BMW Error Code - 2783

[Caterham7]

Hi, Ive just acquired a 2003 Z4 with the M54 engine (pre-facelift, with dipstick).
'
It suffers from a common problem - if I press the brake pedal the revs rise by about 200 RPM. It also has a slightly erratic idle.

I did a diagnostic test and the following error code appeared '2783 - Hot Film Air Mass Flow Sensor'.

Ive checked all the hoses from air filter to engine block, and replaced one with a spit in it - and cleaned the MAF with the right cleaner.

Sadly the code is still there - as is the fault. So I am suspecting that the MAF sensor is at fault.

What is the forum wisdom in terms of replacement parts. Some seem to suggest it must be a BMW original part, but these are expensive compared to the OEM-spec ones from the usual outfits? Are there no good reasonably-priced substitutes?

 

[Mike6]

You could buy a cheap one just for test purposes. I may have to get one for my car and they range from about 40 pounds into the hundreds and I am undecided what to do.

 

[Caterham7]

I've ordered a Hella-branded one from Autodoc.co.uk, which costing about £80. I've never had an issue with parts from that supplier and I'm trusting that hella is a reliable brand. I'm not paying £450 for a BMW-branded one

 

[enuff_zed]

Apologies that I am too late answering, but for future reference, if you disconnect the MAF then the DME runs the engine on a default setting.
If you do this and the fault goes away then it confirms it is a dodgy MAF.

 

[Caterham7]

Thanks for that last reply - most helpful. I will try this anyway as I can always return the item for a refund if the MAF is good.

 

[Mike6]

What brilliant and obvious advice, I didn't think there was any way to test the maf!. Will try this for my ongoing problems. I thought if you disconnected the maf it would throw a code. However only use my car on fine days so going to be a while before I get a chance to give it a go.

 

[enuff_zed]

What brilliant and obvious advice, I didn't think there was any way to test the maf!. Will try this for my ongoing problems. I thought if you disconnected the maf it would throw a code. However only use my car on fine days so going to be a while before I get a chance to give it a go.

It may throw a code to point out it's not connected.
I was suggesting that if the MAF was causing the fault then at least that should go away with it disconnected.

 

[Caterham7]

So I took the advice - cleared the codes from the car, then disconnected the MAF and fired her up.

When I did a retest afterwards the diagnostic tool didn't throw any codes at all although oddly it didn't go through as many tests as it had done before - on this cycle it tested 10 sensors rather than the normal 14 on an active test - but this might be a trait of the Foxwell analyser that I use?

So I'm guessing it is the MAF that is the problem

 

[enuff_zed]

So I took the advice - cleared the codes from the car, then disconnected the MAF and fired her up.

When I did a retest afterwards the diagnostic tool didn't throw any codes at all although oddly it didn't go through as many tests as it had done before - on this cycle it tested 10 sensors rather than the normal 14 on an active test - but this might be a trait of the Foxwell analyser that I use?

So I'm guessing it is the MAF that is the problem

If it runs ok without it connected? ..........................

 

[Caterham7]

yes it does :driving: