2000 I30 in-cabin air filter

[mr_bust]

So I've been doing some research after my Infiniti dealer wanted to charge me several hundred dollars to replace my cabin filter on my 2000 I30. I passed on the offer. After searching the Maxima forum, the Nissan Mechanic forum, and the Infiniti Mechanic forum......I've come to understand that cabin filters didn't start being implemented in the I30s until 2001?
Where they trying to rip me off or are they right?
If so, why did Infiniti start putting filters in?
Also, if not factory installed, should I put one in myself?

[Towncivilian]

See installation instructions here.

[mr_bust]

I appreciate the help towncivilian. But I've already got the maintenance instructions (if I were to be installing....or replacing the filters). Unfortunately, this is more of an engineering question.

[Towncivilian]

I suppose I read your post too quickly, my apologies.

As for why the cabin filters weren't implemented since 2001 - are you sure it wasn't just part of an option? I know some 1996-2004 Pathfinders don't come with cabin air filters, but I have no idea whether it was installed as part of an option or whether it differed by year. I know of one person with a 2002 LE who doesn't have one installed, but I don't know what options he has.

Air quality is obviously the largest reason to install a cabin air filter. They probably help quite a bit if one has allergies. The filters can also help in preventing debris from clogging up the evaporator core and potentially damaging it and causing a leak. Here's one such example from a 1991 Pathfinder: