How to change cabin air filter
#26
FWIW:
- My 2017 F56S does not have the panel behind the glove box in order to remove it. Some research turned up that, on spec, it never had one. Just not part of the 2017 F56S, period. My guess is that it was added to the F56 when they rejiggered it (LCI introduction, years later). When I was replacing my cabin air filters I noticed this. I was also pretty positive that if had that panel been there, I would have had to remove it to get the filter change done.
- I also noted (while trying to figure out the differences between various MANN filters) that the spacers ("blobs") definitely were removed from spec at some point -- I would similarly guess at the LCI introduction, pointing to a more general change in the setup. Now, I can't prove that, but all of it would point in the direction of the '21 and '22 being a little different than the older F56 instructions and guides flying around -- the panel for sure, and the spacer question maybe being more important -- as compared to my 2017 (that was actually manufactured in late 2016).
Hope this is useful.
- My 2017 F56S does not have the panel behind the glove box in order to remove it. Some research turned up that, on spec, it never had one. Just not part of the 2017 F56S, period. My guess is that it was added to the F56 when they rejiggered it (LCI introduction, years later). When I was replacing my cabin air filters I noticed this. I was also pretty positive that if had that panel been there, I would have had to remove it to get the filter change done.
- I also noted (while trying to figure out the differences between various MANN filters) that the spacers ("blobs") definitely were removed from spec at some point -- I would similarly guess at the LCI introduction, pointing to a more general change in the setup. Now, I can't prove that, but all of it would point in the direction of the '21 and '22 being a little different than the older F56 instructions and guides flying around -- the panel for sure, and the spacer question maybe being more important -- as compared to my 2017 (that was actually manufactured in late 2016).
Hope this is useful.
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cjv2 (05-26-2022)
#27
Worth mentioning that one of my finds was that for my not-LCI F56S's timeframe, at least some not-F56S MINIs *did* have the panel.
Thx much for helping confirm that my MINI didn't lose a trim piece somewhere under its prior owner
#28
Cool, I guess that pretty much confirms my guess that the panel is an LCI1 addition and that the blobs were pulled from spec by then. The info I got on my 2017 came from navigating the living daylights out of the diagrams/part numbers/etc for my 2017 at realoem.com -- that's where all indications are that my 2017 never had such a panel, for example.
Worth mentioning that one of my finds was that for my not-LCI F56S's timeframe, at least some not-F56S MINIs *did* have the panel.
Thx much for helping confirm that my MINI didn't lose a trim piece somewhere under its prior owner
Worth mentioning that one of my finds was that for my not-LCI F56S's timeframe, at least some not-F56S MINIs *did* have the panel.
Thx much for helping confirm that my MINI didn't lose a trim piece somewhere under its prior owner
#29
So - my 2017 F56S was manufactured in October 2016. So my car might be "before" or "after," depending upon the actual elimination date.
Good call on the options package. I have LEDs (factory) all over the place on the car, but I have the bottom-end factory sound package: 6 speakers, and I know exactly where they all are. Maybe whatever speaker is in that panel is part of whatever sound package is next above mine, or next above that, or you get the idea. Though now I'm really curious about that speaker placement, interesting place to put one...
#30
yea those blobs look like someone took a glue gun to the ends.
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#31
#32
Hello, here are the filters for the 2014 F56 MINI. K&N washable is listed.
https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2014-.../Cabin_Filter/
https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2014-.../Cabin_Filter/
__________________
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
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cjv2 (11-12-2022)
#33
We have a 2015 F56 base model. Filters never changed until today. (They weren't that bad, actually) Anyway, I've never used such bad language or had more frustration on any (of many, of all types) automotive job I've tackled. There's a YT video showing the filter door, but on our car, there are parts and structure preventing good access. The door pops off, but replacing it..... arrrrgh. Well, let's just say that this ostensible 5 minute job extended well into the second hour. However, I discovered a solution that worked. Finally. I cut off the upper "hinge pin". After that obstacle was removed, the door popped right in and closed securely. Finished up in less than five minutes then. What's especially annoying about this is that the door could have been designed so much simpler to install and remove. It's like they made it as difficult and (unnecessarily) complicated on purpose. If you're not on the smaller side, and flexible, I would definitely recommend leaving this job to the over priced professionals. Your sanity will appreciate it.
#35
As others have stated here if you are not a 12 year old kid or have cirque du soleil performer on your resume then this is probably one of the most frustrating DIY job on the F56. Today i performed this job in less than 15 min with the help of this device and an Ipad:
https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Wate...ps%2C98&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Wate...ps%2C98&sr=8-3
I wondered whether there were some versions that will work over Bluetooth vs wi-fi now, it would make for cleaner startup -- but I can't find any on the Web. In any case a borescope is definitely good stuff for a lot of things in maintaining a car, useful far beyond super-super-deep technical, and this model is a solid one. +1
#38
I really wish I had read this full thread before attempting the filter replacement on my '20 F56S. Holy cow, what an absolute pain. As noted by others, some cars have an additional panel under the glovebox that makes an already difficult area to reach nearly impossible. I had only read the first thread in this post as well as two youtube videos and none of them mentioned the extra panel, so I just assumed they had an easier time getting their hands around it than I did.
It sounds like I might be the first person with the extra panel to complete the filter replacement without removing the extra panel. I do not recommend it. I ended up yanking so hard on the center console side panel (the whole time thinking "it pops right off in their videos, I must not be pulling hard enough...") that I broke one of the plastic clips off and there now exists a permanent clip-sized hole in the side of my center console side panel on the inside. Somehow I was able to get to the filter door and perform the replacement, but it was hands down the most frustrating car DIY thing I have ever attempted. So much for a simple filter change!
About 1/2 way through the job I finally had the thought that maybe I could remove this panel to give myself more space. But I saw there was an AIRBAG stamp in the plastic near the screws and I was afraid to mess with anything close to an airbag. Seems like this is not an issue?
It sounds like I might be the first person with the extra panel to complete the filter replacement without removing the extra panel. I do not recommend it. I ended up yanking so hard on the center console side panel (the whole time thinking "it pops right off in their videos, I must not be pulling hard enough...") that I broke one of the plastic clips off and there now exists a permanent clip-sized hole in the side of my center console side panel on the inside. Somehow I was able to get to the filter door and perform the replacement, but it was hands down the most frustrating car DIY thing I have ever attempted. So much for a simple filter change!
About 1/2 way through the job I finally had the thought that maybe I could remove this panel to give myself more space. But I saw there was an AIRBAG stamp in the plastic near the screws and I was afraid to mess with anything close to an airbag. Seems like this is not an issue?
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