In this guide, we’ll run through the steps for replacing an air filter on a MINI F56 Cooper S & JCW models. Please note that this applies for both pre-LCI and LCI F56 models but not the latest GP3 model.
For help with changing an air filter on previous generation models, view our guides here:
- How to fit an air filter to a MINI R53 Cooper S & JCW
- How to fit an air filter to a MINI R56 Cooper S & JCW
Changing an air filter on your MINI F56 is relatively straightforward and may take you a couple of hours at home. With the right equipment, a bit of patience and our step by step guide you can easily complete this job on the driveway.
If you’re unsure, or just don’t fancy doing it yourself - contact our team on 01785 859999 or sales@lohen.co.uk and we can arrange to do this for you or as part of a service.
Knowing when to change your air filter
If you’re taking part in track or race days, are doing higher than the usual mileage or are noticing a drop in performance then it might be a good time to change your air filter.
As a rule of thumb, air filters should be cleaned or changed either at your annual service or with every 10,000 miles to ensure that it retains its ability to block out contaminants whilst preserving airflow and does not become damaged.
A torn air filter could result in harmful debris entering the engine, whilst a blocked air filter may mean that insufficient levels of oxygen within the engine causes a drop in performance or causes running problems such as mis-firing.
OEM vs aftermarket air filters
The stock paper filters which are the default variation in MINIs will provide adequate performance for general use and regular day-to-day driving. These are usually replaced every 3 to 4 years or every 15,000 to 25,000 miles.
Aftermarket filters, such as the ITG ProFilter provide a higher level of performance and have the added benefit of being able to be cleaned, rather than having to be replaced, saving you money in the long term.
For performance driving or track days, we’d highly recommend investing in an aftermarket filter for improved airflow and better protection against air contaminants.
It's important to know that the onboard computer will not monitor and alert you when your filter needs changing. It's advisable to check your filter at least once a year and if it's dirty then it's time to replace it.
In the steps below, we’ll run through how to replace the OEM air filter with an aftermarket air filter on a MINI F56.
Equipment required
1x performance air filter (we recommend the ITG Foam Filter)
1x ITG Air Filter Cleaning Kit (optional)
1x flat-headed screwdriver or 7mm socket
1x Torx T20 screwdriver
Step by Step Guide
Step 1
Open up the bonnet and locate the airbox, which is towards the right hand side of the engine bay.
Step 2
Carefully unplug the MAF Sensor Plug from the housing.
Step 3
The wiring for the sensor is held in place with a cable tidy, unhook this clip which holds the wiring loom in place.
Step 4
Using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the jubilee clip which holds the pipe in place and then firmly but carefully pull out the pipe from its housing.
Step 5
Surrounding the airbox there are three screws which all need to be removed. You can do this with a Torx T20 screwdriver, which loosens the airbox.
Step 6
Lift up and remove the airbox, which reveals the air filter that needs to be either removed and cleaned, or replaced with your new performance air filter. If you’re removing your filter to be cleaned, then you’ll need to apply another coat of grease. We recommend the ITG Air Filter Cleaning Kit, which removes grime and reapplies oil to catch additional dust particles.
Step 7
Remove the filter along with any debris or contaminants that may have built up in the airbox over time.
Step 8
Place your new filter within the housing, ensuring that it fits without any gaps. If you’re fitting a new performance filter, like one of ITG’s foam filters, they usually come pre-greased.
Step 9
Once the filter is in situ, follow these instructions in reverse to rebuild the airbox and ensure that the MAF sensor plug is securely attached.
Hopefully, this step by step guide will have given you all you need to undertake this task on your driveway. Remember, make sure you at least check your air filter every 12 months or 10,000 miles to ensure that it performs to the best of its ability.
For more help or to get your MINI booked in at Lohen for an air filter change, please contact our team on 01785 859999 or sales@lohen.co.uk