Ok.... new update.

I have reset the system, and checked all connections.

I checked for codes immediatly after reconnecting the Battery.... no codes.
When I started the car, it ran very rough... surging from 400 to 750 RPM... when it finally settled at about 500 (around 4 minutes) I shut it down and re-ran the diag... found one code...
P0100 MAF or VAF Circut malfunction.

I do not currently have a driver to remove the sensor from the MAF body and thus cannot check the PN on the sensor itself.

I am fairly convinced that the MAF not being OE is my problem at this point... but I hate to go and spend $550 for a new MAF sensor... it cannot possibly be that expensive to produce....

Any ideas where I can get an OE MAF for a decent price?

 

Genuine MB spares price is something like £150 in the UK.

There are many similar looking but different BOSCH (OE)sensors. As an example the diesel and petrol sensors can't be identified except for the part number.

Not sure how you can "repair"/ remanufacture the sensor. Many "cheap" MB copies use Pierburg sensors.

When I needed one I bought it on eBay for £50. Boxed but slightly used. It had been fitted to resolve a misfire but wasn't finally needed since it didn't resolve the problem.
Collected it personally in order to check that it worked OK before handing the money over. It did.

Sensors are held in with a "security torx screws" (hole in middle of normal Torx) available at low cost from most motorists stores e.g. Halfords in the UK.

If you've paid good monet for your sensor I would go back and get them to advise why it doesn't work or excahnge the unit FOC for one that works. Maybe it was just a bad one and a replacement "cheap" copy or repaired unit may work just fine.
Genuine MB parts rarely give problems but you have to pay thru the nose.

Stuart.

 

After much frustration I have ordered an OE part from a reputable parts house who assures me that this is a new OE sensor.

It will arrive tomorrow via overnight delivery.

I will post the results of the next test tomorrow immediatly following installation in hopes of preventing some other poor sap from experiencing the same frustration I have.

more to come ! ! ! !

 

Here is the latest in the saga of the "coughing" E320.....

the MAF WORKED!

The OE MAF solved the idle, and rev problems !

I have other issues left, but I will pursue them elsewhere in these forums.


Thanks to each of you for your posts and direction.


Jack