Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2014–2024 Infiniti Q50 is rated Easy and takes about 10-20 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and parts cost about $20. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine air filter (x2 on V6 models) |
— |
$20.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prep and locate the air box
Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and shut the engine off; let the engine cool. Count your airboxes before buying parts: V6 models (3.5L, 3.7L, 3.0L twin-turbo) use TWO filters, one per box flanking the engine (K&N 33-5014 notes two required). The 2.0L turbo uses one filter on the driver's side.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
Buy both filters as a matched pair on the V6 -- I have seen cars with a fresh filter on one bank and a clogged one on the other, and the airflow imbalance shows up as a rough idle.
2
Open the air filter housing
On each airbox, flip the black steel U-shaped clips off their catches and lift the lid straight up. Work each clip carefully -- the clips and plastic mounting blocks are a known weak point, and a damaged mount costs several hundred dollars per side. If a clip feels seized, wiggle the lid instead of prying it.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I photograph every clip before I touch one -- quick-lube shops break these mounts constantly, and that photo is the only proof the damage was already there when the customer swears at you.
3
Remove the old filter and clean
Lift the old filter out of each housing and compare with the replacements -- the 3.7L takes OE filter 16546-ED500, for example. Vacuum each box bottom and wipe the sealing lips, keeping debris out of the intake openings. Service both sides on V6s even if one filter looks cleaner. Infiniti: every 30,000 miles.
4
Install the new filter
Seat a fresh filter in each housing, rubber seal fully in the groove, matching the old orientation. Press each flat with no raised corners -- they should drop in without force. A pinched edge keeps the lid from sealing. On V6s buy both filters as a matched pair -- mixing brands across banks unbalances airflow.
5
Reseal and verify
Refit both lids and re-engage every U-shaped clip until fully latched -- finger-check each lid for an even seal. Verify both intake tube connections are snug. Start the engine, idle a minute, and listen for hissing or whistling at either box.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Installing the filter upside down or unseated so unfiltered air bypasses the element
- • Leaving debris in the housing that then gets sucked into the intake
- • Forcing clips/screws and cracking the plastic air box lid
- • Reusing a heavily clogged filter instead of replacing it
