anyone have DIY instructions for replaceing the xA stock engine air filter?

Hrmmm, not that I know of, but it's pretty simple. Pop the hood. On the airbox, there are three fasteners. Unlatch them and change filters. Make sure it is seated correctly, then put the cover back on and refasten the latches. tada!

thats what i did when i put in my TRD filter

After I think about it, it might be four fasteners...or even two with a hinge...I can't remember :\

two fasteners, in the front of the filter box, hinged in the back. It's not hard, but if you have a strut tower brace, it's a lil tricky in an xA

sounds simple. I was about to do it and was hoping it was just a matter of a few latches, but it looked like I had to remove the intake manifold hose from the airfilter box which seemed odd, so I thought I'd ask before I started taking it all apart unneccesarily.

On one of our other (MY1990 325i) cars it's fairly involved to get to the filter, and on another one of our cars (MY2000 Z3) it's really simple and it just slides out. I was hoping the new Toyota ones were simple to replace too.

If you have a strut tower brace, it's easier if you pull the hose (which is VERY simple). But yeah, you can leave the hose on, and pull up the top just enough to clear the filter.

i bought a Purilator to replace the air filter for the first time, but it would NOT fit in correctly unless i took off the rubber edge. is that bad?