Greg - I had a check engine light/MAF light come on back in December. I figured what have I got to lose and used electrical contact cleaner to clean it since that's all I had on hand at the time. It's been over ten months and no problems and no repeat of the check engine light.

Len

 

I don't understand why one would use electrical cleaner for the MAF, both CRC's electrical connection cleaner and MAF cleaner are about the same price. I guess maybe because the MAF cleaner is a bit harder to come by, but why take the risk. Use the correct cleaner. It is like using the right tool for the job.

 

I agree. Why not just use Brakleen while we're at it?

 

I voted that I never use either one (true statement), but I agree that if the MSDS sheets differ, I would buy and use both according to the maufacturer's directions.

 

I usually the only place I get MSDS sheets are from my chemical supply company. Where do you get them for MAF or electrical cleaners? Not that I need one, but I would be interested in what they say.

 

Its called a wallet cleaner.

 

I used both cleaners on 4 sensors and the results are:
ABSOLUTELY ZERO !
Could save the money by using mentioned brake cleaner, or windex?

 

Well, I didn't expect it to work for me either, but see Post #2 again. First I thought maybe it was a diesel thing,, but some of you guys who have not had luck with it have diesels too. Just lucky I guess.

Len

 

I think we might have 2 issues here. Some members report cleaning residue from the sensors. The 4 sensors I tried to revive were sparkling clean. So maybe if you have bad filter K&N (?) or holes in the system and sucking the dirt -MAF cleaner might help. In my case something cooked inside MAFs and cleaners did absolutely noting.
One more experience, I drove my E320 for about 20,000 miles since I bought it before MAF triggered CEL. I replaced MAF and spark plugs at the same time. My mileage went up 20%. Don't think the plugs at 90k made the big difference, so my guess is, that before MAF went totally bad, it was giving incorrect signals costing me a fortune in unnecessary fuel burn.
Wonder if those, that succeeded with cleaning record their mileage?

 

I think we might have 2 issues here. Some members report cleaning residue from the sensors. The 4 sensors I tried to revive were sparkling clean. So maybe if you have bad filter K&N (?) or holes in the system and sucking the dirt -MAF cleaner might help. In my case something cooked inside MAFs and cleaners did absolutely noting.

How do you get a good enough look at the film to determine that it is sparkling clean?

Standard filter in my case, replaced at regular intervals and no leaks.

One more experience, I drove my E320 for about 20,000 miles since I bought it before MAF triggered CEL. I replaced MAF and spark plugs at the same time. My mileage went up 20%. Don't think the plugs at 90k made the big difference, so my guess is, that before MAF went totally bad, it was giving incorrect signals costing me a fortune in unnecessary fuel burn.
Wonder if those, that succeeded with cleaning record their mileage?

If your mixture is off, high gas consumption could result. But the CE light warns you when the mixture is off (computer can no longer adapt to out of range MAF signal). So unless you drive with CE light on, gas consumption should not be seriously affected because no CE light means the MAF is within range.

Changing plugs (all 12 of them!) at about 100k km, made some difference to our car's fuel consumption - we check it regularly because it is mostly used for LD driving.

I just wish MB had used a more reliable MAF. I came across a technical paper once that Bosch presented at a conference. It was about research they had done to try and stop particles from depositing on the MAF hot film. So, it seems they are aware of the cause of the problem.

 

Please do not use Brake cleaners. Every can I have ever seen says to not use on plastic parts. Most contact cleaners say they clean and protect. I woul think it leaves some residue behind.

 

I recently used the Contact Cleaner from CRC to clean the MAF. Excellent results. Just have to watch the temperature, as the cleaner is probably some kind of Freon. The case got so cold, frost formed on it. I waited a few minutes for the water to evaporate and reinstalled the MAF. No light for three weeks. BTW, I used the cleaner 'cause it was free.

 

Did the light go off immediately ?

 

When I replaced MAF with new one, the light went off on 7-th restart.
10 seconds procedure and no code left.

 

MAF sensors, well maybe the reason I will sell my E320 that I otherwise love. Third sensor in 112K miles. At last found Mercedes Benz Parts, Mercedes Parts, Accessories selling replacement element only for $ 129, instead of $270+ at dealer. Using OEM air filter, replace about 30 K miles.

Anyone with insight for frequent failure, preventive measures etc....help


Separate subject, on a very common problem: E320 dashboard clock display fails after about three years, followed the gear indicator missing pixels, and finaly lost the temperature read outs. Seen many of the same, dealer admits to problems but only solution is their $1500 replacement, one year warranty.
The problem appears to be an LCD driver or power supply.
Anyone with experience, advice or schematics, RSVP. Thanks

 

MAF sensors, well maybe the reason I will sell my E320 that I otherwise love. Third sensor in 112K miles. At last found Mercedes Benz Parts, Mercedes Parts, Accessories selling replacement element only for $ 129, instead of $270+ at dealer. Using OEM air filter, replace about 30 K miles.

Anyone with insight for frequent failure, preventive measures etc....help


Separate subject, on a very common problem: E320 dashboard clock display fails after about three years, followed the gear indicator missing pixels, and finaly lost the temperature read outs. Seen many of the same, dealer admits to problems but only solution is their $1500 replacement, one year warranty.
The problem appears to be an LCD driver or power supply.
Anyone with experience, advice or schematics, RSVP. Thanks

Hi, Captain, welcome to the forum. Please complete your online profile re: vehicle and location, which can be useful information.

Also, please come join us in the W210 forum (since you mention the pixel problem, and given your mileage I'm guessing your E320 isn't a W124) and you'll find lots of useful information, including sources to have your console repaired or swapped for a lot less than the dealer wants.

As to the recurring MAF issue, 30K seems like a long time for the air filter element, I think it's a B service item which would be 20K tops, more frequently if you're in a dusty/heavily polluted area. Beyond that, check your intake carefully to make sure there are no cracks or holes or detachments that could potentially admit unfiltered air upstream of the MAF. At the same time check the airbox, if someone removed it and reinstalled it improperly it will tweak the housing and then the filter doesn't fit tight...with resulting leakage, of course. Some folks also advocate using a light film of grease around the seal of the air filter to help it seal better, so that's another idea. All of that to say that I have not heard of MAFs failing that frequently on any car, much less the W210. If the mechanic was only charging you $270 I wonder if they were putting on the knock-off brand X; usually they charge well over $300 for the part plus a couple hundred to install it -- or more. But the insert you get from Germanstar will be the genuine Bosch product so you'll be sure about that one.

Anyway, come visit the W210 forum, lots of great folks in there.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

^^^^^^^^^^^LCD blackout
S class gets a recall.

 

Thank you Gregg, will try to find the W210 forum....will follow your advice regarding air filter and check for leaks. Perhaps I can take issue with the recommendation of using grease lubricants for better seal on filter and housing . There are very few over the counter lubricants that are not silicon or Teflon based. Both materials migrate with airflow and heat and we know that they will deposit on the most expensive component in their path, the MAF sensor. Have a great day