Where is the air conditioning filter located in an older BMW 3 Series?

[CalvinDella]

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.

[LeCaleb]

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.

[OJasper]

I often help friends refurbish old BMWs. The cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment on the front passenger side. Removing the glove box isn't difficult - the key is finding the two plastic clips on the sides. Push them inward to fully lower the glove box. The plastic cover of the cabin air filter has two screws; remove them to access the filter. Special reminder: always buy activated carbon filters. Older cars' AC ducts tend to accumulate dust, and these filters provide better odor elimination. It's recommended to replace them every year or 20,000 km, especially in northern areas with heavy sandstorms where clogged filters can significantly reduce AC airflow.

[OHope]

Last time I took my 2009 E90 for maintenance, the mechanic demonstrated how to replace the cabin air filter. It's located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. To remove the glove box, you need to first press the clips on both sides. The filter housing is a long box with clips that can be opened by hand. When pulling out the old filter, it was full of willow catkins and dust - no wonder there was a musty smell when using the AC in summer. I recommend choosing OEM filters as they fit better. Doing it yourself can save 200-300 yuan in labor costs. Even beginners can complete it in half an hour - keeping a flashlight handy makes the operation smoother.

[LeviLee]

When it comes to the cabin air filter of older BMW 3 Series models, it's typically located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. The removal process involves three steps: empty the glove box, firmly press the plastic clips on both sides to lower the glove box, then remove the air filter cover. The key is not to pull the clips too hard, as aged BMW plastic parts are prone to breaking. There are two types of filters: standard and activated carbon, with the latter being more expensive but offering better pollen and dust absorption. Musty air conditioning odors in summer are often caused by moldy filters, so it's recommended to replace them annually before summer begins.