[Jon Chalk]

I know it's been commented on before, but prompted by minicabrio's thread here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/2747305-post1.html, I looked into replacing air filters for JCW Soundkit (http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-coop...no-chance.html)
as I thought Inspection 2 was going to be a long way away.

The pictures below are filters with just under 18,000 miles on them before & after cleaning; seeing as I'm still 1400miles from Inspection 1 (due at about 27,000 miles) - there's no way I'm going to do more than 10,000 miles again without either cleaning or replacing the air filter. Now I'm wondering about the state of the plugs!

Before
http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachmen...6&d=1165753131

After
http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachmen...7&d=1165753131

[JWF]

im getting my plugs done next week did my filter last week as it turned black and as ive done nearly 31k on them (not good i know but didnt but had other things to do) so im not bothering with the standard plugs going for some Denso or NKG iriduim ones

[Jon Chalk]

Let me know how you get on, please JWF, & the condition of the plugs?

I can see me doing this soon, as well.

[Dealmaker]

I replaced my air-filter and plugs after 33k. My plugs were fairly black and could be described as beginning to deteriorate, the filter was disgusting, and the whole air box was filled with twigs/dead flies etc, after replacing both of these the car felt significantly more responsive. Not so sure about fuel economy, as i changed my tyres for much wider ones around the same time!
Standard air-filter is £7 from mini, so really worthwhile doing it every year, and spark plugs every 2 in between TLC IMO

[JWF]

yeah will post some pics as my car hasnt exaclty had a sedate driving life and has been running an induction kit for the last 8k as well and i also learnt to drive in it poor thing but i know what you mean about the air box i would take my old filter out every few months and clean the air box out less hassle now i have an induction kit

[wheyaye2]

I changed my air filter at 35k and lets just say I was left wondering how the car was actually breathing.

[Richard Crofts]

You should clean or change your filter every 10k miles to maintain optimum efficiency and flow and therefore power. BMWs service regime is not too hot on that...in fact nor are any car manufacturers. For instance my missus Astra TDi doesn't get a filter inspection (even then its not a guardenteed change!) until 40k!!!!!!

[minicabrio]

I'm glad the thread prompted some folks to go look at their filters and plugs

A friend of mine told the tale of a Volvo service schedule. They launched the V70 with a 12k miles service interval. After a facelift, the interval rose to 19k miles even though the mechanicals hadn't been changed!

[mab01uk]

Just picked up my 2002 Mini One after its final TLC oil service at 37500 miles pleased to be told it had been fully checked & got a clean bill of health (Coopers Thames Ditton). I know they don,t do the air filter yet so have just DIY checked it as per this thread rather than wait another 10-15K. Filter is filthy and almost completely blocked underneath on the intake side! How many Minis must be running round like this probably with excessive fuel consumption because of TLC penny pinching..........it only takes a minute to check, I would rather they told me it needs replacing even if I had to pay for the new filter..........or forget the micro pollen filter which is included!

[DOT191]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Just picked up my 2002 Mini One after its final TLC oil service at 37500 miles pleased to be told it had been fully checked & got a clean bill of health (Coopers Thames Ditton). I know they don,t do the air filter yet so have just DIY checked it as per this thread rather than wait another 10-15K. Filter is filthy and almost completely blocked underneath on the intake side! How many Minis must be running round like this probably with excessive fuel consumption because of TLC penny pinching..........it only takes a minute to check, I would rather they told me it needs replacing even if I had to pay for the new filter..........or forget the micro pollen filter which is included!

I Put a K&N Air filter in our 2003 MC about 1 week after we took delivery on 03/01/03. i have done this with every Vehicle we have owned. It is a lifetime air filter. Each Spring i remove it, clean it if neccessary & put it back in. Very easy, & it Never has to be replaced. Better Performance & a slight increase in MPG.

[mab01uk]

P

Quote:

I Put a K&N Air filter in our 2003 MC about 1 week after we took delivery on 03/01/03. i have done this with every Vehicle we have owned. It is a lifetime air filter. Each Spring i remove it, clean it if neccessary & put it back in. Very easy, & it Never has to be replaced. Better Performance & a slight increase in MPG.

Good idea I have had a K&N filter in my Mini Classic for years which has worked well with cleaning once in a while!

[PeterMini]

Just replaced my air filter today. Car had done 18000 miles and is two years old. The air filter was pretty black but the air box was still clean. Well worth doing considering the filter costs very little. The only problem I had was with the cheap and nasty clip holding the air filter tubing onto the housing. (MCS 53 model) Gave up trying to get the clip back on so went down to the local motor factors and bought a proper screw type clip. Much easier for the future.

[appmacguy]

Thinking of changing mine. I dont want to fit a new style filter. What can you recommend to drop into the existing space as more air flow I read improves fuel consumption.

[minicabrio]

Hi appmacguy...

You can either go for a filter element.... K&N make them or MINI Coopers by Mini Mania, or go for an induction kit with a cone like the K&N 57i or Typhoon, or the Pipercross, or Alta.

[Step_7]

Here's further evidence if you need it. Spurred on by this thread I decided my 47K Cooper was probably in need of some REAL TLC not just that provided by MINI.





And the replacement:

[David King]

URGGHH that cant be good, got me thinking about my filter now, mines just turned 4 years old and done 24k was serviced at 21k. Will my air filter have been changed in this lifetime? If not ill order a new one.