R50/53 Why spend so much on your cabin air filter? Alternative here
#51
06-27-2008, 10:20 AM
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OK, every all at once: BOOOOOOO!I guess I better give up trying to be a comedian and keep my day job.
#52
07-05-2008, 08:02 AM
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So it's time for a new cabin air filter, your MINI is beginning to smell like a gym locker room. I pulled my cabin air filter and nearly wretched at the ghastly sight of it. Utterly filthy. FYI, you're *suppose* to change them every 12 mo./12,000 miles.
So I hit the usual MINI places. OutMotoring prefers to charge you $42.95 (which may not even be carbon activated). And MiniMania would like to charge you $56.95 for a carbon activated cabin air filter. Not likely!
I found a brilliant alternative. The site is A to Z Autolights ( www.atozautolights.com ). They carry the OEM replacement made by the company TYC. Not only is it nearly identical to the OEM (3M Company) replacement, but it's carbon activated too! And the cost? $8.31.
Just looking out for my fellow thrifty motorists.
So I hit the usual MINI places. OutMotoring prefers to charge you $42.95 (which may not even be carbon activated). And MiniMania would like to charge you $56.95 for a carbon activated cabin air filter. Not likely!
I found a brilliant alternative. The site is A to Z Autolights ( www.atozautolights.com ). They carry the OEM replacement made by the company TYC. Not only is it nearly identical to the OEM (3M Company) replacement, but it's carbon activated too! And the cost? $8.31.
Just looking out for my fellow thrifty motorists.
Anyone have detailed directions to remove the old one and install this one? I have NEVER done any work on my 2004 BRG Mini before.
CJP
#53
07-05-2008, 09:18 AM
#56
07-11-2008, 05:12 PM
#57
07-11-2008, 05:24 PM
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I got confused when installing the filter... How does it fit inside the thing? I know which side should be up and down but how does it curl in there? Can anyone draw me a diagram or something. I made mine look like ( ````:...... ) or something like that. Is that correct?
2nd, if you look at the filter there is an arrow that points in the direction and the word "AIRFLOW" you obviously want that arrow facing away from the engine towards the cabin.
The filter actually slides into a track and you push upwards. Push from the outside, not the inside or you'll never get it to slide in place (Yes, this sounds incredibly perverted).
#58
07-11-2008, 05:50 PM
1st, get a flashlight, it helps tremendously.
2nd, if you look at the filter there is an arrow that points in the direction and the word "AIRFLOW" you obviously want that arrow facing away from the engine towards the cabin.
The filter actually slides into a track and you push upwards. Push from the outside, not the inside or you'll never get it to slide in place (Yes, this sounds incredibly perverted).
2nd, if you look at the filter there is an arrow that points in the direction and the word "AIRFLOW" you obviously want that arrow facing away from the engine towards the cabin.
The filter actually slides into a track and you push upwards. Push from the outside, not the inside or you'll never get it to slide in place (Yes, this sounds incredibly perverted).
dang i gotta take it out again, didn't know there was a track
#59
07-11-2008, 06:00 PM
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That's the problem with cheap imitations, they are often "nearly identical" to the original.
I'm not saying this particular filter is no good, I'm just saying there's no way to know 'til you try it; or until we hear from others who've used it.
Just discovered my daughter's '03 VR/W CVT had NO cabin air filter in it when I went to check it... so, maybe a cheap imitation isn't the worst thing in the world that could happen to you.
On second thought, I guess if the cheap imitation started disintegrating while installed and got filter material all throughout your ventilation system, THAT could be worse than not having a filter.
What to do, what to do?
I'm not saying this particular filter is no good, I'm just saying there's no way to know 'til you try it; or until we hear from others who've used it.
Just discovered my daughter's '03 VR/W CVT had NO cabin air filter in it when I went to check it... so, maybe a cheap imitation isn't the worst thing in the world that could happen to you.
On second thought, I guess if the cheap imitation started disintegrating while installed and got filter material all throughout your ventilation system, THAT could be worse than not having a filter.
What to do, what to do?
i replaced my front pads with a set from NAPA that was made in Australia, there cost was 50. but are a better then OEM replacement, and are made of organic materials. (no more break dust)!
Of course this isn't true if you hit the local csk or auto zone and get one of there "made in china" parts.
#60
07-11-2008, 07:35 PM
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While brake dust can permanently discolor your wheels if neglected, it's also good to know some of Germany's best brakers all exhibit large amounts of brake dust. August's Car and Driver (Tech Stuff: The Power to Stop) has an informative read on brake pads. The dirtiest brake pads of the bunch, Porsche and BMW. The best brakers of the bunch, Porsche and BMW. Who manufactures the MINI? Yeah, we know, BMW.
#62
07-11-2008, 08:48 PM
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While brake dust can permanently discolor your wheels if neglected, it's also good to know some of Germany's best brakers all exhibit large amounts of brake dust. August's Car and Driver (Tech Stuff: The Power to Stop) has an informative read on brake pads. The dirtiest brake pads of the bunch, Porsche and BMW. The best brakers of the bunch, Porsche and BMW. Who manufactures the MINI? Yeah, we know, BMW.
but the quick stopping has to do with the whole complete system not just the metallic pads themselves. It's the master cylinder pressure,caliper,and caliper pistons,(amount and size), rotor size and design, and pads as a unit.
I still feel the same braking as I did with the factory,if not better, but minus the mess.
just passing on info for those who dont like break dust but still want a performance pad to stop with.
and they were only $50
Last edited by muladesigns1; 07-11-2008 at 08:53 PM.
#63
07-11-2008, 10:25 PM
#64
07-12-2008, 07:34 AM
Cheaper Site
Here's another site where it's cheaper: Logical Source
It's $8.31. The other site has gone up to $12.
I'm planning to order a couple of these bad boys later today. 
It's $8.31. The other site has gone up to $12.
I'm planning to order a couple of these bad boys later today.
#65
07-12-2008, 08:46 AM
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Here's another site where it's cheaper: Logical Source
#66
07-12-2008, 09:05 AM
They look the same, but they're different stores. I'm not sure how that works...they both have "A to Z Autolights" up in the corner. Anyway, they have different prices and different addresses.
Here's A to Z Autolights where it's $12. It doesn't really matter where you get it. Either way it's cheap. The $4 difference wouldn't even buy a gallon of gas.
Here's the Logical Source link again.
Anyway, they have different prices and different addresses.Here's A to Z Autolights where it's $12. It doesn't really matter where you get it. Either way it's cheap. The $4 difference wouldn't even buy a gallon of gas.
Here's the Logical Source link again.
Last edited by MiniSuperCooper; 07-12-2008 at 09:15 AM.
#67
07-12-2008, 06:23 PM
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#68
07-28-2008, 07:04 AM
Just ordered 2 as well, ~$28 total (8.31 each + ~$11 shipping). Thanks for the links. How do you guys like them so far?
My choices up to today were.
Dealer OEM- $70+
Rock Auto- Bosch (charcoal) $29 shipped
pepboys- purolator (non-charcoal) $20
Pelican parts- micronair (charcoal) $28.50+shipping
Pelican parts- Helsa (charcoal) $23.50+shipping
My choices up to today were.
Dealer OEM- $70+
Rock Auto- Bosch (charcoal) $29 shipped
pepboys- purolator (non-charcoal) $20
Pelican parts- micronair (charcoal) $28.50+shipping
Pelican parts- Helsa (charcoal) $23.50+shipping
#69
07-28-2008, 07:06 AM
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#70
07-28-2008, 07:11 AM
#71
07-28-2008, 07:15 AM
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#74
07-28-2008, 10:47 AM
