I have an '04 MCS with the JCW Air Intake Filtering system which the dealer installed. But I didn't receive any servicing instructions with the unit. My MCS now has 75,000 miles.

Can anyone tell me what the proper procedure is to service this filter?

Thanks !

 

If your running the stock filter.....fork over another 100 bucks to the dealer for a new paper one and replace it, or do what I did. But a MINI Madness filter which can be cleaned / re-oiled every 20K miles I think the one from MINI Mania is the same blue dual cone filter.

Alta had one too for a while ( $54.00) but I no longer see it on their web site. The Alta one is really easy to clean and re-oil too.

 

The official MINI paper filter is around $185, a true rip-off.

A permanent K&N or Mini-Madness filter at half the price is the best option. The Alta foam filter had higher resistance to air-flow than the qauze filters.

 

Replaced the stock JCW filter with an Amsoil EaAU3570 filter and have been very happy with its performance. It cost around $54.00. I did initially notice that it perfomed far better in the mountains than the stock filter. This link shows the filter replacement instructions.

 

Remove intake hose. Pop off (lift up and move out of way) electrical junction box on side of filter box. Disconnect electrical connector for filter box flap (flap is at rear of box). Disconnect vacuum line for flap. Remove intake hose from front of filter box. Remove two Torx screws at front of box. Push filter box cover back (toward rear of car) to release for rear hooks and lift cover up to access filter. Remove screw that holds front of filter. Remove clamp that holds rear of filter (might need to replace clamp with a hose clamp).

I replaced my paper filter with a Mini Madness reusable filter.

 

Ours will be back in stock soon! Also the cotton filter / foam filter debate has been going on for a long time. HERE is a great read on the subject!

 

Foam is the filter of choice for cars that want consistent performance, not worse as the filter gets older.

 

Thanks to all of you who sent messages responding to my question. They were very helpful.

Joe

 

+1 on the Amsoil.

 

I just ordered an OEM replacement from Morristown...$64.06 (shipping included in that price).

 

And for those who like little chunks of foam floating around in various internal parts of the engine...

 

That is why you must use the proper oil and cleaner...the K&N kit is great for the cotton mesh, but it will eat and destroy foam...ITG makes a good kit for foam filters...
The proper oil from the proper kit is also important to get good filtration....the level of stickiness is also different....
That having been said, I have seen quite a few foam filters falling appart, delaminating, etc...was it due to age? The wrong cleaner? What ever it was, it just proves that ANY filter should be monitored for both cleanliness, and general condition!!