tis66

@twh - can you please point out how the MAF sensor suppose to look like? It's a bit confusing for me. I looked it up on realoem (RealOEM.com * BMW E60N 530i Intake muffler/Filter cartridge/HFM), both "Temperature Sensor" & "Hot-Film Air Mass Meter" are the same component (no 3)? They both have different part number: 13627547822 (no price) & 13627551638 ($306.24) respectively.

Are you saying that my car actually does not have a MAF sensor?? It's only a temp sensor? Could this be the root cause of the stalling issue? I tried removing the temp sensor completely and the car would still stall if I step on the gas too quickly.

Also, seems like US shops like BavAuto/Pelican/AutoHausAZ/FCPEuro don't sell temp sensor... and the MAF sensor is quite expensive...

Thanks again for the help.

twh

That is exactly what I am saying.

I don't know. One would assume your car originally came with a Temp Sensor and not a MAF sensor. Maybe the Temp Sensor is bad. Maybe someone put a Temp Sensor in place of a MAF and that's your problem. Don't know when BMW uses one versus the other. I don't know if the connector is the same -- if it is, that would make interchange possible on a physical level. I do recall reading someplace that the MAF version is *both* a MAF and a Temp Sensor in one unit.

Google Images for MAF (13627551638):
https://www.google.com/search?q=1362...w=1379&bih=923

Google Images for Temp Sensor (13627547822):
https://www.google.com/search?q=1362...w=1379&bih=923

Another thought it to run your VIN number though this VIN decoder:
BMW Model Archive · BMW VIN Decoder · bmwarchive.org
It may list those options seen in RealOEM for when Temp Sensor is used:

pcy

As twh already mentioned, looks like your car is equipped with temp sensor only. May be in all E60s in Australia are manufactured like that.

Not having air flow sensor [and just having temp sensor] can't be the reason why the car is stalling because your car ran fine until this problem.

MAF in our cars looks like this... It looks like a small capacitor attached to two long shiny leads; all packaged in plastic.

In our cars, air flow sensor and [intake air] temp sensor are packaged in that single MAF sensor. Essentially, this sensor measures the amount & temp of air entering engine.

audiophool

The 'capacitor' you describe (and show in the picture) for the MAF is actually a thermistor used to measure intake temperature. The MAF sensor itself is either a thin wire or a film within the housing.

pcy

You are 100% accurate.

I meant to say 'capacitor-looking' because it looks just like a capacitor :-)

tis66

I couldn't find any info as to what's the difference (in terms of performance) with Temp Sensor only vs MAF Sensor.

I think it may not be the cause of the issue.

Would appreciate if anyone can try the following and confirm if they face the same issue?
* Shift from N to D and try to hit the gas as quickly as you can (you may have to repeat). Would your car stall?

Thanks again for the help guys. I will have to bring the car in, and just have to suck it up for now

MurderedOutE60

I don’t know if your problem is still persisting but the best way I’ve found to find out if it’s a vacuum leak and to spot the location is break part cleaner or something with ether in it, it will slightly rev up the engine when you spray over that spot. Just keep the can far enough that you won’t like soak the hoses and stuff, just like a decent mist while it’s running