I noticed a definite drop in gas milage and decided to replace my air filter even though its no where near the reccomended 2 year mark. I picked up a new filter at the dealer. At home, I pop the remote battery terminal free of the air box cover and loosen the two screws. I can't get the air box cover out of that tight space. So I guess I've got to disconnect the hose. I've never seen a hose clamp like that. After looking at it a couple of minutes I take a screw driver and pop it open with a little twist. Then it occurs to me... how am I gonna get that clamp back on? Oh, well, replace air filter and reassemble everything. Put hose back on. Now, about that clamp. Big pliers, needle nose pliers, screw drivers, a lot of cussing and 30 minutes later I finally get it to click closed.

Is there a special MINI hose clamp tool or something?

By the way... that was the dirtiest air filter I've ever seen after less that a year and a half. No way you should wait the MINI reccomended 2 years unless you don't drive much.

 

I had no problems with the clamp. Glad you got it closed. When I put my ProMINI intake on I secured the clamp on the hose and then slid the hose onto the intake as it is polished stainless. No problems with it coming off at all.

 

Randy Webb uses what he calls 'ignition pliers' - really small channel locks - that pop that sucker on in a second. I haven't been able to find them, so I usually use a big channel lock.
Put the lower jaw on the big hump, then lever and squeeze and it will pop on. The technique takes some practice. Many folks just replace them with a standard screw clamp.

 

That sounds like the technique that finally worked for me using some wide jawed pliers.

Thanks.

 

Yeah, the small channel locks work well. The clamps are a type of "consistant pressure" clamps that are equal in pressure all the way around. Standard screw-type hose clamps aren't, they have more pressure where the screw assembly is.