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DIY: How To Change the Cabin Air Filter on Your BMW 5 Series

BMW did an excellent job with the sixth generation of the 5 Series, also known as F10 for the sedan and F11 for the station wagon. However, its maintenance is not paid in pennies, so if you want to save some money, do a few things yourself, such as replacing the cabin air filter. Here is how it's done.
BMW F10 5 Series 10 photos
Photo: BMW
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The 5 Series is a very rewarding vehicle. It is relaxing on long drives, its cabin is quiet, and the sound system is good for the base versions and awesome for those fitted with the Harman Kardon amplifiers and speakers. But you have to take care of the car; in return, it will give you hundreds of thousands of miles without significant problems.

While some people will never complain about the smell in the cabin, others might suffer from allergies. However, if you are stuck in traffic behind a Tesla Model X or any other EV, you won't get hit by any bad odors since these vehicles don't emit nasty pollutants.

On the other hand, if you're behind a relic that runs on diesel, or a vehicle with a worn-out engine that spits oil and blue smoke from its pipes, you're in trouble. Sure, the cabin air filter might save you a few times. But eventually, it will get dirty, and as a consequence, it won't be able to keep bad smells out, so you'll have to install a fresh set. I said "set" because there are two cartridges.

For that, you may go to your local dealer or most repair shops; but you may replace the pollen (or cabin) filter in your own garage. All you need is some basic skills and a tool. This element is not critical for your car but is essential for your comfort and health. If you're going to a dealer, they will put in there what BMW recommends. But you have to remember that the F10/F11 was introduced in September 2009. Since then, car parts manufacturers have developed new and improved replacement parts. Some of them might be even better than those recommended by BMW.

BMW F10 5 Series Air Cabin Filter Change DIY
Photo: Francesco Galante/YouTube
You can do that in your garage regardless of what part you want to put in. All you need is a T20 Torx tool, pliers, two hands, and a good pair of eyes. So, let's get into it.

The pollen filter is located in the front passenger area, under the dashboard. Four screws hold the lower housing, and a fifth keeps the carpet from the transmission tunnel.

Step 1: Unbolt the screw from the carpet, lift the forward side, and push the side tunnel lining forward to release it.

Step 2: Loosen all four bolts from the lower casing and then unbolt them completely. Support the black plastic panel from falling down. Lower it slowly and gently pull it towards you to take it out.

BMW F10 5 Series Air Cabin Filter Change DIY
Photo: Francesco Galante/YouTube
Step 3: After you lower the plastic panel, you'll see a connector for the footwell lights that you need to unplug. Obviously, don't pull it by the wires. If it's stuck, just rock it from side to side a little. It will come off.

Step 4: You just reached another panel, that is, actually, the one that covers the lower part of the box that holds the filters. Yes, there are two cartridges, as I mentioned above. Three screws hold that lower cap in place. Untight them all and remove them in a specific order: the sides first and the one closest to the passenger's seat. Like on the previous panel, there are a few clips in the back, so you should lower the cap, gently pull it towards you, and remove it completely. Now you have access to the pollen air filters.

Step 5: To remove them, stick your fingers inside them, grab them, and pull them down one by one. You may also use pliers for that. It might damage the cleaning element, but since you're gonna take it out anyway, it doesn't matter. I prefer to remove the one in the front first and then the one in the back, but it's mostly up to you to take them out.

Step 6: Slide the new elements back in place. Please note that the filter has arrows marked on the sides. You must install both new cartridges with these facing towards you. Slide them inside, and push them until their lower side is flush with the casing.

BMW F10 5 Series Air Cabin Filter Change DIY
Photo: Francesco Galante/YouTube
Step 7: Put back the lower cap by pushing it back in the clips, lifting it, and screwing them back. Again, maybe it's a matter of preference, but I personally put the one fronting the cabin first and then the other two. Since it's a plastic element that can get distorted, first put them in place and then tighten them one by one: first, the sides and then the front.

Step 8: Connect the cable for the footwell lights and then put the footwell cover. This time, the rear clips will come in handy since they will hold the firewall side panel's firewall-side in place, allowing you to remount the front screws and then the other two.

Step 9: Put the side lining panel back and then push it backward. Press it firmly with your palm, and put back its screw. Now all you have to do is enjoy your next ride.

Please tell us in the comment section below what other easy DIY tips you want to know, and we'll try to help you out.

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Editor's note: This is a DIY guide and, as such, you must be aware the procedures described here involve some risks. autoevolution cannot be held responsible for any possible damage that might result while following this guide.

 

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