DIY: Air Filter Replacement

nexus66 · 09-06-2005, 12:02 PM

For this the only tool you'll need is a T-25 Torx screwdriver.

Firstly, slacken all the screws shown in the first picture. Then lifting the air filter cover you will see that the pipe from just above the kidney grill joins this cover and is secured by two little tabs. By lifting the cover at an angle the tabs should release allowing you to remove the cover completely. Note that the screws do not unscrew fully and stay captive within the cover.

You can now see the air filter element. I was surprised to find a cylindrical filter!! In order to remove the air filter element there is a small clip at the front (circled in picture 3 and close up in picture 4). You need to press the circular area on either side and slide the filter forward. It will then come up and away from its mount.

There is an insert within the filter which is fixed and sealed in place.

Put the new filter in the same way the original was removed, replace the cover making sure the tabs lock into the inlet pipe and the screws all line up. Retighten the screws and you're done!

E90Fleet · 09-06-2005, 03:26 PM

Please note the USA version uses a different airbox and filter (normal flat filter)

nexus66 · 09-06-2005, 04:08 PM

I kinda guessed it'd be different for the USA 325, but what filter does the 330 use?

BMW0 · 12-03-2005, 06:50 AM

The round filter element looked aftermarketly cool though.

krndanic307 · 12-03-2005, 04:22 PM

Is that for the E46? because the the E90 325 its a 3.0L

GuillaumeSoete · 12-04-2005, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krndanic307

Is that for the E46? because the the E90 325 its a 3.0L

The E90 325i uses a 2,497 ccm engine ...

Quoted from bwm.com:

No. of cylinders/valves per cyl. 6/4

Displacement acc. to ECE Reg. in ccm 2,497

Stroke/Bore in mm 78.8/82.0

Nominal power (kW) at 1/min 160/6,500

Max. torque (Nm) at 1/min 250/2,750-4,250

Guillaume

E90Fleet · 12-04-2005, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krndanic307

Is that for the E46? because the the E90 325 its a 3.0L

only a 3.0 in the USA

its a 2.5L in the rest of the world, with the same power and torque

GuillaumeSoete · 12-04-2005, 01:11 PM

Does anyone know what's the reason of that? Is it also a pollution matter? If I remember well, the S50 engines were'nt allowed in the US because of that...

Guillaume

Daddu · 12-31-2005, 01:38 PM

Can someone post a DIY on removal of the USA 3.0 liter 325i air filter. This is the flat, trapezoidal one.

WallyF · 12-31-2005, 03:27 PM

I took my air filter apart to see how hard it would be. Be sure to have a 10 mm socket, a T25 torque bit and flat blade screw driver.

1) Loosen the steel clamp on the output side of the filter housing using the screw driver. Jpg #1

2) Disconnect the connect from the air mass flow meter. JPG 2

3) Disconnect the filter housing from the suction hood intake duct. JPG 3

4) Remove the filter housing from the engine compartment using a 10mm socket two places. Be careful of the air mass flow meter as it is very expensive. JPG 4

5) Remove the screws using the T25 torque bit. JPG 5.

6) Remove air filter and install new filter.

7) Reassemble the air filter housing.

8) Reinstall in engine compartment.

BeemMeUp · 12-31-2005, 03:59 PM

Thanks WallyF for sharing the info. It looks like some work just to change an air filter. I wish BMW would have made it a little easier...

WallyF · 12-31-2005, 04:21 PM

BeemMeUp,

It takes about 15 minutes to change out the air filter. I figure I will do it between 25,000 and 30,000 miles myself. The dealer will change it out at Inspection #2. I figure that will be at the end of the 4th year or 50,000 miles.

Have a Happy New Year!!

Wallyf :rocks:

mros47 · 06-23-2006, 02:02 AM

someone knows how can I change the air filter on a bmw 320d e90, thanks

kfc390 · 01-22-2009, 01:22 PM

Not to hard but could be better.

Does anyone know why BMW put the second filter in the E90 box? It looks like a furnace filter.

sd23 · 02-26-2011, 02:32 PM

Thanks for the guide. Helped me perform my tune up.

73tnh · 03-06-2011, 09:38 PM

more pics for the thread... I did mine again today..

73tnh · 03-06-2011, 09:50 PM

my old filter after 8500 miles

..... I am charcoal filter delete also.

billywu04 · 03-25-2011, 02:24 AM

I just bought my first bimmer last week, a 2008 328i (black/black, premium, sport). I worked on it for the first time yesterday and installed a matte black grille, and a K&N air filter. I'll post to another thread about my anguish with the grille, but the air filter replacement was surprisingly easy. I took my time, and stopped to snap a bunch of pics along the way, and it took just under 30 minutes. I'll post again with some detailed photos and instructions.

Take it from a newbie, as long as you're careful, you've got almost no reason to be nervous about changing the air filter yourself.

Thanks for the original post, WallyF. It helped a ton!

Staticians · 04-12-2011, 04:17 PM

I put my K&N air filter the engine sound and performance have huge difference. The car runs better and the engine is louder like an sport car supposed to be. It was a great investment!!

carlosalbertogui · 04-21-2011, 06:38 AM

dont belive in louder or better performance is exactly the same no diferences

HOTROD182 says

I made a bunch of runs switching the K&N in and out, noticed no difference whatsoever. Infact, my best trap was with the stock air filter. My 12.13 at the drag strip was with a totally stock air filter as well. But let me know if you want to buy my near new K&N, still in the orig box. I only used it a few hours.

But in all fairness, its not really the fault of the K&N. There have been numerous dyno tests showing almost no difference between running a filter and no filter at all.
__________________
1987 Grand National
2011 Alpine 335d M-Sport 12.9 @ 108.3mph
2008 Black 335i Sedan. 11.81 @ 119.2mph,
2008 Monaco Blue JB3 2.0 335i Coupe. 11.33 @ 132.77 mph
60-130mph: 6.95 seconds.

carlosalbertogui · 04-21-2011, 06:42 AM

hi again

one thing is true the car will be more procteted with k§N Filter

The filter is so much better
but dont buy if you think will improve performance
the only thing it will do its protecting dust from getting in your motor and that is the most important thing

Staticians · 04-22-2011, 12:06 PM

The engine sound is guaranteed louder and noticeable. For $45 it was great investment. I mentioned "Performance" because it has better air flow than the stock air filter since performance depends on both the Gasoline and Air flow to push the engine....and the type of engine oil also plays a big role. I got mine from Streetsideauto.com and it was the lowest price around $45 and easy installation. The time of delivery was less than 2 days with no tax in NY. In the long run it's a Win-Win game because it's washable and reusable.

http://www.streetsideauto.com/c/air-...-bmw-325i-30l/

09-06-2005, 12:02 PM	#1
nexus66 Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	DIY: Air Filter Replacement - 325 (2.5litre) For this the only tool you'll need is a T-25 Torx screwdriver. Firstly, slacken all the screws shown in the first picture. Then lifting the air filter cover you will see that the pipe from just above the kidney grill joins this cover and is secured by two little tabs. By lifting the cover at an angle the tabs should release allowing you to remove the cover completely. Note that the screws do not unscrew fully and stay captive within the cover. You can now see the air filter element. I was surprised to find a cylindrical filter!! In order to remove the air filter element there is a small clip at the front (circled in picture 3 and close up in picture 4). You need to press the circular area on either side and slide the filter forward. It will then come up and away from its mount. There is an insert within the filter which is fixed and sealed in place. Put the new filter in the same way the original was removed, replace the cover making sure the tabs lock into the inlet pipe and the screws all line up. Retighten the screws and you're done! Attached Images __________________ Drives: BMW F80 M3 - Sahkir Orange
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09-06-2005, 04:08 PM	#3
nexus66 Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I kinda guessed it'd be different for the USA 325, but what filter does the 330 use? __________________ Drives: BMW F80 M3 - Sahkir Orange
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12-03-2005, 06:50 AM	#4
BMW0 Colonel 263 Rep 2,059 Posts Drives: AW E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	The round filter element looked aftermarketly cool though. __________________ 330i 6MT l 255 HP @ 5900 rpm 214 lb-ft Torque @ 3500 rpm l Alpine White l Beige l Aluminum l ZSP l 494 l PDC "Freude am Fahren" = "Joy to Drive"
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12-03-2005, 04:22 PM	#5
krndanic307 Captain 91 Rep 641 Posts Drives: F20 M140 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cali/Buenos Aires iTrader: (0)	Is that for the E46? because the the E90 325 its a 3.0L
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12-04-2005, 01:11 PM	#8
GuillaumeSoete Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 1M Coupé & Tesla 85 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know what's the reason of that? Is it also a pollution matter? If I remember well, the S50 engines were'nt allowed in the US because of that... Guillaume
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09-06-2005, 03:26 PM	#2
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1351 Rep 10,187 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Please note the USA version uses a different airbox and filter (normal flat filter)
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12-31-2005, 01:38 PM	#9
Daddu Daddu 1 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Can someone post a DIY on removal of the USA 3.0 liter 325i air filter. This is the flat, trapezoidal one. __________________ 325i; European Delivery; Alpine White; Beige Leatherette; Poplar Wood Trim; Heated Seats; Debadged; Visor Warning Label Removed;
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12-31-2005, 03:27 PM	#10
WallyF Lieutenant 106 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	US Air Filter I took my air filter apart to see how hard it would be. Be sure to have a 10 mm socket, a T25 torque bit and flat blade screw driver. 1) Loosen the steel clamp on the output side of the filter housing using the screw driver. Jpg #1 2) Disconnect the connect from the air mass flow meter. JPG 2 3) Disconnect the filter housing from the suction hood intake duct. JPG 3 4) Remove the filter housing from the engine compartment using a 10mm socket two places. Be careful of the air mass flow meter as it is very expensive. JPG 4 5) Remove the screws using the T25 torque bit. JPG 5. 6) Remove air filter and install new filter. 7) Reassemble the air filter housing. 8) Reinstall in engine compartment. Attached Images Last edited by WallyF; 12-31-2005 at 03:49 PM.. Reason: Adding 5th picture and additional instructions
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12-31-2005, 03:59 PM	#11
BeemMeUp Private First Class 1 Rep 178 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas iTrader: (0)	Thanks WallyF for sharing the info. It looks like some work just to change an air filter. I wish BMW would have made it a little easier... __________________ E90 330i / SG / Biege / Burl / ZPP / Heated Seats / Steptronic / CA / PDC / ACC / iDrive / Sirius-prep
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12-31-2005, 04:21 PM	#12
WallyF Lieutenant 106 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	BeemMeUp, It takes about 15 minutes to change out the air filter. I figure I will do it between 25,000 and 30,000 miles myself. The dealer will change it out at Inspection #2. I figure that will be at the end of the 4th year or 50,000 miles. Have a Happy New Year!! Wallyf :rocks:
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06-23-2006, 02:02 AM	#13
mros47 New Member 5 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW 325I E90 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Guatemala iTrader: (0)	someone knows how can I change the air filter on a bmw 320d e90, thanks
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01-22-2009, 01:22 PM	#14
kfc390 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Thanks again for the US instructions Not to hard but could be better. Does anyone know why BMW put the second filter in the E90 box? It looks like a furnace filter.
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02-26-2011, 02:32 PM	#15
sd23 Private 13 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2014 435i x-drive M-sport EBII Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the guide. Helped me perform my tune up. __________________ 2014 435i x-drive/ EBII /M-Sport/Premium/Dynamic/Driving assist Package. 2013 X3/ M-Sport/ Premium/ Technology/ Former Owner: 330i RIP.
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03-06-2011, 09:38 PM	#16
73tnh Driver 5 Rep 25 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern US iTrader: (0)	more pics for the thread... I did mine again today.. Attached Images
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03-06-2011, 09:50 PM	#17
73tnh Driver 5 Rep 25 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern US iTrader: (0)	my old filter after 8500 miles ..... I am charcoal filter delete also. Attached Images
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03-25-2011, 02:24 AM	#18
billywu04 New Member 2 Rep 28 Posts Drives: '11 535 GT, '14 X5 35d Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (2)	I just bought my first bimmer last week, a 2008 328i (black/black, premium, sport). I worked on it for the first time yesterday and installed a matte black grille, and a K&N air filter. I'll post to another thread about my anguish with the grille, but the air filter replacement was surprisingly easy. I took my time, and stopped to snap a bunch of pics along the way, and it took just under 30 minutes. I'll post again with some detailed photos and instructions. Take it from a newbie, as long as you're careful, you've got almost no reason to be nervous about changing the air filter yourself. Thanks for the original post, WallyF. It helped a ton! Last edited by billywu04; 03-25-2011 at 02:27 AM.. Reason: update text
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04-12-2011, 04:17 PM	#19
Staticians New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I put my K&N air filter the engine sound and performance have huge difference. The car runs better and the engine is louder like an sport car supposed to be. It was a great investment!!
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04-21-2011, 06:38 AM	#20
carlosalbertogui Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 238 Posts Drives: bmw E91 facelifted by me Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: portugal iTrader: (0)	dont belive in louder or better performance is exactly the same no diferences HOTROD182 says I made a bunch of runs switching the K&N in and out, noticed no difference whatsoever. Infact, my best trap was with the stock air filter. My 12.13 at the drag strip was with a totally stock air filter as well. But let me know if you want to buy my near new K&N, still in the orig box. I only used it a few hours. But in all fairness, its not really the fault of the K&N. There have been numerous dyno tests showing almost no difference between running a filter and no filter at all. __________________ 1987 Grand National 2011 Alpine 335d M-Sport 12.9 @ 108.3mph 2008 Black 335i Sedan. 11.81 @ 119.2mph, 2008 Monaco Blue JB3 2.0 335i Coupe. 11.33 @ 132.77 mph 60-130mph: 6.95 seconds.
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04-21-2011, 06:42 AM	#21
carlosalbertogui Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 238 Posts Drives: bmw E91 facelifted by me Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: portugal iTrader: (0)	hi again one thing is true the car will be more procteted with k§N Filter The filter is so much better but dont buy if you think will improve performance the only thing it will do its protecting dust from getting in your motor and that is the most important thing
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04-22-2011, 12:06 PM	#22
Staticians New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	The engine sound is guaranteed louder and noticeable. For $45 it was great investment. I mentioned "Performance" because it has better air flow than the stock air filter since performance depends on both the Gasoline and Air flow to push the engine....and the type of engine oil also plays a big role. I got mine from Streetsideauto.com and it was the lowest price around $45 and easy installation. The time of delivery was less than 2 days with no tax in NY. In the long run it's a Win-Win game because it's washable and reusable. http://www.streetsideauto.com/c/air-...-bmw-325i-30l/ Last edited by Staticians; 04-22-2011 at 12:15 PM..
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