F30 microfilter replacing

switchman · 07-21-2016, 08:09 PM

Does anyone have procedure to replace cabin air filter/microfilter ?
Realoem show where it is positioned in hvac unit but i can't find info where exactly to look or open cover. I can see airbag label in plastic cover under globe compartment and power outlet (new discovery) to left of airbag cover but still can't find any clue where it is.

My old e39 air filter is in engine compartment top left and right side of engine but this car is different. Please help, i got this musty smell when starting car so i figure replace filter first.

floydarogers · 07-21-2016, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switchman

Does anyone have procedure to replace cabin air filter/microfilter ?
Realoem show where it is positioned in hvac unit but i can't find info where exactly to look or open cover. I can see airbag label in plastic cover under globe compartment and power outlet (new discovery) to left of airbag cover but still can't find any clue where it is.

My old e39 air filter is in engine compartment top left and right side of engine but this car is different. Please help, i got this musty smell when starting car so i figure replace filter first.

As noted in the DIY video, they moved it.

etinifni · 07-21-2016, 09:10 PM

switchman · 07-22-2016, 10:55 AM

Thank you and really appreciate posting the video.

As i suspect those nuts must have something to do with the filter replacement but seeing "airbag" label, i need to be sure before i touch anything. I also can see part of the filter in back hole inside globe compartment so i figure its got to be just below.

Fortunately, since i'm also due for oil change so i called my SA and was surprised the microfilter replacement is covered free of charge by bmw so im saving the procedure for next time when covered maintenance expires.

Thanks again and I really appreciate the help BMW forum members extend.

rtb001 · 07-22-2016, 11:36 AM

This is a great video. But for the OP, if the car is still within first 4 years/50k miles, the dealer should do this for free, no?

My car is just now out of warranty, so I will certainly be doing this myself from now on.

blau808 · 10-11-2017, 11:34 PM

old post but in the video when he says arrow toward the front of the car, he means toward the passenger seat. Quite misleading.

dieringert · 05-23-2018, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blau808

old post but in the video when he says arrow toward the front of the car, he means toward the passenger seat. Quite misleading.

I just replaced the original in my 328i xdrive and the arrows were pointing to the front of the car, not the passenger seat. Perhaps someone improperly replaced yours previously.

1QuikWS6 · 05-24-2018, 03:56 AM

Latex Gloves & Safety Glasses to replace a cabin air filter - really?

Should have worn his steel toed boots & respirator also...

robbiep · 05-24-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Latex Gloves & Safety Glasses to replace a cabin air filter - really?

Should have worn his steel toed boots & respirator also...

I'd certainly wear gloves to do the job.

The microfilter is catching various small organisms, moulds, bacteria, etc for a year or 2. Then you're going to remove it with your bare hands ?

Brave or stupid ... take your pick !

1QuikWS6 · 05-24-2018, 01:05 PM

Both of the above

F32Fleet · 05-26-2018, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Latex Gloves & Safety Glasses to replace a cabin air filter - really?

Should have worn his steel toed boots & respirator also...

OSHA and potential lawsuits.

sspade · 05-26-2018, 11:03 AM

How are often are you guys replacing your microfilter? Im just out of warranty and need to get on some sort of schedule myself so I don't forget to replace.

floydarogers · 05-26-2018, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

How are often are you guys replacing your microfilter? Im just out of warranty and need to get on some sort of schedule myself so I don't forget to replace.

I believe that it's in the service menu. Look back in the service records (hope you kept them!) to see when they were done.

Every two years IIRC.

flyguy27 · 05-27-2018, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

I believe that it's in the service menu. Look back in the service records (hope you kept them!) to see when they were done.

Every two years IIRC.

Yes, I do it with brake fluid flush.

thejeremyman9 · 04-13-2020, 06:52 PM

Bumping this because i am about to order one of these but came across this new blue filter that is described as "the new generation" of cabin air filters.

Anyone tried this? Third link below:

OE - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/cab...54#description

OEM BMW - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...64119237555#qa

Blue one i am referring to, same Part # - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ue#description

I also saw a blue one, but different brand, on ECS.

John in VA · 04-13-2020, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Bumping this because i am about to order one of these but came across this new blue filter that is described as "the new generation" of cabin air filters.
Anyone tried this? Third link below:

OE - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/cab...54#description

OEM BMW - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...64119237555#qa

Blue one i am referring to, same Part # - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ue#description

Blue one supposedly has better filtration. I'd go with it vs. overpaying for the BMW one. The other Corteco is probably what BMW uses.

F32Fleet · 04-14-2020, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Bumping this because i am about to order one of these but came across this new blue filter that is described as "the new generation" of cabin air filters.

Anyone tried this? Third link below:

OE - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/cab...54#description

OEM BMW - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...64119237555#qa

Blue one i am referring to, same Part # - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ue#description

I also saw a blue one, but different brand, on ECS.

Changing the filter is a PITA and IIRC that blue filter needs to be changed every 10k miles.

I just went with a Genuine part (yes I know I overpaid vs OE but I have my reason)

thejeremyman9 · 04-14-2020, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Changing the filter is a PITA and IIRC that blue filter needs to be changed every 10k miles.

I just went with a Genuine part (yes I know I overpaid vs OE but I have my reason)

Wait what? Isnt it just two bolts under the dash on the passenger side? All the videos and DIY i saw said it takes like 10 minutes. I have a F30 335i 2015.

I was literally going to order the blue one today but now i am second guessing.

F32Fleet · 04-14-2020, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Changing the filter is a PITA and IIRC that blue filter needs to be changed every 10k miles.

I just went with a Genuine part (yes I know I overpaid vs OE but I have my reason)

Wait what? Isnt it just two bolts under the dash on the passenger side? All the videos and DIY i saw said it takes like 10 minutes. I have a F30 335i 2015.

I was literally going to order the blue one today but now i am second guessing.

Re-installing the trim piece is, IMO, the pain point because of all the tabs which you're trying not to snap.

Everything else is easy.

thejeremyman9 · 04-14-2020, 04:49 PM

Ah, I'm just going to order the blue one and the other OE one. Will see how they compare/fit.

FaRKle! · 04-14-2020, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Changing the filter is a PITA and IIRC that blue filter needs to be changed every 10k miles.

I just went with a Genuine part (yes I know I overpaid vs OE but I have my reason)

Even the Coretco OEM one that FCPEuro lists as OE says to change it every 10k miles on the box (I bought one).

I'm sure the blue one is fine to 20k like the genuine OE.

F32Fleet · 04-14-2020, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Changing the filter is a PITA and IIRC that blue filter needs to be changed every 10k miles.

I just went with a Genuine part (yes I know I overpaid vs OE but I have my reason)

Even the Coretco OEM one that FCPEuro lists as OE says to change it every 10k miles on the box (I bought one).

I'm sure the blue one is fine to 20k like the genuine OE.

"... order to ensure optimum filtration performance, micronAir cabin air filters should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 km, but at least once a year..."

https://www.freudenberg-filter.com/e...ked-questions/

Indeed.

07-21-2016, 08:09 PM	#1
switchman Private First Class 44 Rep 167 Posts Drives: '18 540i '15 X5 '03 530i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 35i [0.00] 2018 MW 540i [0.00]	F30 microfilter replacing Does anyone have procedure to replace cabin air filter/microfilter ? Realoem show where it is positioned in hvac unit but i can't find info where exactly to look or open cover. I can see airbag label in plastic cover under globe compartment and power outlet (new discovery) to left of airbag cover but still can't find any clue where it is. My old e39 air filter is in engine compartment top left and right side of engine but this car is different. Please help, i got this musty smell when starting car so i figure replace filter first.
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07-21-2016, 09:10 PM	#3
etinifni Captain 203 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i Moder ... [0.00]	__________________ :wave:
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07-22-2016, 10:55 AM	#4
switchman Private First Class 44 Rep 167 Posts Drives: '18 540i '15 X5 '03 530i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 35i [0.00] 2018 MW 540i [0.00]	Thank you and really appreciate posting the video. As i suspect those nuts must have something to do with the filter replacement but seeing "airbag" label, i need to be sure before i touch anything. I also can see part of the filter in back hole inside globe compartment so i figure its got to be just below. Fortunately, since i'm also due for oil change so i called my SA and was surprised the microfilter replacement is covered free of charge by bmw so im saving the procedure for next time when covered maintenance expires. Thanks again and I really appreciate the help BMW forum members extend.
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07-22-2016, 11:36 AM	#5
rtb001 Enlisted Member 12 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2013 328i - 2016 X3 28i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	This is a great video. But for the OP, if the car is still within first 4 years/50k miles, the dealer should do this for free, no? My car is just now out of warranty, so I will certainly be doing this myself from now on.
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10-11-2017, 11:34 PM	#6
blau808 Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 254 Posts Drives: E90 F31 X5 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	old post but in the video when he says arrow toward the front of the car, he means toward the passenger seat. Quite misleading.
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05-24-2018, 03:56 AM	#8
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Latex Gloves & Safety Glasses to replace a cabin air filter - really? Should have worn his steel toed boots & respirator also... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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05-24-2018, 01:05 PM	#10
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Both of the above __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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05-26-2018, 11:03 AM	#12
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	How are often are you guys replacing your microfilter? Im just out of warranty and need to get on some sort of schedule myself so I don't forget to replace.
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04-13-2020, 06:52 PM	#15
thejeremyman9 Major General 4364 Rep 7,606 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	Anyone tried the new blue micro (cabin air) filters? Bumping this because i am about to order one of these but came across this new blue filter that is described as "the new generation" of cabin air filters. Anyone tried this? Third link below: OE - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/cab...54#description OEM BMW - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...64119237555#qa Blue one i am referring to, same Part # - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ue#description I also saw a blue one, but different brand, on ECS.
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04-14-2020, 04:49 PM	#20
thejeremyman9 Major General 4364 Rep 7,606 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	Ah, I'm just going to order the blue one and the other OE one. Will see how they compare/fit.
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