Absolutely cannot get air filter housing to line up properly

[x3_in_the_south_downs]

X83 2.0 diesel

Following this guide: https://haynes.com/en-gb/car-manuals/bm ... ter-change

Haynes typical language, "re-install the housing"

One problem with that - absolutely cannot get it to line up properly so that the 4 (not 5, 4) bolts line up properly so I can do them up.

Changing an air filter on the E83 2.0d has proven to be an absolute pig of a job, I've had to have the pollen filter and its housing completely out, the battery cable housing completely out, I think I'm two and a half hours down the line with blood and skin and engine grim everywhere and I still don't have the air filter completely changed.

I cannot be the only person to have struggled with this. Can anyone on here advise how the housing actually clips back on properly so that I can get the bolts to thread?

Thanks

[X5Sport]

See if the BMW Technical instructions at newtis dot info helps.  It is a copy of the proper Dealer instruction set.

[x3_in_the_south_downs]

Wow, what a handy resource, thanks very much for sharing this.

I've found the instuctions there (guide number M47T2) but it looks like there is no further detail.

I'll have a fresh go when the sun is up tomorrow 

[x3_in_the_south_downs]

Sussed it. Needed to take the strut bar off to get full access (re-torq at 33Nm) and then get the bottom two screws to line up first with the tab at the back inside the bottom part.

Once they were on I was able to line up the rear top section and then use a rubber mallet on the top front section to get it to snap into place.

Must be a personal record for slow change of an air filter. Pig of a job!

Thanks for the resources again, will prove invaluable going forward.