AFE Intake & Engine Light

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 04:48 PM

I recently purchased and installed an AFE sealed CAI, and after putting about 250 miles on it my check engine light came on today. I stopped by Autozone, and they read the codes and said the system is running lean. I assume this is because the vehicle is not used to the in increased air flow. Do you think I should leave it alone and see if the system adjusts after a week or so, or do you think this is going to be a reoccurring problem?

On a side note, this intake is great! It definitely pulls better, especially at higher RPMs. It's not a huge difference, but it definitely improves the driving experience.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 05:31 PM

Hmm, that's weird. I popped no codes. Checked your MAF connector? Also, what's the filter inside? Dry or oiled?

kdk2641 · 06-02-2013, 05:51 PM

I have the same problem. Took it to bmw dealer and they say the SES light is due to the AFE intake. It wont affect the car performance or anything. It's just annoying seeing that light on all of time.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdk2641

I have the same problem. Took it to bmw dealer and they say the SES light is due to the AFE intake. It wont affect the car performance or anything. It's just annoying seeing that light on all of time.

I haven't gotten one and I've had the intake in for well over 300 miles. So your SA said it didn't void your warranty?

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Hmm, that's weird. I popped no codes. Checked your MAF connector? Also, what's the filter inside? Dry or oiled?

I have the oiled version.

The autozone tech said he had the same problem on one of his non-BMW cars, and it is just a matter of the car "adjusting" to the new air/fuel mixture, and when it does the light will go off. If it doesn't, then he said it may need to be relearned. Thoughts?

This really stinks because I love the intake, but I am not willing to drive around with the SES light on all the time.

AceOnShake · 06-02-2013, 06:20 PM

You guys do know this is a well known problem with this intake. Search there is a fix to this solution you have to buy an adapter so maf can sit higher.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 06:29 PM

For the Stage 2Si you don't need an adapter, it comes with a pretty large gasket. I'm not understanding how you guys are popping these codes and I'm not. Perhaps the filter is oiled a bit much? Definitely strange.

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentegoE90

You guys do know this is a well known problem with this intake. Search there is a fix to this solution you have to buy an adapter so maf can sit higher.

I didn't know that. I thought that was for the surging issue. Are you saying this is also for the SES issue? I have absolutely no performance problems.

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

For the Stage 2Si you don't need an adapter, it comes with a pretty large gasket. I'm not understanding how you guys are popping these codes and I'm not. Perhaps the filter is oiled a bit much? Definitely strange.

Maybe its a problem with how I have the MAF attached. I put the gasket on the MAF itself, then I screwed the MAF down until I couldn't tighten the screws anymore.

AceOnShake · 06-02-2013, 06:36 PM

www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574347

Here you go..

It will cause a service engine soon. Sell that thing off.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOT Bimmer

Maybe its a problem with how I have the MAF attached. I put the gasket on the MAF itself, then I screwed the MAF down until I couldn't tighten the screws anymore.

How compressed is that little Oring? I used a clamp to compress it to where it was easy to screw on. Maybe the seal is bad?

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentegoE90

www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574347

Here you go..

It will cause a service engine soon. Sell that thing off.

That's the stupid Stage 1 intake, not the Stage 2 that has a sealed box.

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

How compressed is that little Oring? I used a clamp to compress it to where it was easy to screw on. Maybe the seal is bad?

It's pretty compressed (ie., flattened). Is that too much?

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOT Bimmer

It's pretty compressed (ie., flattened). Is that too much?

Mine is too. Maybe you just need a new MAF sensor?

douwe22 · 06-02-2013, 07:24 PM

Clean the maf sensor, then try again

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by douwe22

Clean the maf sensor, then try again

I did clean it prior to reinstalling it, but I'll pull it out again tomorrow and try it again.

WOT Bimmer · 06-02-2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Mine is too. Maybe you just need a new MAF sensor?

It has been fine up to this point, so I doubt it's the MAF sensor. Is there any potential problem with putting the aforementioned adapter on it to see if it helps?

e90-328i · 06-02-2013, 09:16 PM

I have had mine for 8 months with no problems. I would also agree to reclean sensor. If that doesn't work reinstall stock air box and see if that clears it. Then try install again.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-02-2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90-328i

I have had mine for 8 months with no problems. I would also agree to reclean sensor. If that doesn't work reinstall stock air box and see if that clears it. Then try install again.

Good to know, not sure why others are having this issue.

WOT Bimmer · 06-03-2013, 12:48 PM

How long does it take for the SES light to come on or go off? For example, does the vehicle have to run for a while in order for the system to monitor the air flow and realize that the air flow is normal, or can it tell as soon as the vehicle is turned on that the system is normal/not normal? I cleaned off the MAF this morning and adjusted a few things on the intake, but when I started the car briefly the SES light was still on. I'm not sure if this is just because I need to take it out for a drive to give it time to readjust, or if it is truly still experiencing issues.

Also, does a new MAF sensor require any sort of coding/initialization in order for it to work, or is it a direct plug and play?

SDemetris · 06-03-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentegoE90

www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574347

Here you go..

It will cause a service engine soon. Sell that thing off.

This is the wrong intake

kdk2641 · 06-03-2013, 02:58 PM

Some people say that BMS powerbox would help adjust the ecu and take off SES light. I haven't tried it so im not sure

06-02-2013, 04:48 PM	#1
WOT Bimmer Major 1261 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Columbus Ohio iTrader: (3)	AFE Intake & Engine Light I recently purchased and installed an AFE sealed CAI, and after putting about 250 miles on it my check engine light came on today. I stopped by Autozone, and they read the codes and said the system is running lean. I assume this is because the vehicle is not used to the in increased air flow. Do you think I should leave it alone and see if the system adjusts after a week or so, or do you think this is going to be a reoccurring problem? On a side note, this intake is great! It definitely pulls better, especially at higher RPMs. It's not a huge difference, but it definitely improves the driving experience.
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06-02-2013, 05:31 PM	#2
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 291 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Hmm, that's weird. I popped no codes. Checked your MAF connector? Also, what's the filter inside? Dry or oiled? __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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06-02-2013, 05:51 PM	#3
kdk2641 Private 0 Rep 50 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (4)	I have the same problem. Took it to bmw dealer and they say the SES light is due to the AFE intake. It wont affect the car performance or anything. It's just annoying seeing that light on all of time.
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06-02-2013, 06:20 PM	#6
AceOnShake Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Windy City iTrader: (0)	You guys do know this is a well known problem with this intake. Search there is a fix to this solution you have to buy an adapter so maf can sit higher.
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06-02-2013, 06:29 PM	#7
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 291 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	For the Stage 2Si you don't need an adapter, it comes with a pretty large gasket. I'm not understanding how you guys are popping these codes and I'm not. Perhaps the filter is oiled a bit much? Definitely strange. __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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06-02-2013, 06:36 PM	#10
AceOnShake Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Windy City iTrader: (0)	www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574347 Here you go.. It will cause a service engine soon. Sell that thing off.
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06-02-2013, 07:24 PM	#15
douwe22 dual Afe intake/ cobb/ forge dv's/ 94 oct. 11 Rep 309 Posts Drives: 2008 bmw 335xi, 2008 x5 4.8i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: niagara region iTrader: (1)	Clean the maf sensor, then try again
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06-02-2013, 09:16 PM	#18
e90-328i Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 258 Posts Drives: 2011 328i RWD! Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: yyz iTrader: (0)	I have had mine for 8 months with no problems. I would also agree to reclean sensor. If that doesn't work reinstall stock air box and see if that clears it. Then try install again. __________________ 2011 328i RWD Sports 6MT, BMW P/E, aFe Magnum stage 2, AA tune, P3cars gauge, LUX
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06-03-2013, 12:48 PM	#20
WOT Bimmer Major 1261 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Columbus Ohio iTrader: (3)	How long does it take for the SES light to come on or go off? For example, does the vehicle have to run for a while in order for the system to monitor the air flow and realize that the air flow is normal, or can it tell as soon as the vehicle is turned on that the system is normal/not normal? I cleaned off the MAF this morning and adjusted a few things on the intake, but when I started the car briefly the SES light was still on. I'm not sure if this is just because I need to take it out for a drive to give it time to readjust, or if it is truly still experiencing issues. Also, does a new MAF sensor require any sort of coding/initialization in order for it to work, or is it a direct plug and play?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2013, 02:58 PM	#22
kdk2641 Private 0 Rep 50 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (4)	Some people say that BMS powerbox would help adjust the ecu and take off SES light. I haven't tried it so im not sure
	Appreciate 0 Quote