Where is the cabin air filter located in the BMW X6?
3 Answers
The cabin air filter in the BMW X6 is located behind the glove compartment on the front passenger side. For easy replacement, the glove compartment features an integrated design that allows complete removal without any tools - simply open the cover to access and replace the filter. The cabin air filter is an essential component installed in the vehicle's air conditioning system, designed to absorb dust particles, alleviate respiratory discomfort, reduce irritation for allergy sufferers, and protect the AC cooling system. The BMW X6 is a midsize luxury SUV produced by BMW, with dimensions of 4947mm (length) × 2004mm (width) × 1698mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2975mm. It is equipped with either a 2.0L L4 or 3.0L L6 turbocharged engine, delivering maximum power outputs of 195kW and 250kW respectively, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As an owner of the older X6 model, I found replacing the filters quite a hassle last time. You can pull it out by pressing down the glove compartment on the passenger side, but it's recommended to remove the damping rod first to prevent breakage. The most troublesome part is the location under the front windshield in the engine compartment—you have to lift the plastic cover and remove the screws of the water deflector to access it. DIY requires a T20 screwdriver; otherwise, you simply can't unscrew it. BMW designs it this way deliberately to make people spend money at the dealership. Replacing both filters takes at least half an hour, and don’t forget to reset the glove compartment clips afterward. It's advisable to check them every 20,000 kilometers, especially for those in the north, as willow catkins can clog the filters very quickly.
Last time at the 4S shop, I saw the technician replacing the cabin air filter for my friend's X6, and the location was indeed tricky. The first one is behind the glove box on the passenger side—just remove six clips to pull it out. What's even more surprising is that there's a second filter in the engine bay, hidden under the windshield at the air intake, requiring the removal of a black plastic cover. The two filters handle the internal and external air circulation separately, no wonder the AC performance improved immediately after replacement. Remember to choose activated carbon filters—here in Beijing, they turn black in just three months. The maintenance manual recommends replacement every 30,000 km, but if there are many hazy days, it's safer to replace them earlier.
