Engine Air Filter Replacement

Materials Required

Tools Required:

  • Pick Tool
  • 10MM Wrench
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • T-25 Screwdriver

Start w/ Cold Engine

Ensure you conduct this DIY on a vehicle with a cold engine.

Disconnect Battery

Disconnect the vehicle's battery to ensure safety while conducting this job.

Open Hood

Open your vehicle's hood by pulling the latch.

Remove Air Box Screws

Remove the two 10MM air box screws using a ratchet.

Unlatch Air Snorkel

Unlatch the air intake snorkel by using a flathead screwdriver to separate the two retention tabs (white circles).

Unplug MAF

Unplug the mass airflow sensor by using a flathead screwdriver to lift up on the retention tab and pulling the harness back.

Loosen Band Clamp 1

Loosen the band clamp that holds the air intake hose to the air box, with a flathead screwdriver.

Remove Air Box

With everything loosened, the air box can now be removed from the engine bay.

Remove Air Box Screws

Remove the six screws holding the air box assembly together.

NOTE

There are six screws holding the air box together. If you're missing any, be sure to replace them.

Part No. 13717545438

Separate Air Box

With the retention screws removed, you can simply pull both halves of the air box apart.

Remove Old Air Filter

Remove the old air filter by simply pulling it out of the air box.

Clean Air Box Assembly

Before installing a new air filter, you must clean the entire assembly with a microfiber towel. Not cleaning the air box out will contaminate the new air filter.

NOTE

We're upgrading this E92 with a high-flow, performance engine air filter instead of installing the OEM paper one. This new high-flow filter should improve throttle response, as well as add a few horsepower with a tune.

Install New Air Filter

Install the new air filter into the air box ensuring the gasket lines up perfectly.

Join Air Filter Box Together

With the new air filter installed, re-join the two air filter halves back together ensuring the screw holes line up.

Reinstall Screws

Re-install the six screws that secure the air box together. Hand-tighten all screws into place and go in a star pattern, this will help seat the air filter properly.

NOTE

Anytime you replace the air filter, it's recommended to clean the mass air flow sensor with a safe MAF cleaner. Spray 3-5 short bursts on the recepticle (white arrow).

Re-Installation

Re-install the air box, air intake hose, snorkel and mass air flow sensor in the vice versa of removal.

Reconnect Battery

It's now safe to reconnect the negative terminal on the battery.

Test Start Engine

To ensure there are no issues with the new air filter and no vacuum leaks are present, test start the vehicle.

DIY Complete

Good job replacing your engine air filter! Be sure to replace it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or after one year, whichever comes first.