with MAF unplugged, why does my car idle fine, but die when revved quickly?

[ScHpAnKy]

So, here's the background
'88 325is
'92 M50NV
Harness is perfect.

• new Fuel pressure regulator, and vacuum hose.
• new thermostat, waterpump
• new e36 coolant temp sensor and b25 temp sender
• new crank sensor
• new hoses all-around for vacuum, fuel, coolant
• used coils, low miles (30K), have a full set spare that are known good, no change.
• new fuel pump, fuel pressure is good.
• no vacuum leaks in the intake manifold, throttle body, brake booster, ICV
• 413ECU (have 3 spare)
• spark plugs are fouled after running rich, but it idles PERFECTLY with AFM unplugged.
  
  here's the deal - with the MAF plugged in, it runs stupid rich, misfires and has flat spots everywhere, with it unplugged the car idles almost 100% except for very quick idle surges, I can rev it very slowly and it's fine... but the second I give it a good pull the engine straight up quits on me, if I do it quickly but slower it'll miss and stumble. Basically, any load.
  

[nwe30]

i had a very similar issue. get a new MAF sensor

[N2MYE30]

^^^my 1st thought as well. I had about the same issue when the engine is cold (~4 hours since last run). I just put a chip in my M50NV and it has greatly improved. I'll get a new MAF one day but for now, it runs perfect after 5 minutes.

[ScHpAnKy]

how's this sound, from what I can tell - the issues with richness, missing, and poor running with the MAF are a result of a bad maf. However, I think the other issues are the cam sensor - it's the only sensor on the block I haven't replaced, and since there's no vacuum leaks anymore, I feel like it's a logical step. How do m50's run with no cam sensor? noticable change if I run it unplugged?

[N2MYE30]

Hmmm...I swap cars from storage and currently in my cabriolet for a bit. Ill try it when I get my coupe...if no one else does.

[ANM32NV]

I am having the same issues. I have even changed my maf and still issues (Well Miller Maf). But the car runs ok when the maf is unplugged, just idles rough. Can i drive the car with it unplugged, or will it cause serious engine problems?