Hello,

I replaced the air filter w/ K&N the other day and discovered that one of the tab that hold the top half of the box to the bottom half is broken. Probably from serviced by previous owner. Not a big issue but I'd rather make sure there's no leak around the air box.

I know many people here replaces their stock airbox w/ some sort of CAI. If any one has spare airbox part that I pictured below, I'd like to buy it off you (just that top part needed). Let me know total cost to ship it to zip 08873.

Thanks!

 

You can buy new for about $90 here:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...7831&x=32&y=11

Just so you know.

 

Mine was replaced under warranty at Roadshow after I broke it. They break very easy.

 

Yes, I know. Just trying to avoid spending $90.

 

Well I have the one that came off when my aFe went on. I was going to keep it in case I wanted to go back to stock, but after having the new intake on for almost a year, I doubt I could go back.
What would you offer for it?

 

Just ask and they will likely replace it free under warranty.

Is your MINI still under warranty?

 

Hmm... didn't know that it would be covered. But will ask them. Thanks.

 

If it turns out they won't cover it just PM me and we can work something out.
Chuck

 

That and the battery cover are both poor designs that break easily. I have gotten both replaced under warranty,(at different times). The only reaction I got when I mentioned then being broke, was, "yeah, that happens a lot."

Good luck.

 

[FONT=Verdana,Arial]Well I went out and replaced my air filter, 2003 Mini Cooper 5 speed, and found both tabs missing, seems the PO killed it. Then again my filter was changed two years ago, 12K miles ago, by East Bay Mini and they never said a word. I wonder if this is another case of them not doing, or not doing work well. Anyone have the part number and a discount source? I checked the site above but the link takes me to page showing a

Genuine BMW Part: MUFFLER
- This is a special-order, non-returnable, BMW part
(availability and shipping charges may vary).
[/FONT]

 

Alright... looks like my MINI dealer isn't covering it because I used K&N filter on it. :( Well, I don't think that's totally right, but not sure what else I can do.

So, I still need the top part. Anyone care to part with it? If you don't need it. Thanks!

 

Anyone?

 

I replaced my air filter and found both tabs missing. Rather than go 200+ miles to the dealer I fixed it myself: You can drill 2 tiny holes on either side of where the tabs used to be (very close to the body of the box, but not through the side of the box). Then, fashion a square shaped loop of wire, twisting the ends of the wire together. These will hook onto the bottom part of the box. The first time I did it, I had the wire loops to small/tight and the box wouldn't close. I cut the wires off and did it over (a little looser) and it it fits perfectly. You need stiff wire that will hold it's shape; I used electric fence wire. You can't even really see the fix when it's put back together, and the top fastens/unfastens the way it did before the tabs broke off.

 

Mmm think I understand what you are saying. Any pics to help me out?

 

I will try to take a picture of it.

 

OK, I took a picture of one of the wire loops I made. I actually drilled 5 tiny holes for each loop. To the right you can see the wire twisted together. The wire loops fit under the tabs on the lower part of the box, then just put the screws in on the right side of the box like you normally would. If you have the wires the right length, the lid will fit tight like it should. If the picture doesn't show up, look in my gallery; it's in there. I drilled the top 3 holes at one time. A long drill bit makes it easier.

 

Very cool. Thanks! I wonder if nylon zip-tie would also work. Will try it out.

 

A nylon zip tie might require holes too large. As you can see, I drilled as far away from the edges as possible for strength. I did this almost a year ago and it has held up fine.

 

 

i no longer need mine as i switched to a ddm intake

i have mine in storage and can dig it out if you still want it, let me know and i can figure out shipping cost etc if you still want it

 

if all else fails, f*** it, duct it. $90 will buy you a good amount of duct tape!

I'm on my second air box top and it's broken. I haven't found any issues with one (on this one) or both (on the first) tabs broken.

 

Damn, yeah, it's a poor design. I wonder what else can be done to help w/ the issue. I would go w/ aftermarket CAI personally. However, I'm just afraid of MINI pulling out the warranty. :( Ugh.

 

I just fixed mine by drilling a small hole right next to the lid in the gap of the broken tab. I used a #6 x .75 sheet metal screw to clamp the lid under the head of the screw. Only did the exposed side but will take care of the side under the hose later.
It seems like the lid only sat up about .06" with the tabs broken but this should keep a good seal around the filter. Best part is it cost nothing (unless you need to buy a screw). I was going to get fancy and put one of those screen door tabs to clip the lid down but this was a 5 second fix.

 

bump, still need an air box. :( Last attempt failed. Anyone else would like to sell your?

 

peanut man,
Its your $$ but if you want a relatively free, easy fix you can add a sheet metal screw adjacent to the edge of the box top to clamp it down. I just fixed mine that way. Please see pics in my gallery linked below.
The front one is out in the open and the rear one is buried under the intake hose but it took all of 5 minutes to fix.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/IMG00059.jpg
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../IMG000601.jpg

OOPS! Already post the text of the fix. Oh well, look at the pics if interested.

EDIT>4:20 11/1/08 - Installed a K&N Filter earlier today and had to change out the #6 screws for #10 x 1" long (its what I had). The K&N seems like it is a bit thicker so I needed more screw length.