Changed the cabin filter today. Probably the most difficult cabin filter I have had to change. It will definitely be easier next time knowing what is in store.
Probably not the hardest, but the strangest part was that the filter is about 30mm bigger than the access hole and requires the filter to be "crushed" to get it through the hole. One can only hope that it returned to original shape when inside, because you can't see it. This in itself had me confused at first because I thought I was looking at the wrong panel, as it was smaller than the filter.
I am posting this because the actual job is different than any service manual excerpt I was able to find. They all mention removal of an air duct which doesn't exist on this car. Lots of confusion with Series 1 and 2, and LHD and RHD.
Here are my photos of the operation, in no particular order:
New filter compared to size of hole cover. Weird, poor design IMO.
Had to destroy old filter to remove it. At first I didn't think it was the filter, but it was.
Not too dirty for 50,000kms. Won't bother changing it again until air flow reduces noticeably.
Firstly, remove glovebox, and then the glovebox surround. About 8 T20 Torx screws.
Note this screw under the end panel holding the glovebox surround. (Also see last photo)
Remove cover by pulling on the ring - at the top when in situ. I had trouble refitting the bottom end, and filed some burrs off the cover near the bottom insert lug.
How I started to refit the filter through the small orifice. This was suggested in the very meagre instructions with the filter. At least the filter was flexible, not just the paper type. Note direction of air flow marked with an arrow on the filter.
It got pretty ugly inserting the filter. Hope it expanded inside. I slipped my hand in and it felt ok.
The cover panel in situ. Ring pull at top. I cut that white cable clamp on the right to release tension on the cable near the cover, may not have been necessary.
Again, the location of one of the screws holding the glove box surround.
I hope this clarifies the job for anyone else having a go.
Probably not the hardest, but the strangest part was that the filter is about 30mm bigger than the access hole and requires the filter to be "crushed" to get it through the hole. One can only hope that it returned to original shape when inside, because you can't see it. This in itself had me confused at first because I thought I was looking at the wrong panel, as it was smaller than the filter.
I am posting this because the actual job is different than any service manual excerpt I was able to find. They all mention removal of an air duct which doesn't exist on this car. Lots of confusion with Series 1 and 2, and LHD and RHD.
Here are my photos of the operation, in no particular order:
New filter compared to size of hole cover. Weird, poor design IMO.
Had to destroy old filter to remove it. At first I didn't think it was the filter, but it was.
Not too dirty for 50,000kms. Won't bother changing it again until air flow reduces noticeably.
Firstly, remove glovebox, and then the glovebox surround. About 8 T20 Torx screws.
Note this screw under the end panel holding the glovebox surround. (Also see last photo)
Remove cover by pulling on the ring - at the top when in situ. I had trouble refitting the bottom end, and filed some burrs off the cover near the bottom insert lug.
How I started to refit the filter through the small orifice. This was suggested in the very meagre instructions with the filter. At least the filter was flexible, not just the paper type. Note direction of air flow marked with an arrow on the filter.
It got pretty ugly inserting the filter. Hope it expanded inside. I slipped my hand in and it felt ok.
The cover panel in situ. Ring pull at top. I cut that white cable clamp on the right to release tension on the cable near the cover, may not have been necessary.
Again, the location of one of the screws holding the glove box surround.
I hope this clarifies the job for anyone else having a go.
