Thinking of replacing the cabin air filter yourself?

codog2 · 05-02-2022, 10:04 AM

Actually just did this last weekend. As far as cabin filters, process is pretty simple. Nice that you don't have to remove glove box. Most time consuming was putting back the plastic air vent piece which is shown in the written instructions, but the video on this thread did not do. Doesn't look like it's a necessary step so next time I'll leave it be.

Much easier to replace than my daughter's 2010 Nissan Altima. My hands are still cut up from replacing that one a week ago.

Chief Orman · 05-02-2022, 12:02 PM

Wondering if getting drunk before undertaking this project would help contorting your body?

jsh139 · 05-02-2022, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Wondering if getting drunk before undertaking this project would help contorting your body?

Probably, but then you might wake up the next morning in a crazy amount of pain from using muscles you don't normally use.

Chief Orman · 05-02-2022, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsh139

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Wondering if getting drunk before undertaking this project would help contorting your body?

Probably, but then you might wake up the next morning in a crazy amount of pain from using muscles you don't normally use.

Just like the morning after date night with the wife.

_ink · 05-07-2022, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Wondering if getting drunk before undertaking this project would help contorting your body?

kevinkay · 05-08-2022, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Worst part about it is if you accidentally end up pushing the recirculating flap past it's end stop resulting in poor air flow and even a slight air resistance/whistle that can be heard during fan operation. Ask me how I know because I did it last week when I serviced my microfilter. I've done thousands of micro filters and the G01 apparently is the only one you can possibly do this with. Yesterday I had to remove the complete glove box, passenger knee airbag and the blower fan to be able to access the flap and flip it back over. This is a known issue and there is an SIB for it. According to the SIB replacement of the complete air conditioning box is necessary. I wasn't about to take my car back to my own dealer for that lol.

I am SO CONFUSED.....
I noticed my velocity was not as high as it used to be after filter replacement then saw this post. Pulled it all open and seeing there are 3 flaps. The issue is with the top flap getting flipped, correct?

With fresh air - recirculation button NOT lit the top flap opens and the 2 bottom close. (first photo)

Then with recirulation button pressed and lit the top one closes and 2 bottom open (second photo)

Am I good??

freshxdough · 05-08-2022, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinkay

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Worst part about it is if you accidentally end up pushing the recirculating flap past it's end stop resulting in poor air flow and even a slight air resistance/whistle that can be heard during fan operation. Ask me how I know because I did it last week when I serviced my microfilter. I've done thousands of micro filters and the G01 apparently is the only one you can possibly do this with. Yesterday I had to remove the complete glove box, passenger knee airbag and the blower fan to be able to access the flap and flip it back over. This is a known issue and there is an SIB for it. According to the SIB replacement of the complete air conditioning box is necessary. I wasn't about to take my car back to my own dealer for that lol.

I am SO CONFUSED.....
I noticed my velocity was not as high as it used to be after filter replacement then saw this post. Pulled it all open and seeing there are 3 flaps. The issue is with the top flap getting flipped, correct?

With fresh air - recirculation button NOT lit the top flap opens and the 2 bottom close. (first photo)

Then with recirulation button pressed and lit the top one closes and 2 bottom open (second photo)

Am I good??

I can't tell directly from that angle. Best way to check is with the microfilter removed. Did you change brands of microfilter too

freshxdough · 05-08-2022, 09:50 AM

Yours looks to be not flipped and installed correctly

kevinkay · 05-08-2022, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Yours looks to be not flipped and installed correctly

Thanks boss!

yes, did change brand, but both OEM, old one was black around the edge can't recall the brand.
New one is Mann - could be more restrictive?

freshxdough · 05-08-2022, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinkay

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Yours looks to be not flipped and installed correctly

Thanks boss!

yes, did change brand, but both OEM, old one was black around the edge can't recall the brand.
New one is Mann - could be more restrictive?

I think OEM changed so that's normal. You'd know if the flap was flipped because even on full fan speed you're barely getting any air out of the center vents. And you can hear almost like an air whooshing/whistling noise on full speed.

Chief Orman · 05-08-2022, 12:06 PM

Christ this now feels fraught.

rob175 · 05-08-2022, 01:52 PM

Might be helpful IF responders specify YEAR & MODEL when they discuss ease or difficulty..... there are considerable differences between years and models of X3's....and filter locations.

freshxdough · 05-08-2022, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob175

Might be helpful IF responders specify YEAR & MODEL when they discuss ease or difficulty..... there are considerable differences between years and models of X3's....and filter locations.

The G01 is the first X3 to have a microfilter inside the cabin. F25 was in the engine compartment at the bottom right of the windshield cowling.

Chief Orman · 05-20-2022, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob175

Might be helpful IF responders specify YEAR & MODEL when they discuss ease or difficulty..... there are considerable differences between years and models of X3's....and filter locations.

The G01 is the first X3 to have a microfilter inside the cabin. F25 was in the engine compartment at the bottom right of the windshield cowling.

Do you know if anyone makes a higher flow filter for cabin? I am kind of underwhelmed by the air velocity on AC Max.

Goldiegee · 05-21-2022, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob175

Might be helpful IF responders specify YEAR & MODEL when they discuss ease or difficulty..... there are considerable differences between years and models of X3's....and filter locations.

The G01 is the first X3 to have a microfilter inside the cabin. F25 was in the engine compartment at the bottom right of the windshield cowling.

Do you know if anyone makes a higher flow filter for cabin? I am kind of underwhelmed by the air velocity on AC Max.

Depending upon where you live, you could try no filter? Cars never used to have them back in the day. If you don't live in a particularly dusty area I'm sure it would be fine?

X3rd Time Is a Charm · 05-21-2022, 09:04 AM

Funny how this showed up today . I had my 2018 G0i instrument cluster updated yesterday (shifting left ) and asked them to change the oil while there . The SA asked if I wanted them to change the air micro filter and air filter also I asked how much, $620.00 US Dollars !! I declined . Crazy money !!

dinan5m3 · 05-21-2022, 08:32 PM

This thread reminds me of time when i had to cut (yes, cutting) the body trims to get to the cabin air filter. Felt like this mess had to be a complete oversight, afterthought by the manufacturer's design/engineering.

I guess they don't make cars like they used for "simple" stuffs. Sometimes cars seem to get more complex for all the wrong reasons.

mike murphy · 07-14-2022, 09:31 AM

What brand and where do you buy filters? The genuine BMW cabin filter from PelicanParts and the engine air filter are $100 together.

gphin · 07-14-2022, 09:08 PM

I replaced both the cabin and engine air filters last weekend. Here's what I used.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392392757589
https://www.ebay.com/itm/293382118458
As indicated, both from Autopartsgeek....$57 for both.

Ayyleoo · 10-13-2022, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Worst part about it is if you accidentally end up pushing the recirculating flap past it's end stop resulting in poor air flow and even a slight air resistance/whistle that can be heard during fan operation. Ask me how I know because I did it last week when I serviced my microfilter. I've done thousands of micro filters and the G01 apparently is the only one you can possibly do this with. Yesterday I had to remove the complete glove box, passenger knee airbag and the blower fan to be able to access the flap and flip it back over. This is a known issue and there is an SIB for it. According to the SIB replacement of the complete air conditioning box is necessary. I wasn't about to take my car back to my own dealer for that lol.

How does even happen

lfdal54 · 10-13-2022, 10:53 AM

On my 2019 m40i, there were two different OEM part numbers depending on the VIN. One was charcoal-activated, and one wasn't. For some reason, the VIN determined which one was correct.

Poppyboy · 10-13-2022, 10:59 AM

It’s incredible how gullible and ignorant people can be by letting stealerships screw them over on these routine items. Samcrac just did a video on his brother’s BMW. His stealership wanted over $400 to do this! It took me less than 15 minutes and $30 to change out on our ‘19 30i.
https://www.amazon.com/Cabin-Filter-...s%2C209&sr=8-3

05-02-2022, 10:04 AM	#45
codog2 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2005 X3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Metro Boston iTrader: (0)	Actually just did this last weekend. As far as cabin filters, process is pretty simple. Nice that you don't have to remove glove box. Most time consuming was putting back the plastic air vent piece which is shown in the written instructions, but the video on this thread did not do. Doesn't look like it's a necessary step so next time I'll leave it be. Much easier to replace than my daughter's 2010 Nissan Altima. My hands are still cut up from replacing that one a week ago.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2022, 12:02 PM	#46
Chief Orman Major 671 Rep 1,442 Posts Drives: 335D 2010 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: East Bay, Nor Cal iTrader: (0)	Wondering if getting drunk before undertaking this project would help contorting your body?
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05-08-2022, 09:50 AM	#52
freshxdough BMW Elite Master Tech \| HV Gen 5 \| HV Specialist 3511 Rep 4,211 Posts Drives: 2024 iX 50 \| 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	Yours looks to be not flipped and installed correctly
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05-08-2022, 12:06 PM	#55
Chief Orman Major 671 Rep 1,442 Posts Drives: 335D 2010 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: East Bay, Nor Cal iTrader: (0)	Christ this now feels fraught.
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05-08-2022, 01:52 PM	#56
rob175 Major 688 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: BMW X3 xiDrive30 Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Might be helpful IF responders specify YEAR & MODEL when they discuss ease or difficulty..... there are considerable differences between years and models of X3's....and filter locations.
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05-21-2022, 09:04 AM	#60
X3rd Time Is a Charm Captain 2813 Rep 708 Posts Drives: BMW 2018 X3 GO1 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: North East USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 [10.00]	Funny how this showed up today . I had my 2018 G0i instrument cluster updated yesterday (shifting left ) and asked them to change the oil while there . The SA asked if I wanted them to change the air micro filter and air filter also I asked how much, $620.00 US Dollars !! I declined . Crazy money !! __________________ Present: Jet Black 2018 X3 30i Previous: Sapphire Black 2013 X3 28i , Jet Black 2007 X3 3.0 Liter
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05-21-2022, 08:32 PM	#61
dinan5m3 Colonel 4264 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: e39 m5 e46 m3 g01 x3m40i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: RTP NC iTrader: (0)	This thread reminds me of time when i had to cut (yes, cutting) the body trims to get to the cabin air filter. Felt like this mess had to be a complete oversight, afterthought by the manufacturer's design/engineering. I guess they don't make cars like they used for "simple" stuffs. Sometimes cars seem to get more complex for all the wrong reasons.
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07-14-2022, 09:31 AM	#62
mike murphy New Member 6 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	What brand and where do you buy filters? The genuine BMW cabin filter from PelicanParts and the engine air filter are $100 together. Attached Images Last edited by mike murphy; 07-14-2022 at 09:32 AM.. Reason: Added pic
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07-14-2022, 09:08 PM	#63
gphin Second Lieutenant 191 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 xDrive30i, 2021 X3 M40 Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Philly/Bucks County, PA / Naples, FL iTrader: (0)	I replaced both the cabin and engine air filters last weekend. Here's what I used. https://www.ebay.com/itm/392392757589 https://www.ebay.com/itm/293382118458 As indicated, both from Autopartsgeek....$57 for both. __________________ Present: 2019 X3 xDrive30i, Mineral White/ Mocha Vernasca / 21" 701M and 20" Savini Black wheels / RaceChip Present: 2021 X3 M40i, Alpine White / Oyster Vernasca / 20" 699M Former: 2006 Z4, 1981 320i, 1973 2002, Jag XKE, SS396 Chevelle, 440 Dodge RT, 40+ others
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10-13-2022, 10:53 AM	#65
lfdal54 Major 1036 Rep 1,209 Posts Drives: G01 2023 X3 M40i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eastern MA iTrader: (0)	On my 2019 m40i, there were two different OEM part numbers depending on the VIN. One was charcoal-activated, and one wasn't. For some reason, the VIN determined which one was correct.
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10-13-2022, 10:59 AM	#66
Poppyboy Captain 194 Rep 828 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lincolnshire, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1976 Triumph TR6 [10.00] 1993 Bentley Turbo R [10.00] 2011 X5 [10.00]	It’s incredible how gullible and ignorant people can be by letting stealerships screw them over on these routine items. Samcrac just did a video on his brother’s BMW. His stealership wanted over $400 to do this! It took me less than 15 minutes and $30 to change out on our ‘19 30i. https://www.amazon.com/Cabin-Filter-...s%2C209&sr=8-3 Last edited by Poppyboy; 10-13-2022 at 11:11 AM..
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