Changing the Air Filter on a Cooper S

[Zipperblues]

What's the big secret about changing an Air Filter on a Cooper S? The FAQ/DIY only mentions how to change the filter on a One or a Cooper, and the manual doesn't explain it either. I don't see and obvious clips, like my old Toyota had, and I don't want to start unscrewing things until I know what I'm unscrewing.

How do I change the Air Filter on a Cooper S?

[Paul]

It's very easy to do really. What are you doing, just replacing the filter, or swapping out the standard for a cold air intake (or similar).

[PARTSMAN109]

If you are just swapping the filter for a new one, remove the IC diverter to get the top of the air box off easier, undo the two screws at the front of the box, then push back and pull up on the top of the box.

[pocketrocketowner]

Also, it will help if you have the nifty tool to undo the hose clamps but you can always just replace them with normal ones and use a screw driver.

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by pocketrocketowner

Also, it will help if you have the nifty tool to undo the hose clamps but you can always just replace them with normal ones and use a screw driver.

Actually, the normal screw clamps are too wide to fit in the slot on the hose properly.
Use an adjustible plier to snap the clip back on. Normal pliers won't work as they will slp off when you pull the clip over to tighten it.

I think I posted detailed instructions somewhere for a 05 MCS. But forgot where. I'll find it and repost on this thread.
It's pretty simple.

[Zipperblues]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

It's very easy to do really. What are you doing, just replacing the filter, or swapping out the standard for a cold air intake (or similar).

Just replacing the filter. I just got the car used and I haven't looked to see if the filter is clean or needs replacing.

[beken]

Okay...I couldn't find the instructions I wrote up so here they are:

Tools you'll need: Small flat head screw driver, T25 torx driver, adjustable pliers.

I suggest you cover the intercooler with a towel or something to prevent debris from falling onto it.

The airbox is the box next to the engine and against the firewall on the driver's side of the car. Looking at it from the front, it has the positive battery terminal mounted on the left side and on the right side is another box that looks more like a book standing on its end.

On the front of the airbox is a hose that connects the airbox to the throttle body. The hose is held onto the airbox by a clamp. To remove the clamp, use the screwdriver and just wedge it under the top of the clamp's clip and pry the clip off. Be careful not to break it. once the clip springs off you can pull the clamp towards you and pull the hose off the airbox. You do not have to completely remove the hose...just pull it off the airbox.

Next carefully pop the battery terminal off the mount and move it aside.

On the front of the airbox, there are two torx screws on either corner. Remove the screws. The back of the airbox is actually under the top fold of the cowl and fits into two tabs on the bottom part of the airbox. You need to push the top back towards the firewall just a bit to get past the tabs, lift slightly and then pull the top out. It's a bit of a tight fit but there is room to pull it out. Once the top is off, you will see the filter sitting there. It looks clean but wait until you see the under side.

Before replacing the filter, I would recommend you vaccuum out or clean the bottom inside of the box.

Put everything back in reverse order. The hose clamp can be retightened with the adjustible pliers. I recommend adjustible pliers as the angle of the pliers' claws can be adjusted so they don't slip off the clip as easily. Just pull the clip to its latch and push down a bit. It should just latch on very easily.

Hope that didn't sound too confusing.