How to Replace the Air Filter in a BMW 3 Series?
3 Answers
BMW 3 Series Air Filter Replacement Tutorial: First, open the hood and locate the air filter in front of the throttle body. Remove the engine cover lock mechanism cable from the clip, use a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the self-tightening clamp on the intake pipe, disconnect the air flow meter plug, and then remove the entire intake box. Loosen the clamp on the intake box cover to open it, and replace the old filter with a new one. Below is a detailed tutorial on replacing the air filter: 1. First, locate the switch on the lower left side of the driver's seat, near the brake pedal, and use it to open the hood. 2. After opening the hood, you will find the intake manifold integrated under the cover. Release the hidden latch in the center, then open the cover from the left side to access the filter below. Replace the filter directly, then reattach the cover.
I've been driving a BMW 3 Series for almost five years, and changing the air filter myself is actually super easy. Open the engine compartment, locate the square black plastic box in front of the passenger seat, and use a T20 Torx screwdriver to loosen the four screws on top. Note that the screws will stay attached to the cover when loosened—don't yank them off. Lift the cover to reveal the old filter folded in a wave pattern, and pay attention to its orientation when pulling it out. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing in the correct direction, making sure the edges fully snap into the grooves. When closing the cover, ensure it's properly seated before tightening the screws—don't overtighten. I change it every 10,000 km; a Mann filter costs just over 100 yuan online, while the dealership charges 400, which is a rip-off. After replacing it, rev the engine a couple of times to check airflow—once I installed it backward, and the engine light came on immediately.
Learned it by watching the mechanic change the filter during the last service. The BMW N20/B48 engine design is quite user-friendly—the air filter box is conveniently located on the right side of the engine, and the whole process takes just five minutes to remove and install. Key preparations include a T20 screwdriver and an OEM filter model, and it’s best to wear gloves to avoid oil stains. When pulling out the old filter, a shake reveals layers of dust and willow catkins—no wonder it affects performance. A crucial tip when installing the new filter: the rubber seal on the filter frame must be fully pressed into the sealing groove to prevent dust leakage. Dealerships often claim a computer reset is needed, but it’s completely unnecessary. The most noticeable improvement after DIY replacement is a more responsive throttle and a roughly 0.5L/100km drop in fuel consumption. Remember to replace it every two years or 20,000 km, or sooner in dusty northern regions.
