Tristan just had his first service based on the computer counting down (he had a yearly oil change last year). The first service is basically just an oil change and a cabin air microfilter change. Then I discovered they put the wrong microfilter in, and don't even normally stock the right one unless you specifically request it. So I just requested it, they should get one in for Friday.

Which microfilter you should have depends on which A/C you have, the standard comes with the standard microfilter, described as "pollen micro-filter" on MINIUSA. The Auto A/C comes with a "active carbon filter". The active carbon filter sounds like a very good idea, I've got a lot of alergies to things a carbon filter will filter out. Its the carbon filter which first persuaded us to get the Auto A/C, rather than the standard A/C. We've had the auto A/C in all the MINIs since then because its much less hassle.

I'd almost forgotten about the carbon filter, but I was idly glancing over the service invoice and googled the part number for the micro-filter and it seemed there was no separate part number for the carbon vs plain, so I opened up the filter to check. The plain one had been installed. (Thanks to this thread for instructions.)

I've since found a reference which does give the different part numbers. If anyone's interested, they're:

64-31-9-127-515 standard
64-31-9-127-516 carbon

Replacement filters can be had for between $10-$50 so if you want the carbon filter (as we do) but don't want the Auto A/C, it'd be easy to swap it yourself.

All this makes me wonder how many other times the dealer has short changed us on a filter with the previous MINIs. I'll be looking out for this in future. I checked Shawn it looks like he's got a carbon one fresh from the factory.

 

Great find, I'm about 2k miles from getting Ferris serviced (for some reason that sounds a bit . . . dirty) and I'll be sure to double check this.

 

It looks like they put in the wrong cabin microfilter for my auto A/C as well! I just checked my service invoice from few months ago. The part number for the cabin microfilter listed on the invoice is that of the standard one, not the carbon one it was supposed to be.

 

I don't even think they replaced my cabin air filter on my yearly service. Of course I only had 7000 miles, so maybe I didn't have enough miles for a change??

As far as the carbon vs regular, there will not be a whole lot of difference, other than the carbon will help filter out smells for a fresher smell, but won't do any better in filtering out particulates than the standard.

 

thanks for the info! ill be sure to check

 

I don't think they did for mine, and I wasn't expecting them to. I think its only when the computer says its time for the service that they're supposed to.

 

Geez, you scared me. I was under the impression that the filters were "on me," so to speak, and not covered by the service contract. I have two of the carbon ones in my basement - just hadn't gotten around to changing it. Imagine my surprise (the good kind!) when I picked up Lewis from his first major Service/Inspection and my SA said that they had repaced the microfilter. I just checked the invoice and it's listed as microfilter/activ with the carbon part number.

Guess my dealer is just that awesome.

 

Just a Question, Can you visually check the difference by looking at the filter ???

 

yes carbon filters have dark gray/black specs and from about a foot or so it looks dark gray. the regular non carbon ones are white/beige looking.

here is an example of carbon filter (this is not the right one for our MINI!)

 

Wow!!!! How's is that for an answer - Thanks Mark

 

I got the proper filter this morning. It didn't take them long to fit it. I just checked to make sure, it is the right one.

 

Did you get this at Mini of Mountain View?

My car was recently in for service and they insisted they didn't stock any carbon filters and they [carbon filters] were not included in the 3 year maintenance plan that comes with the car.

 

It was MINI of Mountain view, they didn't seem to stock them when I had this problem, they got one in stock for me. Does yours have the Auto A/C? The carbon filtration is an advertised feature of the Auto A/C so they'd better replace the filter with the right one.

 

Yes I have the auto A/C system. They insisted the carbon filter was not part of the warranty.

 

Well if I am going to replace it with the carbon one I am sure am not going to get it from the stealership. Look at local parts stores some have them or can order them and you can save 20-50 dollars by getting that way.

 

Just to update, after a single email to my service manager, they are replacing it with the correct carbon filter and updating their inventory system to keep them instock.

 

So, MINI of Mountain View now acknowledges that they should give the carbon out under the maintenance plan? I also have Auto A/C and they put the standard filter in mine.

 

this is probably standard with the auto AC because those systems tend to be turned off more with the AC running when you stop to get out of the car. This leads to condensation and eventually mold or mildew. the active carbon keeps the smell down. If you do have a stinky vent system, Way at WayMotorWorks has some killer stuff to clean it all up.

It's also a good habit to turn off the AC a few min before getting to your destination to let it warm and dry... I forget a bunch of the time, but this will really help keep mildew at bay....

Matt

 

Yes. Can you tell a difference with the standard filter? I notice things like smoke from the nearby fires is more aromatic without the carbon filter.

 

just check my invoice - ends with 516 so I was given proper filter. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Yup, when I picked it up I wondered if they had changed it.

 

Oh, lovely. Keeps the smell down, but doesn't prevent mold?

I don't want to be breathing killer stuff.
All I could find there was cleaner for engine intake filters. Is that what you mean?

Good tip, but having to turn it off minutes before stopping sort of takes the automatic out of Auto A/C.

 

his girlfriend had some issues with stuff like this. I don't know if it's on his site, but he'll know exactly what you are talking about if you mention cleaning the vent system. We talked about it in depth at AMVIV two years ago.

Really, with AC systems that are cold, there is no way to prevent condensation (that's what the drain line is for, and why cars with thier A/C on leave little "puddles"). It's just the nature of the beast. And that's the trade-off with the auto system. It's just more likely to be turned off when the system is cold. There's not much to be done about it.

Matt

 

Except harass MINI of Mountain View about installing the wrong filter--even if it is of marginal benefit.

Thanks, I'll give Way a call.