Where is the BMW's Air Conditioning Filter Located?
3 Answers
BMW's air conditioning filter is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. The filter tends to accumulate a lot of dust, which can be removed using compressed air or similar methods to blow away the loose particles. It is important not to wash it with water. Over time, the activated carbon filtration function inside the air conditioning filter will diminish, so it is necessary to replace the filter. The BMW 5 Series has body dimensions of 4998mm in length, 1901mm in width, and 1559mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3108mm. In terms of exterior features, this model's high and low beam xenon headlights, which include automatic dynamic headlight leveling, significantly improve road illumination in poor weather and low visibility conditions. Regarding configuration, the rear-seat entertainment system is equipped with two 8-inch color displays mounted on the back of the front seats, including a rear center console with an integrated DVD player, DVD storage box, and remote control.
I was quite impressed when I last changed the air filter for my friend's F30 3 Series—it's located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. After fully opening the glove box, you need to carefully release the damping rods on both sides first. Then feel inside for a small cover panel, press down the clips on both sides to remove it. Inside there's a baffle plate—once removed, you'll see the horizontal filter housing. The trickiest part is that small cover panel; the plastic clips are extremely brittle—I almost broke them. BMW's design really isn't as convenient as placing it in the engine bay. If you don't frequently disassemble it, I'd recommend having it done at a shop to avoid damaging the clips and ending up paying for replacements. While DIY filter changes save a few hundred bucks, breaking components would cost more than it's worth.
Our shop often hears BMW owners complain about the air filter location. It varies significantly between models. For example, the older E60 5 Series requires lying on the passenger floor and looking up to remove the glove box lower panel, while the newer G-platform X5 has it on the right side of the engine bay under the wiper cowl. We recommend checking the vehicle manual to confirm the location to avoid unnecessary disassembly. Some customers complained about musty AC smells, only to discover filters completely clogged with leaves and poplar floss after two years without replacement. These filters aren't expensive but directly impact health, especially when the heater is on - the odor becomes more noticeable. Don't skimp on this maintenance item.
