2017 Model S (facelift) cabin filter questions

[sealbeach100d]

Hello,

I have a 2017 Model S and I'm wondering about replacing the cabin air filter (behind the glove box).
1) Should it be installed with the arrows on the side of the filter point pointing up or down?
Logically, to me, air flow arrows should point up (indicating air flow) because (I'm assuming) the air flows up & out of the dash air vents.
But, according to this Youtube video, it says arrows should point down:
See info at 2:17 of this video: Installing cabin air filter in facelift Model S
2) Can someone currently go to a Tesla Service Center & purchase an air filter, or are we not allowed to actually go inside (Covid restrictions)?
3) Anyone know the current price of the filter from Tesla?
Thanks for your time.

 

[Bart57266]

Arrows pointing down.
I turned on my HVAC system, and could tell the air was being pulled downward.

If anyone knows an aftermarket source for Tesla cabin air filters, please let us know. Fram and other companies don't seem to be making them, yet.

 

[vcor]

Why not just buy it from Tesla? I had mine replaced about a year ago and the cost of the HVAC Carbon filter was $8.80. I've often been stunned at the low prices Tesla sells parts for. Often a fraction of what dealers scam you for and often new parts are available from Tesla at less than used prices on eBay. Legacy dealers have just made consumers expect to be scammed, which is not the Tesla way.

 

[quickstrike12]

They are cheap and easy to find on Amazon. I know the SC has them cheap also, but door to door delivered is hard to beat. Saves me a half hour drive and waiting in the lobby for help at a very busy SC.

 

[quickstrike12]

It’s a really good quality filter although it’s a bit more expensive than the SC one. My time was worth the extra cost.

 

[Bart57266]

Why not just buy it from Tesla? I had mine replaced about a year ago and the cost of the HVAC Carbon filter was $8.80. I've often been stunned at the low prices Tesla sells parts for. Often a fraction of what dealers scam you for and often new parts are available from Tesla at less than used prices on eBay. Legacy dealers have just made consumers expect to be scammed, which is not the Tesla way.

Agreed! The only online filters I could find were in Germany, Lithuania and the UK, and they were each about $30. Because I was at the Tesla service center, anyway, I asked for a price. The 1072736-00-B filter for my 2018 Model S was just as you mentioned, only $8.80 each, so I bought three!

 

[Alexbv]

But no one answered. Arrow pointing up or down?

 

[DerbyDave]

It should be the same as the one you remove, which I would have thought would be down.

 

[quickstrike12]

If you want to be certain of the direction remove the filter turn the fan on high and put your finger in and feel the airflow direction. Arrow=airflow direction.

 

[ucmndd]

Serious question, do we actually believe there’s anything about these cheap paper filters that makes them sensitive to up/down orientation?

 

[DerbyDave]

One side let's thru more air and traps larger particles. The other, usually charcoal side is the most restrictive side. Puting air through the most restrictive side first will lower the airflow and clog the filter quicker.

 

[quickstrike12]

If it’s just the cheaper paper filter version I would be very surprised if it made any difference at all With orientation.