[themast]

I decided to change the air filter on my 2004 Coupe and I wanted to share some tips based on my experience.

I replaced the filter with a Maserati filter. Old filter (black one) did not look too bad and I knew it was replaced a few years ago but I figured it would not hurt to put a new one in.

The filter is located in a housing forward of the front left tire. To access it, the front left tire and the wheel arch lining have to come off (wheel arch lining is two sections, only the front one needs to come off).

The housing cover is held in place by four fasteners visible in the image below and two clips on the side (see next image). Once the fasteners are loose, unclip the sides and pull down and aft. The front has straight tabs.

Clips (one per side)

Front part showing the three straight tabs.

I have read about a user complaining that the Maserati filter would not fit well. It was indeed tricky to push it it in and I had to remove the front bumper bottom lip to have enough leverage to push the new filter in securely. Perhaps it can be done without removing the bumper lip but after getting frustrated I decided to take it off (it is just a bunch of 10mm bolts) and then it was easy to push the new filter in from the bottom.

Not an exciting topic but wanted to get it documented for fellow owners.

 

[gstroe]

I recall I replaced it when I removed the front bumper to replace the Maserati badge (big pain ....). Not an easy task, took some contorsions. Considered replacing with a K&N cone filter but was afraid of oil damaging the MAF wire so did stick with the standard Maserati set-up

 

[Blue_MCV_#122]

I decided to change the air filter on my 2004 Coupe and I wanted to share some tips based on my experience.

I replaced the filter with a Maserati filter. Old filter (black one) did not look too bad and I knew it was replaced a few years ago but I figured it would not hurt to put a new one in.

View attachment 147080

View attachment 147081

The filter is located in a housing forward of the front left tire. To access it, the front left tire and the wheel arch lining have to come off (wheel arch lining is two sections, only the front one needs to come off).

The housing cover is held in place by four fasteners visible in the image below and two clips on the side (see next image). Once the fasteners are loose, unclip the sides and pull down and aft. The front has straight tabs.

View attachment 147082

Clips (one per side)
View attachment 147084

Front part showing the three straight tabs.

View attachment 147085



I have read about a user complaining that the Maserati filter would not fit well. It was indeed tricky to push it it in and I had to remove the front bumper bottom lip to have enough leverage to push the new filter in securely. Perhaps it can be done without removing the bumper lip but after getting frustrated I decided to take it off (it is just a bunch of 10mm bolts) and then it was easy to push the new filter in from the bottom.

Not an exciting topic but wanted to get it documented for fellow owners.

My experience was no issue getting to the air filter compartment, but the orange OEM filter opening would just be too small to fit with the mating plastic leap. Decided to switch to the lifetime BMC filter, no issues there, highly recommend it.

 

[Tony H]

When I do mine I find a small amount of grease to lubricate the fitting makes the filter slide on easily. But a little mind you otherwise you can foul up the MAF sensor.

 

[themast]

My experience was no issue getting to the air filter compartment, but the orange OEM filter opening would just be too small to fit with the mating plastic leap. Decided to switch to the lifetime BMC filter, no issues there, highly recommend it.

Perhaps the thread I was referring to was yours. Anyway, I also found the orange OEM filter opening to be quite a snug fit. However, once I removed the bumper lower cover, it went in at the first try. So, at least in my experience, the issue was that without having room to push it from the bottom it was impossible to press it in from the wheel opening.

When I do mine I find a small amount of grease to lubricate the fitting makes the filter slide on easily. But a little mind you otherwise you can foul up the MAF sensor.

I added a bit of grease as well, but it did not help until I removed the bumper lower cover. There was just not a enough room for me to press it in at the right angle.