E-Bay cabin microfilter fitament question

[M3ti Compact]

Has anyone ever purchased cabin microfilters off E-bay?

I just got a pair (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...134%26fvi%3D1), and they are missing the lips that the originals had on either end that allow the filter to "snap in" and match the curvature of the air intake opening. This means that the filter lies flat on the curve, allowing unfiltered air to pass by on the top and the bottom.

The seller claims, of course, that they sold many 318ti microfilters and no one had this problem. I'm hoping someone on here has purchased them and knows how to solve this??

I'm going to be losing out on shipping if I return, so I don't really want to go that route.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

[pnosker]

I ordered some off of eBay a few weeks ago and they were not curved. They fit perfectly where the old ones were.

[M3ti Compact]

The filter is the proper size, it just won't stay in place because of the curve and the missing lips...I'm sure there is a curve as the filter itself has relief cuts in them to allow for flex.

Anyone know maybe the US 318ti's are different from the Canadian ones?

[HaqDeluxe]

Pretty much have bought my cabin filter off eBay for sometime now and have not had this issue. Have seen what appears to be a wide array of quality. Sometimes it IS a deal to good to be true! I pretty much try to stay with the Bosch brand as I find I get a good price break with a predictable level of quality.
I have bought the "no names" for our X3 and had no issues. I'm new to the Ti... does it use a different filter than the rest of the E36's?

[pnosker]

E36's have 1 filter, Ti's have 2. It's the same one, though.

[jaysbmw]

I have to say i never changed mine so dont know where is it on the car to change i looked dont see it under the hood i have a 95 club sport and a 97 active 318ti

[pdxmotorhead]

The filters are under the cowl vent you can't see them without removing the cowl air covers, Its on the bimmer pager how to change them. Takes about 1/2 hour... After the first time... BTW if you've never changed them be prepared, they are nasty and full of stuff when you pull them out.

Dave