Replacement air filter for a 3.0 Diesel

[fatboyoz]

Originally Posted by staffop

I've read through the threads about replacement air filters for the petrol variants of the X5 but there doesn't seem to be anything about replacing the filter on a 3.0D.
This is a long conical filter as opposed to a panel type and from what I've heard its a b*tch to replace.
Anyone done it to their X5 diesel, was it worth it?, any economy/performance gains etc?
Specifically I'm thinking about a K&N but I've heard these can knacker the MAF if over oiled so I'll have to proceed with caution.

This is how I did it on my 2005 Diesel Sport 6 Speed Manual.
Pull out 4 plastic rivets that hold cold air intake in place by pulling centre of rivets up with long nosed pliers. Remove intake and ducting by releasing clip on lower end of duct.
Undo 5 allen headed screws on acoustic lining. Lift front of acoustic panel and pull forward. Lift panel away.
Unfasten 3 screws from filter inlet housing (where ducting attaches) and remove.
Undo scews from filter cover (Not sure how many, 4,5 or 6), back two are very awkward to get to. As I recall, these screws are captive, and do not completely detach from the panel (so you can't drop them).
I think, at this stage, you have to remove the oil filler cap. Put it back on ASAP so that nothing falls in.
You then have to manouver the cover and filter out together, as there is not enough room to remove the cover with the filter in place.
When fitting the new filter, you will have to manouver the filter and cover back on together for the same reason.
Be careful, when pushing filter into place, that the seal on the open end of the filter is not bent over and caught inside, instead of outside, of the receptacle, it can be done, and your engine will not run properly. If you have it fitted correctly, the rear end of the filter should drop neatly into a small cut-out.
Manouver cover back into place, making sure that you run you left hand down past the washer water container to the very back of the engine to ensure the cover is fitting neatly. You will have to do this anyway to get to the very back screw to get it to restart in its hole.
Continue in reverse order and good luck.
Regards Colin.