BMW MAF Sensor Troubles: Stalling & Fuel Drain Symptoms

Hey there! I had the exact same symptoms on my 2008 BMW 3 diesel last month. The rough idle and excessive fuel consumption were spot on with what you're describing. My MAF was completely shot, had carbon buildup and debris causing faulty readings. Got it fixed at the garage and they had to replace the entire sensor unit. It wasn't a complex job, took about an hour, but it's definitely not something you want to ignore. These sensors are crucial for proper engine function and fuel efficiency. In my case, they also cleaned the air intake system while they were at it, which helped prevent future issues. The car's running like new now, smooth idle, normal fuel consumption, and no more stalling. If you're getting these symptoms, don't wait too long to get it checked. A faulty MAF can lead to bigger engine problems if left unchecked. Best of luck with yours.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad to hear you got it sorted. I'm actually dealing with the same thing right now, got my MAF replaced last week. Mind if I ask how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Just want to make sure I know what to look out for with mine.

Hey again! Yep, happy to share the details! I paid exactly 365€ for the MAF sensor replacement, which honestly wasn't as bad as I initially feared. Since getting it fixed, my BMW 3 has been running absolutely perfect, no problems whatsoever. The stalling issues completely disappeared, and the engine's purring like a kitten now. It's been about six weeks since the repair, and I've noticed a huge difference in fuel consumption too, back to normal levels. The mechanic did a great job with the diagnosis and replacement of the Mass air flow meter. They showed me the old sensor, and wow, it was definitely shot! Just keep an eye on your air filter maintenance going forward, that's what my mechanic recommended to help prevent future MAF issues. But really, you shouldn't have any more problems now that you've got a new one installed. Let me know how yours runs after a few weeks, always interested to hear how these repairs work out for others!

Thanks for the feedback! Just wanted to update you on my situation. Finally bit the bullet and went to a new mechanic after reading your response. The guy really knew his stuff, showed me exactly what was wrong with my old MAF sensor. Ended up paying slightly more, around 400€, but they did a thorough job. Fixed the stalling problem and cleaned the whole intake system too. The car's running way better now, no more rough idling or excess fuel consumption. Funny thing is, during the repair, they found my air filter was pretty clogged too, which probably contributed to the MAF sensor failure. Got that replaced while they were at it. The mechanic gave me some tips about regular maintenance to prevent future issues. Really appreciate your help earlier, it gave me the confidence to get it sorted properly this time. Definitely better than my last mechanic experience! Now I know what to watch out for in the future. Take care!