North American Motoring

Mini Cooper: How to Change the Cabin Air Filter

Whether you live in a town blessed with smog or one blessed with pollen, cabin air filters keep all that nasty stuff outside your car's interior where it belongs. Here's how to change out your dirty old filter and keep things fresh inside your Mini Cooper.

By Brett Foote - May 27, 2016

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2001-present).

Cabin air filters are a relatively new feature on cars, but they are a very welcome one for those who suffer from allergies or simply those who live in smog-laden cities. Much like how an engine air filter keeps dirt and pollutants out of your engine, the cabin air filter keeps pollen, dirt, and other grime out of your car's interior. People tend to forget about changing the cabin air filter, which is a shame since it's so easy and inexpensive to do. There's absolutely no reason to pay a professional to change yours out, so check out our DIY below and we'll walk you through the process.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement cabin air filter (1st and 2nd gen are slightly different)
  • Flat head screwdriver (optional)

Step 1 – Remove old cabin air filter

Look under the glove box and you'll find the plastic box that holds the cabin air filter. The 1st and 2nd gen Mini Coopers have a slightly different box and cabin air filter, but the process for removal is the same for both. There are two plastic clips on the front of the box that hold the box together. You can reach under these clips and release them with your hands, but it helps to have a flat head screwdriver to do the job. Once you pop the clips loose, the cover is secured in the back by hinges, so it will simply fold open. Pull the cabin air filter out, taking note of which way it is installed.

  • Figure 1. Look under the glove box and you'll see the plastic box containing the cabin air filter.
  • Figure 2. Release the two clips in the front with your fingers or a flat head screwdriver, then fold the lid back and pull the old cabin air filter out.

Step 2 – Install new cabin air filter

If there's any crud or dirt in the box, it's a good idea to vacuum it out before installing the new filter. Once everything is cleaned up, push the new cabin air filter up in place in the same direction that the old filter was installed. Close the lid on the box and push the clips together until they snap in place.

Figure 3. New cabin air filter.

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