How To Replace A Porsche 996 & 997 Engine Air Filter

The air filter in your Porsche 996 911 is the only line of defense the engine has against sucking in harmful debris. The air filter gets covered in debris over time as it pulls air from outside, reducing the engine's airflow and its capability to keep harmful particles out. Even the smallest particles of dust and dirt can affect your engine if they enter the engine, and keeping track of your filter's health is as simple as knowing how many miles it has.

Changing the air filter on your Porsche 996 or 997 911 is as easy as it gets. The airbox is front and center in the engine bay, and you need only a flathead screwdriver to get to the filter. Replacing the air filter is the perfect DIY job to get yourself or someone you know started maintaining their vehicle themselves. 

Porsche models and years applicable:

How much will it cost to replace a Porsche 996 or 997 911 engine air filter?

The only part you need to replace the filter is the filter itself. An OE filter from Mahle will run you right around $25. If you want a "performance" filter, the BMC unit we offer will run you for just about $140.

How long will it take to replace a Porsche 996 or 997 911 engine air filter?

The air filter is front and center in the engine bay, making this job as easy as it gets. Even without any DIY experience, you should have the new filter installed within 20 minutes, and you can easily cut that time in half if you know what you're doing.

Parts required to replace a Porsche 996 or 997 911 engine air filter: 

• Mahle Porsche 996/997 Engine Air Filter

Tools required to replace a Porsche 996 or 997 911 engine air filter:

• Flathead Screwdriver

Steps required to replace a Porsche 996 or 997 911 engine air filter:

Step 1: Remove the old filter

Open the engine lid, and the airbox will be right upfront. First, remove the oil filler tube from the top of the airbox. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the seven screws around the airbox cover's edge. However, skip that step if you're working on a 997, as its cover doesn't use the seven screws that the 996's does.

The screws are part of the airbox cover, so just loosen them enough to separate from the airbox's lower portion. After that, unplug the mass airflow sensor and loosen the hose clamp on the throttle body. 

Then, trace the mass airflow sensor wiring along the back of the airbox cover. The wiring is held to the cover by two clips, so open up the clips and free the wiring from the cover. Once the wiring is free, pull the airbox cover off of the airbox and out of the engine bay.

Step 2: Replace the filter and clean the airbox

Your filter's condition depends on how long it has been since the last service and where you drive. If your filter looks anything like ours did, you'll have some extra cleaning to do.

Pull the old filter out of the cover and toss it into the trash, but note its orientation. Inspect the inside of the cover, checking for any debris. Fit the new filter to the cover before turning your attention to the airbox in the engine bay. 

A vacuum works great to clean out the airbox. If that's too much, pick out the small debris and use some soapy water with a rag to clean out the dirt. 

Step 3: Refit the airbox cover and secure the intake connections

Now that you've replaced the filter and cleaned the airbox of any debris, refit the new filter/cover assembly to the engine. Ensure the MAF sensor wiring and oil filler neck aren't in the way when fitting the cover. You can resecure the MAF wiring before or after fitting the cover, do whatever you find easiest. The cover will locate itself on the airbox once the intake tube is fully seated on the throttle body.

After that, use the flathead screwdriver to tighten the seven screws and secure the airbox cover. Then, use the screwdriver to tighten the intake hose clamp, lu the MAF sensor in, and refit the oil filler neck to the airbox cover. 

That's all there is to it. Replacing the filter on your 996 or 997-generation 911s is as easy as it gets and a great way to ensure it's performing at its best. If you're interested in more DIYs for your Porsche, you can visit porsche.fcpeuro.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Written by :

Christian Schaefer

Car and motorsports-obsessed writer/editor for FCP Euro's DIY Blog. Constantly dreaming of competing behind the wheel or searching for another project. Owner of a turbo Subaru Forester and a ratty Porsche 914, neither of which are running.