X5 35D Air cleaner cover removal
 

How do I open the air cleaner compartment to remove the air cleaner. I released the 5 spring clips that hold the top on and can raise the right hand side up about one quarter inch. The left side is holding firmly and I don't want to force it to a breaking point. I used a mirrow and do not see anything around the back that would need to be released so I'm at a loss. Something that used to be as easy as a single wing nut to remove and gain access to the cleaner!!! I was in a blinding sand storm yesterday (Arizona) and am curious as to how well the air cleaner stood up to it.
Any help and or guidance is appreciated ahead of time.. My X5 35D is a 2010 model.
Thanks, Chet

If the air cleaner is the same arrangement as on the 2008 3.0sd, you need to disconnect the plug, undo the clamp and detach the air intake hose from the front left hand side of the housing as per the attached extract from TIS Attachment 52374

Thank you!
 

Thank you Mr David Mc...That's all I needed and it came off just fine. Being from Australia you have probably seen a dust storm or two in your day, eh...Thanks again, Chet

^^^ More like Florida!

;)

Weather-wise, that's true, but you don't have those oversized fur-covered, car-busting grasshoppers that we do. There is still the odd dust-storm out west, although after the last wet season, I'm told that the wildflowers are so profuse that they had to move the location for the next "Mad Max" film to Namibia.

How do you disconnect the plug? Just pull it out or is there a button I need to press to loosen the locking mechanism and then pull? It looks like it's related to the mass air flow sensor.

disconnect plug
 

Pull it straight out after you release the two plastic locking tabs on each side. I took a small screwdriver and carefully pried them outward until they released.

Thanks, I'll try it. Will the tabs lock themselves when I connect them later on?

Yes. The locks will assume the locked position on their own when fully seated in place.