BMW X3 E83 (2003–2010)Faults of the mass airflow sensor

Mass airflow sensor of the BMW X3 E83: problems and faults

Low severity: Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power) · BMW M47 engine
Low severity: Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power) · BMW M57 engine

Most serious fault: Low severity

Reviewed on 30 October 20261 source How we work

Faults by engine

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

X3 E83 BMW M47

- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)On the 2.0 M47 diesel the air flow meter appears among parts that can fail with age and cause loss of power or judder. It is fixed by replacing the sensor; other causes must be ruled out first.Repair (garage): €100–€300

X3 E83 BMW M57

- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)The air flow meter is a known fault on six-cylinder M57 diesels: over time it loses accuracy and the car pulls less. It is a cheap repair compared with the turbo or injection.Repair (garage): €100–€300

Symptoms these faults cause

How much the repair costs

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €100^[1] (faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)) to €300^[1] (faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)), including VAT. If the fault is caught in time, the repair is usually much cheaper.

Parts for the BMW X3 E83 for faults of the mass airflow sensor

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Air flow meter (mass air flow sensor)
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Air flow meter (mass air flow sensor)
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults of the mass airflow sensor does the BMW X3 E83 have?

In the BMW X3 E83 there are 2 documented faults of the mass airflow sensor: faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power) (BMW M47 engine) and faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power) (BMW M57 engine). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.

Mass airflow sensor of the BMW X3 E83: how much does the repair cost?

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €100 (faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)) to €300 (faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)), including VAT.

Which engines of the BMW X3 E83 have faults of the mass airflow sensor?

The documented faults affect the BMW M47 and BMW M57 engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Have you had a fault of the mass airflow sensor on your BMW X3 E83? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish