I was checking the air filter today in my 02- non-S and noticed one side has two screws, the other has no tabs, clamps, etc and has a bit of a gap. Is this normal? I don't see any evidence there were any way to button down the other side. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

2002 MC

 

If by other side you mean the part by the firewall, there are some tabs back there that hold it down, they are just very hard to see without pulling the airbox cover off.

 

02 non-S has molded plastic hooks on the lid and square loops on the passenger side of the box. They break off. I replaced mine with some brass (steampunk look) snap latches to hold it down tight while retaining the screws on the drivers side. Then I replaced it with a CAI. No hooks, no loops, no latches, no screws.

 

THANKS! Those hooks/loops must break off clean. Thanks for your help. Can you elaborate on what CAI is?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_air_intake

 

Yes, they do break off clean. The part on the box if memory serves.
CAI is cold air intake. Replace the filter and assembly with an open cone-type filter (K&N, etc.).

 

Thanks again! I've been looking at them, but not sure what to get. What kind is the one you've pictured? I will need the OEM for cold seasons in MN, so don't want to do anything non-reversible. I though cold air intakes imply the filter is sucking air outside the engine compartment? THANKS!

 

I changed the filter on the MINI I picked up yesterday, took me a few minutes to realise I had to remove that cover on the cooler for the supercharger to get the air filter cover out of my way to remove the air filter and clean the chamber. But yeah those tabs are small and hard to make sure are secure when reattaching.

Anyone know why the air filter would have a slightly oily feel to it on the dirt catching side? I assume it might be road grime from the intake, but thought I would check here for advice.

 

Most of the aftermarket CAI's are easy to swap back and forth to the OEM.
The one pictured is mine built from scratch (except for the filter cone, of course). I'm a tinkerer.

 

Thanks again..do you also have an 02' non-S? If so, would you consider creating another that I would buy from you? What would it cost? Thanks!

 

Yeah, '02 no-S, barebones. No, none for sale. Like I said, I'm a tinkerer, and I'm constantly changing the design while striving for small improvements so I really never have a finished product.
I seem to take more pleasure in the creation rather than the completion...

 

I just bought an AFE 54-10561 CAI, should have it by next week. I'll post my experience as soon as I test it out..thanks for your input!

 

Silly question, but I can't find it anywhere:
Where is the intake air filter? I have an '05 MCS and just changed the oil on it last night myself and was going to replace the air filter with a FRAM CA9806 that I bought at the same time. Anyone have pics, or can you direct me to another post?
Thanks!
-ZB

 

You really can't find it? But managed to change your oil?

It's to the right (driver's side), just behind your engine. You'll have to gently pry the ridiculously engineered hose clamp off, slide the battery (+) point off the airbox, and then using a hex screwdriver, unscrew the two screws from the top of the airbox.

 

OK. Thanks, I should be able to get that taken care of tonight!

 

I resorted to taking the cover off the intercooler, it was only 4 screws, then the air filter cover could be moved out of the way without taking the hose off.