When you need to clean/replace the filter do you have to remove the front bumper to get to it?

 

whenever you want. You can clean it after every drive rofl !

Well, they last pretty long so, if u want it to run as best as it could, every 5K miles wont hurt anything. (except ur pocket, but lets not get into that)

 

nycgps - I think he was asking when you DO clean/replace the filter, do you h ave to remove the front bumper in order to get to it, not when does he need to.

I don't have much to say in retrospect to the OPs question, though

 

No.
I was able to unbolt the bottom black tray and reach up underneath.
It can be an awkward reach-around, but better than having to take the bumper off.

 

I hate awkward reach-arounds!!

 

I was performing a fog light bulb swap a few weeks ago and it seemed to me that it would be fairly easy to get to the filter via the plastic under tray. i do have smaller hands though.

Funny enough I had the whole bumper off a few days later to install RB oil cooler screens and the bumper removal is easy. It really is no problem for one person who works carefully. By the way i am not a mechanic, just someone interested in learning about the car!

 

once you know the process, taking the bumper off requires all of about 4 minutes.