Don't know if it's been covered but seems as though most DIY's fail to mention the small things that can really save you time and lessen the chance of breaking things. I just changed my air filter and offer these tips:
1. When removing the MAF connector I find that it's safer to flip the intake assembly on its side so that you get a better look at the MAF connector. Squeezing the release doesn't always pop the catch up enough and muscling it could potentially break it. Take a small screwdriver and "lift" the catch which is at the very front of the assembly and the connector will slide off with almost no effort.
2. When reassembling squeeze the halves together making sure the air filter has seated correctly. Then, finger tighten all the screws (like your spark plugs) since it's very easy to cross thread things. Then tighten things up. No, you don't need a specific torque figure but just enough till the screw pretty much stops turning.
3. I also find during this procedure it's a perfect time to clean the MAF (don't forget the screws are the security type), treat the rubber parts, and lubricated the hose clamps.
Hope this helps some folks.

P.S. here in Hawaii we speak a different language so my grammar may not be perfect!

 

Shucks, sorry, I must be the only guy that faces these small frustrations when doing stuff on the car. I'll just keep things to myself next time.

 

give it time I'm sure it will help someone and it has had 47 reads...thanks for taking the time to post

 

Thanks. It is always useful.

 

Thanks guys, it's just that I thought more would chime in about their experience, etc.
Whenever I undertake a job, be it on a Porsche (many times on my 964) or my newer 996 or even on my Mercedes, I always run into problems never mentioned in DIY's. It's these special tips that would make the DIY go so much smoother.
I just had to chuckle when watching a youtube DIY on the air filter and the guy just pulls on the MAF connector and it magically comes right off! NOT!
I'll be doing brakes, PSE, and M030 soon so will try to share anything interesting.

 

Like your tip about the MAF sensor removal. I, too, was laughing at the DIY that said just push down on the connector and it magically comes right off. NOT So! Pushed, pulled, and pushed somemore and nada! Had to remove the security screws ( found a socket at Sears) to get the MAF off. I for one, say thanks, for the tip using the screwdriver!

 

Thanks for the feedback.
You hit on another possible way of removing the MAF connector.
Did you give the MAF a good cleaning since you removed it?

 

thank's for posting