I have a 2004 S80 (non turbo) w/ approximately 65,000 miles. I was told by the dealer that I should replace the Cabin Air Filter. When I pressed the dealer for a reason why it was important to replace this filter, he mentioned that by not replacing the filter, it could potentially damage the air conditioner. I am not too concerned about the quality of air inside the car, but I am concerned if this could potentially damage the air conditioner. Is replacing this filter valid or is the dealer trying to "upsell" me? Any thoughts?

Also, the dealer recommends a major overhaul at the 105,000 mile mark, which includes replacing the timing belt, tensioner and idler pulley. Estimated cost of this preventative maintenance repair is $1,300. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Yes replace the filter. It could damage the A/C and after time it clogs up and make the air smell as well as cutting down the air flow.

If the timing belt hasn't already been replaced replace it or when it breaks you will be paying atleast DOUBLE what they quoted you.

 

I actually gotta check out my cabin filter too; I've noticed a periodic smell here and there. Didn't know A/C could be hurt thanks for the headsup.

 

If the filter is really restricted moisture could build up and cause mold on the evaperator causing premature failure.

It will be more moisture than the afterblow kit can dry.

Thats why the 850 model goes through evaperator so much. Most of them don't even has the filters.

 

The filter is about 20 dollars brand new on ebay, trust me pay the money to replace it.. My s80 is getting on in miles (just passed 100,000)... im considering changing the timing belt and pulleys but im wondering if to wait for the 105.000 mark before doing this... I think the condition of the belt should be what will determine this

 

I would check it ASAP or get it checked. I haven't seen all that many cars safely make it to 105K.

We have done many heads on cars with way less than 100k on them due to timing belt or tensioner failure.

 

I paid $20 for a filter from eEuro. I bought it with a strut mount, oil filter housing, plug gaskets, and oil filter wrench, so shipping was free. They have charcoal impregnated filters for more $$$.

http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdet...&code=7285

 

Yea, I just got put on to a great mechanic and il let him take a look at it before deciding to do anything.. Im just looking for a routine tune up and checkup... hope to find nothing worrying
I eventually took the charcoal filter even though i dont have IAQS, i heard itl work fine that way (without giving the true benefit) and mostly just because it was cheaper for me that way

 

This was the deal I got on ebay, easy savings.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...12607&rd=1

From what iv'e read its no problem to use the charcoal one in a non-IAQS system( the opposite is a nono though)... any thoughts on this, I dont want to install it to find myself in problems later.
Thanks

 

Upgrading to the bigger filter is fine and won't hurt anything.

 

Thanks tech, im massing up the parts for my first tune-up and service since I got the car 4 months and 2000 miles ago..
Nothing expensive so far, just basics like fluids and filters... il get the mech to take a look at the timing belt though