Where is the air conditioning filter located in an older BMW 3 Series?
2 Answers
The air conditioning filter in an older BMW 3 Series is located in the following position: 1. Near the driver's side footwell, there is an engine hood release lever. Pull it twice to unlock the engine hood. 2. Then, lift the lever at the front of the engine hood to open it. 3. Use the hydraulic strut to support the engine hood. 4. You will now see the layout of the BMW X3 engine compartment. 5. On the left side of the engine compartment, below the windshield, you will find the air conditioning filter housing. 6. To replace it, locate the area where the air conditioning filter is housed. Use a 10mm socket to remove the cover plate's fixing screws and take off the cover. Disconnect the power supply. Use a T20 screwdriver to remove the two fixing screws on the air conditioning cover plate and take it off. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. When replacing, note: the black side should face the rear of the car, and the arrow should point toward the front of the car. Bend the filter slightly for installation.
The air filter in older BMW 3 Series models is usually hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. I've replaced it myself several times. First, you need to open the glove compartment, then locate the retaining clips on both sides and gently press them to remove the glove compartment. At this point, you'll see a rectangular plastic box with a cover—that's where the air filter is located. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the cover screws, and then you can pull out the old filter. Remember to install the new filter with the arrow direction aligned with the airflow indicator; installing it backward will affect the filtration efficiency. Before starting, make sure you have a 7mm socket wrench and a new filter ready, so you don't end up like me during my first attempt, spending half the time realizing I didn't have the right tools.
