Is there really much difference between all the different makes of MAF Sensors?

Brian23

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I know that people are going to say only buy OEM Mafs, but is there really that much difference in the build quality or is it just a myth. Has anyone used other makes and did any work as well? or are they all poor?

I have seen BNC Mafs that have a 4 year waranty. Has anyone used them?
 
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Oldspanners

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I know that people are going to say only buy OEM Mafs, but is there really that much difference in the build quality or is it just a myth. Has anyone used other makes and did any work as well? or are they all poor?

I have seen BNC Mafs that have a 4 year waranty. Has anyone used them?
Watch this video especially from about 24.00 if you just want the conclusion and make up your own mind.
 

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I haven't watched that video above, but would only buy OEM sensors.
Buy cheap, buy twice I have found in the past.
 

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I haven't watched that video above, but would only buy OEM sensors.
Buy cheap, buy twice I have found in the past.
My indie Landy specialist finds buying cheap means buying a lot more than twice... He won’t fit anything other than OEM as he’s found it affects his business with negative feedback. Customer only wants cheap or supplies themselves, he fits it and when it fails it’s his fault...
 
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Brian23

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Ok
 
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Brian23

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My indie Landy specialist finds buying cheap means buying a lot more than twice... He won’t fit anything other than OEM as he’s found it affects his business with negative feedback. Customer only wants cheap or supplies themselves, he fits it and when it fails it’s his fault...

Yes I see that, but if BNC Mafs have a 4 year waranty, isn't that better than an OEM that only has probably 12 months??
 

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Yes I see that, but if BNC Mafs have a 4 year waranty, isn't that better than an OEM that only has probably 12 months??
But is the warranty worth the paper it's written on...
 

Oldspanners

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Yes I see that, but if BNC Mafs have a 4 year waranty, isn't that better than an OEM that only has probably 12 months??
As the video shows the car may run but not as well as it should on non OE parts plus the possibility of causing other problems.
I've used the likes of Bosch and other manufacturers who also supply MB without any problems and cheaper than coming in a MB package.
 

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I thought the video was interesting and a bit intriguing. I've used cheapy MAF's in the past with Land Rover products and found them to be, apparently, satisfactory - however this vid makes me wonder as I didn't test them like this guy did.

The only slight fly in the ointment for me is, how consistent are the results if you were to test say half a dozen brand new OEM MAF's? Would they all give exactly the same results? Also how critical is this difference ?

In the workshop manual there is likely to be a table of anticipated results for the MAF, at various rev bands, how close or otherwise were the results from this particular OEM maf to those in the manual?
 

Oldspanners

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I thought the video was interesting and a bit intriguing. I've used cheapy MAF's in the past with Land Rover products and found them to be, apparently, satisfactory - however this vid makes me wonder as I didn't test them like this guy did.

The only slight fly in the ointment for me is, how consistent are the results if you were to test say half a dozen brand new OEM MAF's? Would they all give exactly the same results? Also how critical is this difference ?

In the workshop manual there is likely to be a table of anticipated results for the MAF, at various rev bands, how close or otherwise were the results from this particular OEM maf to those in the manual?
I would expect the OE to have a tighter tolerance judging by Dan's test. I'd say the MAF is critical to getting the best combustion and therefore MPG and performance, just how much will depend on how far it's away from the norm but obviously any margin will cost you over time.
As he also points out the mass of air entering the engine will vary with age and wear so the figures given will be for a new engine.
I've no particular attachment to OE parts especially if they fail early in their life I'd always look for something better. Door lock springs are a case in point.
 
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Brian23

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I would expect the OE to have a tighter tolerance judging by Dan's test. I'd say the MAF is critical to getting the best combustion and therefore MPG and performance, just how much will depend on how far it's away from the norm but obviously any margin will cost you over time.
As he also points out the mass of air entering the engine will vary with age and wear so the figures given will be for a new engine.
I've no particular attachment to OE parts especially if they fail early in their life I'd always look for something better. Door lock springs are a case in point.

I was talking to someone today who bought a cheaper MAF from GSF and when they bought the part out it was in a MB Box. crazy eh?
 

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I was talking to someone today who bought a cheaper MAF from GSF and when they bought the part out it was in a MB Box. crazy eh?
Always happy to get a bargain!
Just looking for an example of CPS MB £112, Magneti Marelli €100, Febi and SWAG €38, Bosch €32, Meyle €25, Hella €21 and ERA €14.
I'd be making a choice between Febi and SWAG €38, Bosch €32, Meyle €25, and Hella €21 as they supply a lot of OE.
 
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Brian23

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Well still not convinced either way really. my problem is intermitant. The car will go for months without a problem, then when at traffic lights, a tiny shudder and the engine light comes on. Fault reading something like. Short to ground on MAF, tentency towards lean, etc. So the MAF. Next day the light is out then nothing for months. I gave it a clean this wek end, so I will see if that works.
 

Oldspanners

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Well still not convinced either way really. my problem is intermitant. The car will go for months without a problem, then when at traffic lights, a tiny shudder and the engine light comes on. Fault reading something like. Short to ground on MAF, tentency towards lean, etc. So the MAF. Next day the light is out then nothing for months. I gave it a clean this wek end, so I will see if that works.
Have a good check around the wiring, not just the lead to the MAF, for any chaffing and clean the connectors whilst you're at it.
 
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Brian23

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Have a good check around the wiring, not just the lead to the MAF, for any chaffing and clean the connectors whilst you're at it.

I'll go and check.
 

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Back in the day I bought an aftermarket MAF and the car wouldn't even start. Mb/Bosch only for me
 
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Brian23

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Have a good check around the wiring, not just the lead to the MAF, for any chaffing and clean the connectors whilst you're at it.

Checked that. Cables fine. Cleaned connectors. Wait and see.
Have a good check around the wiring, not just the lead to the MAF, for any chaffing and clean the connectors whilst you're at it.

Hi checked that, wiring ok, cleaned socket. wait and see.
 
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Brian23

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Checked that. Cables fine. Cleaned connectors. Wait and see.


Hi checked that, wiring ok, cleaned socket. wait and see.

Well cleaned the MAF with MAF cleaner, checked that, wiring ok, cleaned socket. So far the light is out.
 

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MAF cleaning rarely lasts any time. The problem with MAFs is the hot wire used to sense air flow gets an oxidation crust on it. You can't remove the crust without damaging the wire. MAF cleaners simply remove any other crud that may have got on there but eventually the fault will return.
 
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Brian23

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Yes get your point. I will see how long it lasts
 


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