[Mr Podman]

I just changed the cabin filter on my 2015 F32. Quite a PITA compared to my E46 (that could be changed in 3 minutes with no tools).

Tools:

10mm socket.
Torx 20 driver.

I used a made-in-Germany MicronAir cabin filter that I bought for $20.25 from Pelican Parts. It worked great and is easily half the price compared to the alternatives. I used MicronAir filters for 15 years with my E46.

Tips,

Pay attention to direction of air flow marked on the filter.
Don't disconnect the condensate line.

A DIY video I found useful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qoUTUWvB3Y





podman

[Wolfus Aurelius]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

I just changed the cabin filter on my 2015 F32. Quite a PITA compared to my E46 (that could be changed in 3 minutes with no tools).

Tools:

10mm socket.
Torx 20 driver.

I used a made-in-Germany MicronAir cabin filter that I bought for $20.25 from Pelican Parts. It worked great and is easily half the price compared to the alternatives. I used MicronAir filters for 15 years with my E46.

Tips,

Pay attention to direction of air flow marked on the filter.
Don't disconnect the condensate line.

A DIY video I found useful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qoUTUWvB3Y

podman

I planned to do it in a month or so. My idea is to slide the passenger seat all the way back, and put a rug or a thick robe across the door sill so I can lie on it without cracking a rib.

[chowser51]

Easy for me. After numerous resistor changes in my Oldsmobile, I just lay down and stick my feet up and work upside down. Even easier in my BMW when I put the top down.

[bimmer456]

Micro air is an oem for many brands. Not sure if BMW uses them but they are pretty good compare to the crap they sell at autozone. With cabin air filters quality matters just like with the HVAC filters I uses in my furnace. I use the better ones at Home Depot but may switch to 3M filtrete for the same price. Cabin air filters are a pain to swap on the F30 vs tooless design in the Mini and every other car.

[Mr Podman]

Originally Posted by Wolfus Aurelius

I planned to do it in a month or so. My idea is to slide the passenger seat all the way back, and put a rug or a thick robe across the door sill so I can lie on it without cracking a rib.

Smart.

I think I did crack a rib. I'm not kidding.




podman

[Billfitz]

You can tell in the video that the car is on a lift. I change my filter when I'm rotating my tires, with the right side of the car jacked up. It's not as easy as it would be on a lift, but a lot better than on the ground.

[Fliplegend]

Just did this last week except I got mine from FCP Euro. Wasn't too bad. Original filter below with 31K.

[Wolfus Aurelius]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

You can tell in the video that the car is on a lift. I change my filter when I'm rotating my tires, with the right side of the car jacked up. It's not as easy as it would be on a lift, but a lot better than on the ground.

Then it makes sense for me to have my regular mechanic do it when he is changing oil and rotating tires.

[CalCarNut]

As long as the charge is reasonable...dealers want like $200 to replace the cabin filters.......

[Billfitz]

Only the ones on major thoroughfares, because that's highway robbery.

[Mike_BMW]

Just bought a filter and plan to do this at the weekend! Hopefully no ribs will be broken

[Wolfus Aurelius]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

As long as the charge is reasonable...dealers want like $200 to replace the cabin filters.......

What is it, a 1/2 hour job? My mechanic charges about $70/hour labor, and I can bring him the filter.

[Mr Podman]

Originally Posted by Wolfus Aurelius

What is it, a 1/2 hour job? My mechanic charges about $70/hour labor, and I can bring him the filter.

Your mechanic gets the air flow direction wrong 50% of the time either because he doesn't know it matters or he doesn't think it matters.






podman

[Billfitz]

So copy the video, take your laptop with you for your appointment and he can see how it's done. Unless it's a German car specialty shop, in which case he should already know.

[Wolfus Aurelius]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

So copy the video, take your laptop with you for your appointment and he can see how it's done. Unless it's a German car specialty shop, in which case he should already know.

Yup; he's been working on MBs, BMWs, and Audis for a long time.