Quick answer: Engine Air Filter Replacement on a 2011–2018 Volvo S60 is rated Easy and takes about 10-20 minutes.. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $35. 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 for 2011-2018 Volvo S60; verify engine, housing shape, and VIN fitment |
— |
$35.00 |
|
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
Find the P3 airbox - T5 verified
Open the hood and find the engine air filter box - on the P3-platform S60 (2011-2018), it is the large black plastic box on the side of the engine bay with the intake duct running to it. This procedure is verified on the 2.5-liter five-cylinder T5: the documented guide covers a 2013-2018 V60 2.5 T5, which shares the S60's P3 platform and airbox. If you have a 2015-or-newer Drive-E 2.0-liter car, your airbox may differ - check the box against this description before you start.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I learned this the hard way: If you have a 2015-or-newer Drive-E 2.0-liter car, your airbox may differ - check the box against this description before you start.
2
Back out the two long case screws
No other fasteners need to come off, and no intake hoses need disconnecting for this swap - the whole job is rated easy and takes 10 to 20 minutes.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I've seen the aftermath when people skip this: Back both screws out fully; they stay with the case or come free, but either way do not drop them into the bay.
3
Pull, flip, and push the filter out
With the screws out, pull the air filter toward you out of the case, then flip it over and push it out through the bottom of the case opening - that pull-flip-push motion feels odd the first time, but it is how this box is designed. Note how the old filter's frame seated in the case so the new one goes back in the same way.
4
Inspect the case
Check the case for cracks around the screw bosses and along the sealing edges - a cracked boss will not hold its screw, and a warped edge leaks unfiltered air.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I never skip this part: Check the case for cracks around the screw bosses and along the sealing edges - a cracked boss will not hold its screw, and a warped edge leaks unfiltered air.
5
Check the new filter's fitment and seating
Buy by vehicle fitment (S60 2011-2018; confirm 2.5 T5 versus Drive-E 2.0, since the boxes differ). The filter should sit square; a folded edge keeps the case from closing properly.
6
Confirm the case is closed and check the bay
Confirm the case is fully closed with no gap at the seam. Double-check you did not leave a rag, the screwdriver, or a loose screw in the bay near the intake.
7
Verify and note the T5 caveat
Start the engine and let it idle, listening for whistling at the airbox that signals a misseated case. Inspect this filter at every service and replace it when the pleats are dark and clogged - sooner in dusty conditions.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Forcing the filter straight out instead of the pull-flip-push motion - you will bend the new filter's frame or crack the case.
- • Over-tightening the two long case screws and stripping the plastic bosses.
- • Assuming a 2015-or-newer Drive-E 2.0 uses this same airbox - it may not; verify before buying the filter.
