Air filter change with A/C

Hi guys,

Probably a very silly question, but I’m trying to change the air filter on my 300 TDi as it’s full of dust and gunk.

I have AC and can get the cap of the filter housing off but the AC obviously totally blocks the filter from coming out of the housing.

I can see two bolts on the block that seem to hold the filter bracket down, but is it these that I need to remove to get the filter housing free in order to lever correctly to get the filter out?

I did try loosening these off but they seem welded in to the block, which probably explains the state of the filter.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

AJ

Do not undo the big bolts as they are the cylinder head bolts.

Looks to me like there are over centre catches which allows the filter housing to be removed.

lynall said:

Do not undo the big bolts as they are the cylinder head bolts.

Looks to me like there are over centre catches which allows the filter housing to be removed.View attachment 334038View attachment 334039

Click to expand...

Ok great, thanks.

Well, I say thanks, the next question is how the hell to get any tool in to actually undo the bits that hold those clips down.

I feared that this may be the case.

RIP knuckle skin.

AJ-90TDi said:

Ok great, thanks.

Well, I say thanks, the next question is how the hell to get any tool in to actually undo the bits that hold those clips down.

I feared that this may be the case.

RIP knuckle skin.

Click to expand...

If they are the same as the 200tdi, you just ping them up and the buckle releases.

This video shows the set up, no a/c though as that will be a super rare option in the UK.

lynall said:

If they are the same as the 200tdi, you just ping them up and the buckle releases.

This video shows the set up, no a/c though as that will be a super rare option in the UK.

Click to expand...

Thanks very much. I figured this out earlier, not sure how I hadn’t seen that they fully release.

I have to say it’s made a pretty dramatic difference having the new filter in there so a good, simple, modification .

Thanks for your help !!