R50/53 Why spend so much on your cabin air filter? Alternative here
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5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Harrisburg, PA
Why spend so much on your cabin air filter? Alternative here
So it's time for a new cabin air filter, your MINI is beginning to smell like a gym locker room. I pulled my cabin air filter and nearly wretched at the ghastly sight of it. Utterly filthy. FYI, you're *suppose* to change them every 12 mo./12,000 miles.
So I hit the usual MINI places. OutMotoring prefers to charge you $42.95 (which may not even be carbon activated). And MiniMania would like to charge you $56.95 for a carbon activated cabin air filter. Not likely!
I found a brilliant alternative. The site is A to Z Autolights ( www.atozautolights.com ). They carry the OEM replacement made by the company TYC. Not only is it nearly identical to the OEM (3M Company) replacement, but it's carbon activated too! And the cost? $8.31.
Just looking out for my fellow thrifty motorists.
So I hit the usual MINI places. OutMotoring prefers to charge you $42.95 (which may not even be carbon activated). And MiniMania would like to charge you $56.95 for a carbon activated cabin air filter. Not likely!
I found a brilliant alternative. The site is A to Z Autolights ( www.atozautolights.com ). They carry the OEM replacement made by the company TYC. Not only is it nearly identical to the OEM (3M Company) replacement, but it's carbon activated too! And the cost? $8.31.
Just looking out for my fellow thrifty motorists.
Last edited by Xymox; Jun 17, 2008 at 04:58 PM.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Harrisburg, PA
SubTotal: $8.31
Shipping & Handling: $10.64
Insurance: $0.28
Sales Tax: $0.00
Total: $19.23
I guess they adjusted their prices around. Still roughly the same as yours.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 165
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From: NH Seacoast
Maybe you'll get a different price next time u try.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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I just looked at the site...how about $74 for cooling fan/shroud assembly?..pelican shows that part # being over $200
Trending Topics
Buy two - one for a friend or one for next year.
Good info, Xymox - it's about time I replaced mine.
Subtotal:$11.00
*Shipping: $7.75
*Insurance:$0.28
*Total:$19.03
Looks like it's $0.20 cheaper in CA.
Two makes it ~$15 per
Subtotal:$22.00
*Shipping:$8.35
*Insurance:$0.46
*Total:$30.81
Good info, Xymox - it's about time I replaced mine.
Subtotal:$11.00
*Shipping: $7.75
*Insurance:$0.28
*Total:$19.03
Looks like it's $0.20 cheaper in CA.
Two makes it ~$15 per
Subtotal:$22.00
*Shipping:$8.35
*Insurance:$0.46
*Total:$30.81
Last edited by Eric_Rowland; Jun 17, 2008 at 06:38 PM.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Harrisburg, PA
Um, the air filter I got from them is nearly identical to the OEM (3M) cabin air filter it replaced.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 247
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From: Memphis, TN
That's the problem with cheap imitations, they are often "nearly identical" to the original.
I'm not saying this particular filter is no good, I'm just saying there's no way to know 'til you try it; or until we hear from others who've used it.
Just discovered my daughter's '03 VR/W CVT had NO cabin air filter in it when I went to check it... so, maybe a cheap imitation isn't the worst thing in the world that could happen to you.
On second thought, I guess if the cheap imitation started disintegrating while installed and got filter material all throughout your ventilation system, THAT could be worse than not having a filter.
What to do, what to do?
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 793
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From: Harrisburg, PA
Design
Every detail of TYC products is meticulously designed to meet or exceed stringent quality control.
Processes
The latest technologies are used in the creation of TYC products. Robotic technologies are used to ensure consistency to product quality. Sensory devices are used in conjunction with production and assembly jigs to help detect any product offset or variation during production process. Five photometric tunnel labs to test reflection intensity and light pattern are available in-house for lighting products compliance.
Vehicle Test Fit
Prototypes are created and mounted onto a vehicle. Any adjustment needed is made prior to market release. Each product is fit and performance tested to ensure drop-in, hassle-free installation.
Accelerated Fatigue Tests
An array of tests is conducted on each product to assure top-notch quality. Test, such as abrasion, humidity, rain, salt spray, and vibration, are applied to meet or exceed DOT/SAE and industry standards.
Compliance Standard
SAE/DOT
FMVSS-108
FMVSS-111
ISO9001:2000
TS16949
QS9000
Q1
Every detail of TYC products is meticulously designed to meet or exceed stringent quality control.
Processes
The latest technologies are used in the creation of TYC products. Robotic technologies are used to ensure consistency to product quality. Sensory devices are used in conjunction with production and assembly jigs to help detect any product offset or variation during production process. Five photometric tunnel labs to test reflection intensity and light pattern are available in-house for lighting products compliance.
Vehicle Test Fit
Prototypes are created and mounted onto a vehicle. Any adjustment needed is made prior to market release. Each product is fit and performance tested to ensure drop-in, hassle-free installation.
Accelerated Fatigue Tests
An array of tests is conducted on each product to assure top-notch quality. Test, such as abrasion, humidity, rain, salt spray, and vibration, are applied to meet or exceed DOT/SAE and industry standards.
Compliance Standard
SAE/DOT
FMVSS-108
FMVSS-111
ISO9001:2000
TS16949
QS9000
Q1
Last edited by Xymox; Jun 21, 2008 at 03:58 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 247
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From: Memphis, TN
I'm not questioning it. I'm saying if no one has used it who can speak from experience, then there's no way to know if it's any good or not.
The company's website is not going to come out and say, "We make a cheap piece of crap that's nearly identical to OEM."
If you've had no problems with yours, say so.
I'm not going to buy it just because it's cheap and is "nearly identical" to the OEM.
Chill out while you're at it.
The company's website is not going to come out and say, "We make a cheap piece of crap that's nearly identical to OEM."
If you've had no problems with yours, say so.
I'm not going to buy it just because it's cheap and is "nearly identical" to the OEM.
Chill out while you're at it.
Be nice, kids. You guys both have given us good scoop.
Xymox - since it takes about 12 mo before replacing these, can you give us an update maybe next month or the month after you install it? See how it's holding up?
Otherwise, we'll have to sit here and wait for a year for someone to give us an info dump on how well /poorly it's worked for them...That's too long!
Xymox - since it takes about 12 mo before replacing these, can you give us an update maybe next month or the month after you install it? See how it's holding up?
Otherwise, we'll have to sit here and wait for a year for someone to give us an info dump on how well /poorly it's worked for them...That's too long!