- 01/25/2017
- 1 Min Read
- By: Alex Fiehl
How to Change a Cabin Air Filter in a BMW 1/3/X Series (E82 E84 E88 E90 E91 E92 E93)
Cabin air filter replacement is generally something that is performed religiously in the early years of a car's life. Included with most free maintenance packages, BMW and other luxury brands such as Audi or Mercedes-Benz usually replace this filter at every other oil change, or 20-30,000 miles. As these vehicles age and fall out of their free maintenance windows, a non-enthusiast owner may only change their oil, neglecting the important engine and cabin air filters. Closely following the same maintenance schedule that a BMW had when new will keep resale value strong, while providing peace of mind when it comes to service-time.
E-series BMWs have a very simple cabin filter layout, requiring few tools and only ten minutes.
Tools:
- 8mm socket
Parts
BMW Carbon Activated Cabin Air Filter - Mann CUK8430
Procedure
On my X1, the cabin filter BMW utilizes is a Mann filter. This filter is charcoal activated, neutralizing most odors and pollutants before they get to the vents.
The six screws holding the cabin filter housing are noted in the above image.
With the screws removed, pull up from the rear and the housing will lift away from the vehicle.
Flip the housing over to expose the cabin filter element.
Pry the three tabs away from the cabin filter element, then pop it out of the housing.
Install the new filter in the reverse order of removal, taking care to ensure the tabs are clicked-in properly and the filter is sealed around the edges.
