BMW Repair: Idle stalling at stoplight, mass airflow meter, mass airflow sensor

Question
2001 525i 65k miles - This problem has happened several times over the past 2 months.  You will be setting at a stop light at idle and when you start to accelerate the engine will die instantly.  You can restart the engine and it will rev up but when you put it into drive it will die again.  After 2 or 3 attempts you will be able to go again and everything appears normal. Thanks for your work on this site.

Answer
Max, Check intake for leaks, specifically at the duct hose that attaches to the throttle body and idle valve after the Mass Airflow sensor. This boot will tear at moderate to high mileage. Remove Idle valve and make sure you can feel the little door inside move freely when twisting valve back and forth. Clean with solvent. Also clean throttle body. After reassembling test drive. If symptoms persist then take the car in and have the fault memories read out. A defective engine wiring harness, throttle body, or Mass airflow meter is also possible. Any stored Faults will help determine this.
-Evan