My 2006 S 3.0 is the very first car in my life (and there have been many) where I can't figure out how to open the air filter housing without feeling like something will break before I get it open.
I've done the cabin filter - awkward but done. Searching here told me of the challenges with the V8 air filters but I didn't find instructions for the V6.
I'd welcome some wisdom from anyone with successful experience! There must be some trick to it?

 

They are the just about the same. Here is a tip though, remove the intake hose first, this will help you tilt the air box cover back far enough to get it over those stupid little tabs. Once you do get it off, trim the two tabs on the lower air box so they are just a straight tab, not a L shaped tab. This way you can remove and replace SOOO mush easier in the future.

 

Adding to SchultzLD's comments, here is a picture of the airbox cover in raised position. This is after I removed the airbox tube. I didn't bother with trimming the tabs as I found it easy enough to remove and put back on the airbox cover.

 

I just take the whole box out. Gives you a chance to have a look around behind and under it, too. Not much more effort, and if you break it opening and closing it on the bench....you're just a hamfist! lol

Seriously, though, I guess I've got two at the close end of the tolerance band....taking the hose off of either of our 3.0's...really doesn't allow the top to tilt far enough to disengage the tabs cleanly....yeah, you can "work" it on and off...but that is just a forerunner to breakage. If I did it for a living, sure...but onsies/twosies once or twice a year? the extra 10 min is not gonna break me.

 

I agree totally with ahol (). I remove the 13mm nut and the intake tube and remve the entire air box.

NOTE: Many owners have had issues NOT getting the lid back in its proper place, this will cause codes to pop! Make sure to get the RIGHT filter and do not alter any aftermarkets that "almost fit"! Just FYI!!