I recently cleaned my MAF sensor and it made the car run and idle much smoother.
It also felt like it had an extra 50hp.
A few days later, it has started to idle rough again and lost responsive off boost.
I cleaned it again and it feels much better.
Does anyone know if this is normal?

 

Better off to replace as cleaning is usually just a band aid fix. Buy Bosch from reputable source.

 

FYI - You can usually get the Bosch stuff much cheaper if you search using their part number. Typically places like PartsGeek or CARid have them closer to $200.

 

Got mine a while back from Amazon for $180.

 

FYI - The Bosch Part# is 0280218009

PartsGeek - $204
Amazon - $194

 

Here it is for $180:

 

It comes up for $194, but look down and you will see "12 new from $180.00." There you will find the $180 one. Good luck.

 

Bosch has a good page that helps you determine if the unit you buy is a knock-off or not, they have even begun to use hologram stickers I believe. Before purchasing you may want to look into that and be smart before buying as there are a TON of junk MAF out there...

 

good points. i would only add to this that in my early days i had a good few episodes of "woe is my maf(s)" ..

and even though the 986/996 parts "appear" to be interchangeable ( and are actually ) i would still only buy the 124-00 part # for the 996. although i would take a chance on that pelican one if the genuine bosch on amazon weren't so reasonably priced. i last paid 150 for a new one, but it was a private ebay vendor, not a regularly reliable source. anything under 200 is a "go".