Where is the BMW cabin air filter located?
2 Answers
BMW vehicles have two cabin air filters. One is located beneath the glove compartment, secured by four screws. Removal requires illumination tools, and it's recommended to have a technician at a repair shop perform the replacement. The other filter is situated in the engine compartment near the wiper area. Over time, the activated carbon filtration function in cabin air filters diminishes, necessitating replacement. BMW is a German luxury automotive brand with vehicle series including I, X, Z, and pure numeric models (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series), along with the M series (BMW's official high-performance modification division) which represents enhanced versions of these models.
As a BMW owner, I discovered that the cabin air filter is ingeniously located behind the glove compartment in front of the passenger seat. To replace it, first remove all items from the glove box to create more working space. Then, carefully inspect the rear or bottom of the glove compartment – you'll typically find several plastic clips or screws securing a small cover plate. Using a simple tool like a flathead screwdriver, gently pry open the clips or unscrew the fasteners to access a rectangular housing where the filter is installed. This location was chosen primarily to protect the filter from engine heat while maintaining reasonable accessibility. BMW generally recommends replacement every two years or 20,000 kilometers to prevent dust accumulation and odors, ensuring optimal cabin air quality. For first-timers, watching online tutorial videos can make the process much easier.
