A4 Clueless

I have just started getting the same issue with my 2007 cabriolet. I installed a new MAF and the engine still “pulses” on cold idle and throws up the running lean issue. Exhaust starts popping and there is a “thud” sound from the air intake. However, if i unplug the MAF, the car idles perfect and the pulsing, thuds and pops disappear???? At the moment I am running the car without the MAF plugged in until i can figure out why it doesn't work with a new MAF installed. Would be interested to see how yours runs if you unplugged the MAF? Following this tread to hopefully find some answers.

Have something similar going on with mine. MAF sensor died so cold start and idle makes engine “pulse” and there is the thud from the air intake. I got a new MAF sensor and it didn't fix it. However, when i unplug the sensor, the car idles perfectly and the thudding goes away. Don’t know what to do as clearly the car should have a working MAF sensor but seems to only run properly when the MAF is unplugged?????