Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320 td, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 td … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Mass Air Flow Sensor for 3 Compact (E46) and other BMW models

Mass air flow sensor

MAF sensor

How to change Mass air flow sensor on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320 td – tips for proper car maintenance

Mass air flow sensor for BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320 td Diesel (150 hp)

Simple DIY car repair steps – Replacing Mass air flow sensor on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 td

Mass air flow sensor for BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 td Diesel (115 hp)

Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). List of the tools you'll need:

                        Electronic spray
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Drive socket # 12
                      
                        HEX bit No.H5
                      
                        Torx bit T25
                      
                        Torx bit T30
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Microfibre towel
                      
                        Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:

Сlear the trouble codes from the electronic control unit if necessary.
Make sure that no dust or dirt gets into the air duct components and the throttle body.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Compact (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 4

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 5

Unscrew the fasteners of the air distribution housing assembly. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 6

Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 7

Release the cabin filter cover clips.
Step 8

Remove the cabin filter cover.
Step 9

Remove the cabin filter.

Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
Do not attempt to clean and reuse the filter - it will affect the quality of air cleaning inside the car.
Step 10

Unscrew the fasteners of the cabin filter housing. Use Torx T30. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11

Remove the cabin filter housing.
Step 12

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
Step 14

Remove the air distribution housing assembly.

Step 15

Remove the filter element from the filter housing.
Step 16

Unscrew the fasteners that connect the air duct to the MAF sensor. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17

Remove the air duct.
Step 18

Cover the air intake hose with a microfibre towel to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the system.
Step 19

Detach the mass air flow sensor connector.
Step 20

Unscrew the MAF sensor fasteners. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 21

Remove the mass air flow sensor.
Step 22

Install a new mass air flow sensor.
Step 23

Tighten the MAF sensor fasteners. Use Torx T25. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 8 Nm torque.
Step 24

Remove the microfibre towel from the air intake hose.

Step 25

Install the air duct.
Step 26

Tighten the fasteners that connect the air duct to the MAF sensor. Use HEX No.H5. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 5 Nm torque.
Step 27

Treat the mass air flow sensor connector. Use dielectric grease.
Step 28

Attach the mass air flow sensor connector.
Step 29

Clean the air filter cover and housing.
Step 30

Insert the filter cartridge into the filter housing. Make sure that the filter edge fits tight to the housing.
Step 31

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 32

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 33

Reinstall the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 34

Install the cabin filter housing.
Step 35

Screw in the fasteners of the cabin filter housing. Use Torx T30. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 36

Install the cabin filter to its mounting seat.
Step 37

Install the filter cover.
Step 38

Attach the cabin filter cover clips.
Step 39

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: mass air flow sensor – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 40

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 41

Reinstall the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 42

Screw in the fasteners of the air distribution housing assembly. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.

Step 43

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 44

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.

Step 45

Shut off the engine.

Step 46

Close the hood.

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