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Repair Summary
This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the mass air flow sensor (MAF) in a BMW vehicle with the N52 6 cylinder engine. Even though we used a 2006 530xi to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any BMW vehicle with the N52 engine including most 2004-2013 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, X1, X3, X5, and Z4 models minor modifications to the repair steps.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E90 3 Series 323i
E90N 3 Series 325i
E90N 3 Series 325xi
E90N 3 Series 323i
E91 3 Series 325i
E91 3 Series 323i
E91N 3 Series 325xi
E91N 3 Series 325i
E91N 3 Series 323i
E92 3 Series 325xi
E92 3 Series 325i
E92 3 Series 323i
E92N 3 Series 323i
E92N 3 Series 325xi
E92N 3 Series 325i
E93 3 Series 325i
E93 3 Series 323i
E93N 3 Series 323i
E93N 3 Series 325i
E60 5 Series 523i
E60N 5 Series 525Li
E60N 5 Series 525i
E60N 5 Series 523Li
E60N 5 Series 523i
E61 5 Series 525i
E61 5 Series 525xi
E61 5 Series 523i
E61N 5 Series 523i
E61N 5 Series 525i
F10 5 Series 523i
F11 5 Series 523i
E83N X3 Series X3 2.5si
E85 Z4 Series Z4 2.5si
E89 Z4 Series Z4 23i
F18 5 Series 523Li
F18 5 Series 520Li
E60 5 Series 523Li
E60 5 Series 525Li
E81 1 Series 130i
E87 1 Series 130i
E88 1 Series 128i
E88 1 Series 125i
E82 1 Series 128i
E82 1 Series 125i
E87N 1 Series 130i
E90 3 Series 330xi
E90 3 Series 330i
E90 3 Series 328i
E90 3 Series 328xi
E90 3 Series 325xi
E90 3 Series 325i
E90N 3 Series 330i
E90N 3 Series 328xi
E90N 3 Series 328i
E91 3 Series 330xi
E91 3 Series 330i
E91 3 Series 328xi
E91 3 Series 328i
E91 3 Series 325xi
E91N 3 Series 330i
E91N 3 Series 328xi
E91N 3 Series 328i
E92 3 Series 330xi
E92 3 Series 330i
E92 3 Series 328xi
E92 3 Series 328i
E92N 3 Series 330i
E92N 3 Series 328xi
E92N 3 Series 328i
E93 3 Series 330i
E93 3 Series 328i
E93N 3 Series 330i
E93N 3 Series 328i
E60 5 Series 530xi
E60 5 Series 530i
E60 5 Series 525i
E60 5 Series 525xi
E60N 5 Series 530xi
E60N 5 Series 530Li
E60N 5 Series 530i
E60N 5 Series 528xi
E60N 5 Series 528i
E61 5 Series 530xi
E61 5 Series 530i
E61N 5 Series 530xi
E61N 5 Series 530i
F10 5 Series 530i
F10 5 Series 528i
F11 5 Series 530i
E63 6 Series 630i
E63N 6 Series 630i
E64 6 Series 630i
E64N 6 Series 630i
E65 7 Series 730i
E66 7 Series 730Li
F01 7 Series 730i
F01N 7 Series 730i
F02N 7 Series 730Li
E84 X1 Series X1 25iX
E83N X3 Series X3 3.0i
E83N X3 Series X3 3.0si
F25 X3 Series X3 28iX
E85 Z4 Series Z4 3.0si
E85 Z4 Series Z4 3.0i
E86 Z4 Series Z4 3.0si
E89 Z4 Series Z4 30i
F18 5 Series 530Li
F18 5 Series 528Li
F18N 5 Series 530Li
F02 7 Series 730Li
E70 X5 Series X5 3.0si
E60 5 Series 530Li
A BMW Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) replacement in your N52 6 cylinder engine can help cure rough idles and clear instrument cluster error lights.
One of the most misunderstood components of the BMW engine intake system is the mass air flow sensor, often referred to as the BMW MAF sensor (or the "hot-film air mass meter" for those hardcore mechanics). The mass air flow sensor is part of the engine's air management system that includes all of the components involved with delivering metered fresh air to the cylinders. It is located on the intake pipe directly downstream from the intake muffler (air filter box).
The BMW MAF sensor is in charge of calculating how much air is entering the engine through the air filter element. This data is sent to the engine control module (the ECU...or sometimes referred to as the DME on BMWs) where it is used to adjust the amount of fuel being sprayed into the cylinders by the injectors. This delicate balance of measuring airflow and adjusting fuel delivery is what makes the BMW N52 six-cylinder engine so economically efficient and run so smoothly.
BMW Mass Air Flow Sensor Symptoms
Obvious signs that your BMW MAF sensor is failing are a rough idling engine (especially when warm) and poor acceleration. It will also (usually) cause a Service Engine Light (SEL) to appear in the instrument cluster. For those home mechanics with a diagnostic scanner, a bad mass air flow sensor will normally throw one of the following error codes: 2D15 or 2D16.
Since the rough idling and poor performance issues can also be attributed to other problems with your BMWs engine, it is best to diagnose your N52 six-cylinder before replacing the mass air flow sensor.
Replacing the BMW MAF is an extremely simple process that takes about ten minutes to perform in most affected vehicles. We strongly recommend attempting to clean your MAF prior to purchasing a new one with CRC Electronic Cleaner...some times dirt can accumulate on the internal element causing it to malfunction. That being said if your BMW's N52 engine has 120,000 plus miles on it, then it makes better sense just to replace the entire sensor with a new one.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Section 1 - Replacing the N52 BMW MAF Sensor
As mentioned above, the mass air flow sensor on the N52 engine is conveniently located on the air intake pipe next to the intake muffler (air filter housing). Care should always be taken when disassembling your intake system...cracking a pipe or fitting can cause vacuum leaks.- Locate and identify the BMW MAF. It is located on the intake pipe just downstream of the intake muffler.
- Remove the lid from the intake muffler. In most models, plastic latches hold the lid in place.
- Using a metal pick, GENTLY lift the plastic retaining tab on the BMW mass air flow sensor plug. Unplug the mass air flow sensor.
- Use a flat blade screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp securing the intake pipe to the intake muffler lid.
- Remove the intake muffler lid from the vehicle. Using a T25 torx bit, remove the two screws securing the mass air flow sensor to the intake muffler lid. Pull the sensor free from the lid.
- Remove the mass air flow sensor from the intake muffler lid.
- Replace the sensor and reassemble the vehicle following the above steps in reverse.
BMW Mass Air Flow Sensor - N52 6 Cylinder Replacement Finished
 repair on your N52 6 cylinder engine can help cure rough idles and clear instrument cluster error lights){kind=link}