Where is the cabin air filter located in the BMW 1 Series?
3 Answers
BMW 1 Series cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. To replace the cabin air filter, you need to remove the glove box on the passenger side first. The cabin air filter should be replaced regularly, otherwise it will affect the performance of the air conditioning system and the health of passengers. The BMW 1 Series is a compact car produced by BMW. The domestic version has a wheelbase of 2670 mm, with length, width and height of 4456 mm, 1803 mm and 1446 mm respectively. The BMW 1 Series is equipped with two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The domestic version uses MacPherson independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
I drive a BMW 1 Series myself, and the cabin air filter is actually hidden behind the glove compartment near the passenger footwell area. To be more specific, you'll need to remove a few panels below the glove box or loosen its fasteners first to access it. While driving, the ventilation system relies entirely on this filter to trap dust and pollen. Its concealed placement is designed for easy replacement without compromising aesthetics—just remember to turn off the ignition for safety when DIY-ing. The filter should be replaced every 10,000 km or so; otherwise, you may notice weaker airflow and unpleasant odors. Set aside a weekend with some basic tools, and you can finish the job in under half an hour—quite cost-effective. Online images clearly show the location details, so don’t worry about complexity.
As a BMW 1 Series owner, the cabin air filter in my car is located beneath the plastic cover above the front passenger footwell. Before replacing the filter, you'll need to remove items from the glove compartment and simply detach the clips. When I first looked for it, the dealership staff pointed out its location - BMW engineers designed it to be discreet yet easily accessible. The filter's position affects AC performance; if not replaced, a clogged filter causes louder operation and increased fuel consumption during winter heating or summer cooling. Changing the filter yourself is a satisfying routine maintenance task - just order online for under a hundred RMB. Remember to regularly clean dust around the area to prevent blockages. I recommend checking it every 1-2 years of driving.
