Removing air filter - Agh! Frustrating

[treeman]

I'm currently trying to change air filter on my '03 X5 3.0D sport but can't get the damn filter housing plastic cover off.
Followed to the word the X5 TIS dealer instruction and undone all 5 bolts including the hidden one down the back but can't get the cover over the back of the filter but under the chassis on the left. Is there a technique to it? I'm scared of cracking the plastic cover.

Searched on here for guides or tips but can't find anything to help.

Hope someone can advise me.

[TerminatorX5]

3.0D? on the gasoline engines, the cover is held together by clips, you can unclip them with a thumb... not so sure about the diesel...

[BavariaTexan]

I only buy Mann Filters now, I bought a filter from a local auto supply store and it was a good 1/4 inch larger than it needed to be and it would not fit.

I ordered one from BavAuto and it fits like a glove every time now. See if your old filter will fit still.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by treeman

I'm currently trying to change air filter on my '03 X5 3.0D sport but can't get the damn filter housing plastic cover off.
Followed to the word the X5 TIS dealer instruction and undone all 5 bolts including the hidden one down the back but can't get the cover over the back of the filter but under the chassis on the left. Is there a technique to it? I'm scared of cracking the plastic cover.

Searched on here for guides or tips but can't find anything to help.

Hope someone can advise me.

Yep...its not an easy job and some indies dont even bother,since customer wont even check if its been replaced
If you cant pull cover off,its likely you havent undone the bolts fully,but you does need a good pull to remove it!Pull it towards you and up.
We have special tools at dealer ,you need especially ,a 8mm alen key on a small ratchet to remove the middle cover screw ,which is the bummer!
For you its best to remove the bulkhead ...see the attached the file ..that should help you.Good luck mate

[powers1]

Originally Posted by BavariaTexan

I only buy Mann Filters now, I bought a filter from a local auto supply store and it was a good 1/4 inch larger than it needed to be and it would not fit.

I ordered one from BavAuto and it fits like a glove every time now. See if your old filter will fit still.

He has a 3.0D diesel!
The filter cover is built in the top of engine and difficult to access,unlike yours which is a 5 min job

[BavariaTexan]

No need for that many !!!!

Diesel... sigh

[treeman]

Originally Posted by powers1

Yep...its not an easy job and some indies dont even bother,since customer wont even check if its been replaced
If you cant pull cover off,its likely you havent undone the bolts fully,but you does need a good pull to remove it!Pull it towards you and up.
We have special tools at dealer ,you need especially ,a 8mm alen key on a small ratchet to remove the middle cover screw ,which is the bummer!
For you its best to remove the bulkhead ...see the attached the file ..that should help you.Good luck mate

Many thanks powers1, that .pdf had the answer I needed. Unlike the dealer instructions, the .pdf had the detail of the molded plastic part to the left which once removed gives access to the nuts and the ability to pull out and replace the filter plastic cover. All done now - many many thanks for the pointer.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by treeman

Many thanks powers1, that .pdf had the answer I needed. Unlike the dealer instructions, the .pdf had the detail of the molded plastic part to the left which once removed gives access to the nuts and the ability to pull out and replace the filter plastic cover. All done now - many many thanks for the pointer.

You are welcomed ,mate ,glad to help

[Skier1]

Yes its a bugger of a job to change out ,by the look of your old filter you may have a cracked exhaust manifold or a leak from around the exhaust manifold/turbo area.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by Skier1

Yes its a bugger of a job to change out ,by the look of your old filter you may have a cracked exhaust manifold or a leak from around the exhaust manifold/turbo area.

The air filter pic is just a standard pic,not belonging to anyone here.Was just to show our petrol x5 members ,that "ours" isnt flat ,like theirs
Agree with you,though,that pic does seem to show some exhaust fumes!