Re: (bluefox280)
Erik (bluefox) is right, it's not too difficult once you figure out what you're looking for and after you get the first one to release the other one is a breeze.
For locating the "magic" button - the button on the front fitting is located on the top of the fitting (facing the bottom of the car) and the rear fitting has the botton on the bottom (facing you). I found it easiest to release the rear fitting first, which allows you to drop the filter completely out which in turn provides greater clearance and access to the front clip's button. It was impossible for my to release the front clip with the filter still in place due to the lack of clearance for the pliers.
I hope this is helpful. After fighting with my wife's Beetle for nearly 90 minutes I finally figured out the secrets and was able to do two GTI's in under 30 minutes it's so simple. (Thanks Erik
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Good luck http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif Patience and perserverance is key in this particular job.