Where is the cabin air filter located in the BMW 525Li?
3 Answers
The cabin air filter in the BMW 525Li is located in the engine compartment. Below the left side of the main driver's cabin, there is an engine compartment lock lever. Pressing this lever will unlock the engine compartment. Using the hydraulic rod to prop up the engine hood reveals the layout of the engine compartment, where the cabin air filter is positioned on the right side of the engine. Taking the BMW 5 Series 2021 530Li Leading M Sport Package as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized sedan under BMW Brilliance, equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of body dimensions, the car measures 5106 mm in length, 1868 mm in width, and 1500 mm in height, with a body type of a 4-door, 5-seat sedan.
As a DIY-savvy car owner, I've replaced the cabin air filter on my BMW 525Li multiple times. The filter is hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, you need to press the damping rods on both sides of the glove compartment inward to fully lower it. Looking down, you'll see a long plastic cover - use a T20 screwdriver to loosen the clips on both sides, then slide the cover downward to reveal two white filters placed side by side. Note that the arrow on the filter's side must point toward the rear of the vehicle; installing it backward affects filtration. Last time I changed them, I found the old filters clogged with poplar catkins and leaves - no wonder the AC had an odd smell. I recommend replacing them twice a year: change the pollen-accumulated filter in spring and the one filled with willow catkins in autumn to ensure fresh airflow.
My buddy runs an auto repair shop. Last time I watched him change the AC filter on a 525Li with impressive efficiency. First, he had the owner sit in the passenger seat while he squatted by the door sill. With just two fingers pressing inward on both sides of the glove compartment, the entire unit dropped down effortlessly. Then he felt for the innermost drawer-like cover panel, pried open the retaining clips on both sides with his fingernails, and pulled out two grayish filters with a swift motion. He mentioned that BMW's design is quite user-friendly compared to some cars that require dismantling the entire dashboard. He specifically pointed out the leaf debris trapped in the filter corners, explaining that clogged filters not only cause odors but also significantly increase fuel consumption when using AC in summer. Finally, he advised against cheap replacement filters, as those with thin activated carbon layers lose effectiveness in just three months.
