So I thought I would get a new MAF mostly because I'm still on the original one. I bought this one...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-BOSCH-PO...6b8cc9&vxp=mtr


It came in and it is a Bosch unit in sealed Bosch packaging. Installed it and the car had a huge hesitation when you pressed on the gas. Contacted the seller and he sent me a new one and I sent the 1st one back. Next one came and when I installed it the car wouldn't even idle. The RPM would hunt between 200 and 2500 RPM then eventually stall. The seller has refunded me but I don't get it. It is the correct part number and they are Bosch units sealed in Bosch packaging. I noticed my stock one and others I see on the internet have the green "o" ring but the ones I got have black ones. When I mentioned that to the seller he said it made no difference and this is the right one.


I did notice some visual differences when comparing my stock on to the new ones. I can post picks if you guys want to see them.


Anyway just thought I would post that it is odd I got two correct part numbers Bosch units and they didn't work.


I guess I will just put the stock one back in as it seems to be fine.

 

It seems there has been an issue with places selling knock-offs MAF sensors and individuals experiencing the same problems. I would definitely buy from a well known vendor, especially for the price listed in the add. This will ensure you get a genuine Bosch unit.

 

No need to replace the MAF until it actually dies.

 

Buy a MAF rom reputable dealer and agree if old works fine no need. Amazon has Bosch usually for the best price.

 

It's funny but when I bought it it was $110. I figured for the price I would give it a shot. I see the price is $250 now so he raised the price by a lot.

The unit says Bosch and the packaging says Bosch so if it is a knock off its a good one.

 

I thought I'd heard Bosch was going to start putting hologram seals on their stuff, can anyone confirm? I have a NIB MAF I bought off Amazon that I never installed and you've now got me worried lol

 

For what its worth. http://www.porscheoem.com/z/part/996...ir-mass-sensor

 

Apparently there is a big issue with counterfit Bosch products. There is a way to check, see link---> http://www.bosch-aa.com.cn/en/intern...terfeit_1.html

 

Here is the packaging..




Here are the two side by side. You can see differences..

OEM to the right. You can see the diodes are different sizes.




Here you can see the replacement doesn't have a metal shield over the board in the slot. Not sure if that metal has any function with metering air.




And finally the wires inside are different.

OEM:





Replacement:

 

Mine doesn't have any label like those so I guess it is counterfeit. Thankfully I will be getting a refund.

 

Interesting, it's all in the details. I just took mine out over the weekend and cleaned it with CRC Maf cleaner so I just looked at mine and yeah that metal shield inside definitely was there as you show in the 2nd and 3rd pics.

Wow....Pretty crazy to go through all this trouble to make them look real but they don't even work Pointless.

 

Yea exactly. At least make the damn things work. lol

 

Cool. Thanks!

 

I would have been suspicious about the fuzzy barcode. They are always crisp lines.

Could be the vendor got had by an offshore "Bosch" supplier.

 

OP. 2 things: First, check your MAF connector. I've heard of the pins coming loose or breaking. Make sure you have the right voltage on the right pins. Second, while I haven't had my 996 turbo for years, I THOUGHT I had a MAF problem, so I bought one. Turns out I had a bad vacuum leak and never used it. Just went downstairs and found it, brand new in the box, Bosch, with the green O ring. Because of the issue you've been having, it's yours if you want it. PM me.