Need expert advice. Running out of ideas.

[Bimmerfan84]

Pulled the AFM out and it sounds like a Mexican Maraca when you move it around. Guessing I'm going to have to bite the bullet on this one.

[Bimmerfan84]

Also funny story, the AFM, when unplugged, would still not allow the car to run well. When I disconnected the AFM from the car completely, the car actually runs okay. 

[Bimmerfan84]

Anyone have experience with Cardone rebuild AFM? $185 is looking pretty nice compared to $660

[1998ccc]

Anyone have experience with Cardone rebuild AFM? $185 is looking pretty nice compared to $660

Would you want a good used one?  I'm sure someone on here has one for less than $185

[colin86325]

Test the heater circuit for the O2 sensor.

[Bimmerfan84]

Car runs great with new AFM (I wanted to get it installed right away which is why I went ahead with the Cardone rebuild instead of getting one from someone on here). Will be replacing O2 sensor this weekend pre-emptively (I had already bought it anyway).

[Bimmerfan84]

So I got the exhaust redone and new o2 sensor put in and idles smooth at startup but still backfires while cold if you rev it or put it under load. Going to replace the Crank sensor with OEM BMW. Apparently there are none left in the US and they had to order from Germany.  The only other thing I think it could be if this doesn't completely get her back to spec is fuel lines clogged or burnt valves.

[Bimmerfan84]

I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT THE BACKFIRING THAT I REPLACED MY ENTIRE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRYING TO FIX WAS AN AFTERMARKET CRANK SENSOR. The $200 crank sensor from BMW FIXED ALL PROBLEMS, NO MORE BACKFIRES OR CAM SENSOR CODES.

[DesktopDave]

I'm glad you figured it out, I'll bet your thrilled! Thanks for taking the time to post the solution too, I've heard of this happening with many types of aftermarket sensors on more than one occasion.

[Bimmerfan84]

I'm glad you figured it out, I'll bet your thrilled! Thanks for taking the time to post the solution too, I've heard of this happening with many types of aftermarket sensors on more than one occasion.

After owning this car for 3 years and never getting the full potential till now, I am extremely thrilled! And despite the fact that I spent more than necessary, she runs sooooooo smooth with all those new parts! Now to focus on some chassis reinforcement to help with that convertible front end shake and then on to cosmetics (possible Laguna Seca Blue)!