the MAF sensor into it's place.
After doing this right, you should be able to feel the difference in throttle openings - acceleration should become very solid and steady, without any unevenness.
Good luck, and as always, do this at your own risk.
I'd say this is about the easiest thing to do though and you'll save yourself loads of money - not to mention, you may be able to get rid of the "increased emissions" problem with this.
Best
V.
The process is extremely simple, but you'll need the BMW torx screwdriver or wrench to get the MAF sensor out.
Results are evident right away - the throttle opens like new, acceleration is very smooth and linear - no more issues.
Step 1.
Go to your local auto parts store and get a can of MAF sensor cleaner, such as this one:
Step 2.
Remove the MAF sensor.
-make sure the engine is off and I always recommend waiting for it to cool off before you dive in (things get really hot under there).
-To remove the MAF sensor on an N52-engine equipped E60, you'll have to locate the sensor on the intake manifold, right aft of the airbox. It is held in place by two torx screws, locate them and take them out, making sure that you do not do anything to the line running directly above it:
-Once the torx screws are out, pull the sensor out. It takes some force to pull it out, but you have to be very careful not to damage it's o-ring, or anything else, including surrounding parts. Pull out the MAF sensor completely:
-Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the fastener that holds the MAF sensor and it's harness together:
-Rest the harness safely, so that it doesn't fall somewhere and you won't have to go looking for it
Step 3.
-Place the MAF sensor on some expendable surface (I used some cardboard), where you'll be able to let it dry after you spray it.
-Locate the "hot wires" on the sensor and spray it somewhat gently (you'll see exactly how gentle those wires are once you see the sensor up close):
give it about 10-15 "squirts". Try not to spray from too close a distance, unless you are certain the MAF sensor won't get damaged from it.
spray the hot wires, making sure you cover the entire area of the exposed wire:
-Leave the sensor out for a few minutes to fully dry:
Step 4.
Re-install the MAF sensor in the intake manifold. It will not go in easily, because it has to be air-tight, so what I did is simply rest it in it's place, align the torx screws and tightened them, using that as the only force to drive the MAF sensor into it's place.
After doing this right, you should be able to feel the difference in throttle openings - acceleration should become very solid and steady, without any unevenness.
Good luck, and as always, do this at your own risk.
I'd say this is about the easiest thing to do though and you'll save yourself loads of money - not to mention, you may be able to get rid of the "increased emissions" problem with this.
Best
V.
05-02-2010, 11:36 PM
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05-03-2010, 08:00 AM
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Great DIY Vlad!!
05-03-2010, 03:22 PM
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Attachment 104903
What you gonna do with power steering reservior? I know it`s common problem for all E60... :thumbsdown:
What you gonna do with power steering reservior? I know it`s common problem for all E60... :thumbsdown:
Sure thing, Bro! Come by any time, I'll do yours and we can chill at my crib while it dries
05-04-2010, 06:37 PM
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I had a small issue with the engine a few days ago - some erratic behavior at start-up: RPMs jumped up and down, after which the engine stalled. After that I've noticed a tiny bit weird throttle behavior twice - in second gear, around 3k rpm, the throttle would momentarily "pause" (as in, I'd be pressing the pedal and the throttle would open with a little more delay than normal). After a bit of research and some deliberation, I've decided to clean the MAF sensor - like someone on this forum suggested.
The process is extremely simple, but you'll need the BMW torx screwdriver or wrench to get the MAF sensor out.
Results are evident right away - the throttle opens like new, acceleration is very smooth and linear - no more issues.
Step 1.
Go to your local auto parts store and get a can of MAF sensor cleaner, such as this one:
Attachment 104892
Step 2.
Remove the MAF sensor.
-make sure the engine is off and I always recommend waiting for it to cool off before you dive in (things get really hot under there).
-To remove the MAF sensor on an N52-engine equipped E60, you'll have to locate the sensor on the intake manifold, right aft of the airbox. It is held in place by two torx screws, locate them and take them out, making sure that you do not do anything to the line running directly above it:
Attachment 104896Attachment 104895
-Once the torx screws are out, pull the sensor out. It takes some force to pull it out, but you have to be very careful not to damage it's o-ring, or anything else, including surrounding parts. Pull out the MAF sensor completely:
Attachment 104894
-Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the fastener that holds the MAF sensor and it's harness together:
Attachment 104893
-Rest the harness safely, so that it doesn't fall somewhere and you won't have to go looking for it
Step 3.
-Place the MAF sensor on some expendable surface (I used some cardboard), where you'll be able to let it dry after you spray it.
-Locate the "hot wires" on the sensor and spray it somewhat gently (you'll see exactly how gentle those wires are once you see the sensor up close):
Attachment 104891
give it about 10-15 "squirts". Try not to spray from too close a distance, unless you are certain the MAF sensor won't get damaged from it.
Attachment 104890
spray the hot wires, making sure you cover the entire area of the exposed wire:
Attachment 104898
-Leave the sensor out for a few minutes to fully dry:
Attachment 104897
Step 4.
Re-install the MAF sensor in the intake manifold. It will not go in easily, because it has to be air-tight, so what I did is simply rest it in it's place, align the torx screws and tightened them, using that as the only force to drive the MAF sensor into it's place.
After doing this right, you should be able to feel the difference in throttle openings - acceleration should become very solid and steady, without any unevenness.
Good luck, and as always, do this at your own risk.
I'd say this is about the easiest thing to do though and you'll save yourself loads of money - not to mention, you may be able to get rid of the "increased emissions" problem with this.
Best
V.
The process is extremely simple, but you'll need the BMW torx screwdriver or wrench to get the MAF sensor out.
Results are evident right away - the throttle opens like new, acceleration is very smooth and linear - no more issues.
Step 1.
Go to your local auto parts store and get a can of MAF sensor cleaner, such as this one:
Attachment 104892
Step 2.
Remove the MAF sensor.
-make sure the engine is off and I always recommend waiting for it to cool off before you dive in (things get really hot under there).
-To remove the MAF sensor on an N52-engine equipped E60, you'll have to locate the sensor on the intake manifold, right aft of the airbox. It is held in place by two torx screws, locate them and take them out, making sure that you do not do anything to the line running directly above it:
Attachment 104896Attachment 104895
-Once the torx screws are out, pull the sensor out. It takes some force to pull it out, but you have to be very careful not to damage it's o-ring, or anything else, including surrounding parts. Pull out the MAF sensor completely:
Attachment 104894
-Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the fastener that holds the MAF sensor and it's harness together:
Attachment 104893
-Rest the harness safely, so that it doesn't fall somewhere and you won't have to go looking for it
Step 3.
-Place the MAF sensor on some expendable surface (I used some cardboard), where you'll be able to let it dry after you spray it.
-Locate the "hot wires" on the sensor and spray it somewhat gently (you'll see exactly how gentle those wires are once you see the sensor up close):
Attachment 104891
give it about 10-15 "squirts". Try not to spray from too close a distance, unless you are certain the MAF sensor won't get damaged from it.
Attachment 104890
spray the hot wires, making sure you cover the entire area of the exposed wire:
Attachment 104898
-Leave the sensor out for a few minutes to fully dry:
Attachment 104897
Step 4.
Re-install the MAF sensor in the intake manifold. It will not go in easily, because it has to be air-tight, so what I did is simply rest it in it's place, align the torx screws and tightened them, using that as the only force to drive the MAF sensor into it's place.
After doing this right, you should be able to feel the difference in throttle openings - acceleration should become very solid and steady, without any unevenness.
Good luck, and as always, do this at your own risk.
I'd say this is about the easiest thing to do though and you'll save yourself loads of money - not to mention, you may be able to get rid of the "increased emissions" problem with this.
Best
V.
Regards
05-05-2010, 02:17 AM
#9
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2007 750i
Do you think it makes sense to do this even without any symptoms?
I'm trying to figure out a match for this sensor cleaner on the German market.
I'm trying to figure out a match for this sensor cleaner on the German market.
05-05-2010, 08:24 AM
#10
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Not sure what products there are in Germany that are same as this cleaner here, but I'd guess there should definitely be something very similar at your local auto parts store