Intake boot torn
 

I had been having the whistling sound while accelerating on my 06 x5 3.0i and initially I kept ignoring it thinking it's normal but the other day I tried to do a search on it and found a torn intake boot is usually the culprit. Opened up the hood and found 3 huge cracks in the smaller accordion tube. I have ordered the part online and waiting for it to arrive this week. So I have 2 questions

1.) Is there any permanent damage to the engine as a result of the torn intake boot since unfiltered air and debris can get to the engine bypassing the air filter? I wished I had searched on this earlier since I have been noticing the whistle for more than a year now.

2.) I have been looking for DYI with photos for the replacement and haven't found anything specific to the 3.0 x5. Found a DYI for a 3 series but that mentioned removing the micro cabin air filter to provide more room but I don't think that applies to the x5 since the cabin filter looks like its behind some kind of a firewall. Looks like a straightforward replacement but due to the placement and the clamps I feel like its going to be a PITA. I do the brakes on my car but have never done any engine work so looking for any tips/tricks to make it easier (with pics would be really helpful since I probably don't know the names of most of the parts near the engine on the X).

Thanks

Mine was also torn about a year ago. Without a lift I can't see how you can get to the clamp screws (at least a 220lb guy like me) so I bought the part and brought it a local garage who did it for about $60. I don't recall having to remove the cabin filter, but there are a few parts that come out for the air cleaner. But honestly, it is a PITA to get to unless you've done it before a couple of times, or can get a LONG skinny tool up the middle to loosen and tighten the clamp.

Good luck
ed in NJ

Thanks edco,
I guess I will start for an indy shop around here to replace the boot.