Yesterday I went to look at my air filter. In the process of putting it back together I noticed a gap in one of the corners. I tried all over again and still have this gap. Can anyone tell me if they see the same thing? It seems like this should be tight and it might be? I just want to make sure I have this on correctly.

This is the area:

 

There are tabs in the back that the top piece slide into. You must have missed the tab and have the top of the box sitting on top of the tab. Good luck trying to find the tab it can be a little difficult.

 

I am going to check again but I thought that this was locked in the way it was supposed to be? I know that the bottom piece has two or three areas that the top piece needs to fit into. When I went to feel the back it seems like they are all in there?

 

I know this is old but I have the same problem. I can actually see the edge of the filter through the gap. I have tried to reposition it but it seems like it is connected into the back tabs. Now I am wondering if it was always like this and I am just now noticing?

 

I don't remember seeing that much gap. Make sure those back tab are all the way in and aligned. when sliding the lid on at an angle. Or take the box completely out and put it back together , then you will know it its all the way down.

 

I tried and re-tried it several times and couldn't get it to sit down any more. The back tabs really seem to be hooked. I could feel it slide into them.
Also it seems like there is an inner "wall" that sits down on the filter and is making good contact with the the filter. I tried to slide a thin piece of wire into the gap and it hits the inner plastic wall. So I think it's okay. Does this sound right?
I can take it apart again tonight to be sure...

Also, what is the trick to disconnecting the mass air flow sensor? It didn't want to disconnect and I didn't want to force it, so I just worked with it connected and was careful not to pull on the wires too much. But that obviously limits my maneuverability of the air box lid.
But maybe since I couldn't slide the lid in at the proper angle, there is still something not quite connected. It seemed to catch in the back. It didn't even wiggle when I tried to lift it from the back.

Just that darn little gap...just enough to see the edge of the filter. But again, if you try to stick something in there between the filter and the lid, it doesnt go through.

 

Trick is the MAF plug has a press clip, get it with your finger and nail press together. then pull up on the clip. then assemble to box again, and let us know. You can see the MAF clip plug good here . Its a JCW Engine mostly the same look.




Edit just found an old pic of the back and you can just see a hair of the filter. See top left conere of pic.



Guess its the design a bit, but on the very top pic look high.

Thanks

 

Okay. I took it off and reassembled it. But no matter what I do there is still that little gap. The inside of the airbox does does seem to be sitting on the airfilter though. You could see a depression along the top of the rubber edge of the filter.

Here are some pics. Maybe I'm being paranoid. Maybe it's always been like this. Wish I had paid attention in the first place.

 

Did you reassemble it by taking the whole box out, and then doing it on a bench, that way you know. If look like the intake pics from the factory now.

 

I'm afraid not. At least I was able to disconnect the MAF sensor and replace the lid at more of an angle and could feel it catch and it seems to be a little better at least. I think taking out the whole box is over my head. Maybe I should stop by at shop somewhere. By the way, I really appreciate your help!

 

You are welcome , the stock engine pic above does show the filter foam edge does peek out a bit, I just want to make sure the lid is all the way down. MINI dealership I would bet would help you for a quick 5 mins or a shop.

 

Okay I think that I am seeing the same amount of "peekage". But I think I will have it looked at just the same. Thanks.