Air filter change on a 120d E87

[SDP]

WTF was BMW thinking when they designed this ?
A normal Air Filter takes about 5 mintes to change , This required the so much to be stipped including the wipers

 

[Gordvisr]

then you doing something wrong, you talking about the cabin air filter, right ?

 

[Gordvisr]

Engine air box, filter inside (arrowed )

 

[Gordvisr]

arrowed is the screw to unbolt for the cabin filter cover.

Filter and filter cover/box removed ( engine bay from a 135i but the cabin filters on these are the same )

 

[Schalk94]

I think he might be referring to a M47 120d. I can attest to the fact that it is an absolute pain in the ass to change. You need to remove a million things to get to it and get the old filter out

Even reading through the AI steps is a mission.....


Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

1. • Access the Engine Bay Area
     • Open the bonnet and make sure the engine is off.
     • Remove the microfilter (cabin filter) using 8mm screws, then take off the adjacent panel/housing held by two 8mm screws.
       YouTube·UseTool EN +1
   • Remove Engine & Strut Braces
     • Remove the plastic piece on top of the engine (secured by two 8mm bolts).
     • Unclip the battery lines and the brake fluid sensor wire.
     • Loosen the rear engine cover by removing its bolts (it does not need to be completely pulled out).
     • Use E16 and E18 star/Torx sockets to remove the full engine strut/brace, as it blocks access to the air filter housing.
   • Open the Air Filter Housing
     • Undo the H5 bolts and T-25 bolts securing the air filter cover and vent/vacuum cover.
     • Loosen the four H5 bolts on the air filter cover (they stay captive in the cover rather than coming all the way out).
     • Maneuver the rear engine cover gently and lift off the air filter cover. Note any wiring or cables tucked behind the air filter.
   • Replace the Air Filter Element
     • Pull out the old air filter upwards.
     • Clean out any dust, leaves, or debris from inside the air filter housing. Do not let dirt fall into the air intake.
     • Compare your new air filter with the old one to confirm they match dimensions and shape.
     • Install the new air filter, ensuring the long section is properly tucked inside and seated flush with no wiggle room.
       YouTube·George Austers +4
   • Reassemble the Components
     • Put the air filter cover back into place, ensuring it fits flush and the ledges align properly. Tighten the H5 and T-25 bolts.
     • Reinstall and torque down the engine strut/brace using your E18 bolt and extension.
     • Reconnect the battery lines, brake fluid sensor wire, and rear engine cover bolts.
     • Reinstall the cabin microfilter housing and top engine plastic cover.
       YouTube·George Austers +2

 

[Schalk94]

then you doing something wrong, you talking about the cabin air filter, right ?

View attachment 37169

Engine air box, filter inside (arrowed )

This is on a N47,it's a completely different story on a M47

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

This is on a N47,it's a completely different story on a M47

Yeah M47 and M57 is a Pain in the ASS!

 

[Gordvisr]

ok, so we learn

 

[SDP]

I think he might be referring to a M47 120d. I can attest to the fact that it is an absolute pain in the ass to change. You need to remove a million things to get to it and get the old filter out

Even reading through the AI steps is a mission.....


Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

1. • Access the Engine Bay Area
     • Open the bonnet and make sure the engine is off.
     • Remove the microfilter (cabin filter) using 8mm screws, then take off the adjacent panel/housing held by two 8mm screws.
       YouTube·UseTool EN +1
   • Remove Engine & Strut Braces
     • Remove the plastic piece on top of the engine (secured by two 8mm bolts).
     • Unclip the battery lines and the brake fluid sensor wire.
     • Loosen the rear engine cover by removing its bolts (it does not need to be completely pulled out).
     • Use E16 and E18 star/Torx sockets to remove the full engine strut/brace, as it blocks access to the air filter housing.
   • Open the Air Filter Housing
     • Undo the H5 bolts and T-25 bolts securing the air filter cover and vent/vacuum cover.
     • Loosen the four H5 bolts on the air filter cover (they stay captive in the cover rather than coming all the way out).
     • Maneuver the rear engine cover gently and lift off the air filter cover. Note any wiring or cables tucked behind the air filter.
   • Replace the Air Filter Element
     • Pull out the old air filter upwards.
     • Clean out any dust, leaves, or debris from inside the air filter housing. Do not let dirt fall into the air intake.
     • Compare your new air filter with the old one to confirm they match dimensions and shape.
     • Install the new air filter, ensuring the long section is properly tucked inside and seated flush with no wiggle room.
       YouTube·George Austers +4
   • Reassemble the Components
     • Put the air filter cover back into place, ensuring it fits flush and the ledges align properly. Tighten the H5 and T-25 bolts.
     • Reinstall and torque down the engine strut/brace using your E18 bolt and extension.
     • Reconnect the battery lines, brake fluid sensor wire, and rear engine cover bolts.
     • Reinstall the cabin microfilter housing and top engine plastic cover.
       YouTube·George Austers +2

thats the one . I never in my life stripped so many things to access an air filter