Owners of other MINI models or some smaller BMW vehicles such as the Cooper S, "JCW" John Cooper Works, Convertible, Hatch, Clubman, One, One First, One D, Coupe, Roadster, Countryman, Paceman, 3 Series, 318i, 328i, 320i, 323i, 325i, 330i, 340i, 230i, M240i, M2, M3, M4, i3, 228i, 230i, 128i, 135i, Z3, Z4 and Z8 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible sets of new cabin air filters with their part numbers include the following: Premium Guard PC9976, EcoGard XC10389C, K&N VF2060, Beck Arnley 042-2219 and Mann-Filter CUK23-005-2.

The only tool needed to access and replace the two filters is a Tox T20 star bit screwdriver.

Locate the black plastic panel that covers the underside of the glove box.

Remove the two screws on the rear edge of the plastic panel (close to the passenger seat) by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with a Torx T-20 star bit screwdriver.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

Gently pull down the rear edge of the cover (closest to you) to release the two friction fasteners.

Pull the two hooks at the front edge (furthest from you, near the engine bay) out of their slots.

Disconnect the small blue electrical connector for the speaker.

Set the panel aside in a safe place.

Move to the left side kick panel on the side of the center stack.

Set the screw aside with the other two screws.

Insert your fingers into the openings near the rear of the kick panel.

Firmly pull out the rear edge of the kick panel (closest to the passenger seat).

Push in the release tab on the electrical connector for the footwell light before sliding it straight out of its socket.

Set the kick panel aside in a safe place.

Locate the vertically orientated rectangular filter access cover.

It might be partially obstructed by a wire loom.

There is a black plastic release tab near the middle of the access cover on the rear edge of the opening (closer to the seat).

Swing open the hinged cover from the left to the right (as seen from outside the car).

You should now be able to see the outer edge of the top / upper air filter.

I had trouble getting a grip on the old filter, so I had to use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull it out.

If the old filters are dark grey or black and clogged with pollen, soot, leaves, twigs, insects, hair, sand, dirt, dust and other debris they should be replaced with new elements.

I recommend buying the Premium Guard PC9976 filters since they have excellent reviews on Amazon.

If the old filters look relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a vacuum cleaner.

(The OEM filters were marked as MANN Filter Denso CZ145520 3980 BMW 64.31 6823715 225 270 10 DE.)

Slide in the first filter and lower it down into the slot.

Make sure that the two filters are properly seated in the slot.

Push on the cover to secure the retaining clip.

You should feel or hear the retaining clip "click" securely into place.

Push the power plug for the footwell light back into its socket.

Line up the two hooks on the front edge of the kick panel (closest to the engine bay) with their two slots.

Firmly push on the kick panel to secure the friction fasteners.

Replace the single screw at the center of the kick panel by turning it in the clockwise direction with the Torx T20 screwdriver until it is snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the screw to prevent from cracking the plastic panel.

Push in the blue plastic power plug for the speaker straight into its socket.

Line up the two hooks at the front of the plastic panel with their slots (closer to the engine bay).

Raise the rear edge of the panel and secure the two friction fasteners (pegs / spikes) into their corresponding openings.

Enjoy the fresh clean air from your A/C system!

Be sure to record the filter change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, check out all of my MINI Cooper DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.