Every modern production car is equipped with a filtration system, consisting of filters performing various functions of purification. The presence of a filter in one system or another prevents the unit from prematurely wearing out by absorbing harmful substances that affect its performance.
This means that a timely replacement of the filter significantly extends the system's lifespan, delaying the breakdown of its components.
Speaking of systems with filtering elements — these include the air supply system, the fuel system, and the engine oil system. Accordingly, the filters themselves are classified similarly — into fuel, oil, air, and cabin filters.
The replacement of filtration elements in BMW cars is a mandatory procedure strictly regulated by the manufacturer.
Replacing the air filter on BMW
The BMW air filter is designed to protect the engine from dust and other solid particles in the incoming air, directly affecting the quality of air and fuel, as the external air is far from ideal.
The filter itself resembles a sponge in structure, enclosed in a rigid housing. Due to this design, it efficiently cleans the air masses.
Failure to replace the filter on time will increase the load on the power unit, bringing closer the need for a major engine repair. The procedure does not take much time and does not require significant financial costs compared to major engine repairs.
Removing the BMW Diesel Particulate Filter
On most modern BMW models with diesel engines, the diesel particulate filter may fail after 90 thousand kilometers of mileage.
The reason for this is the manufacturer's attempt to save on components in the matrix spray, which resulted in a slight power increase but a sharp decrease in the filter's service life.
Another reason is the quality of diesel fuel at gas stations, which contains sulfur and other additives that negatively affect the diesel particulate filter.
The diesel particulate filter is removed differently depending on the car model. Some models involve the complete removal of the filter, while others involve removing the filter and catalyst canister, with plenty of options available.
Replacing the fuel filter on BMW E60
This operation can be easily done by yourself. To do this, lift the car on a lift and locate the filter on the left side. Disconnect the connector by hand.
To loosen the fasteners, use a 10 socket and Torx 40 key. Use a flat screwdriver to loosen the clamp on the hose, followed by unscrewing the screw. Use the same screwdriver to tighten the hose.
In this case, a small amount of fuel will leak from the system, so prepare a container in advance for it to drain into. Then remove the filter and use a screwdriver to remove the metal clamp. After successfully dismantling the second part, replace the two sealing rings that come with the new product.
Transfer all removed parts to the new filter and assemble it in reverse order. Do not fill it with diesel fuel in advance, simply turn the key, and the fuel pump will do the rest.
Replacing the fuel filter on BMW X3
To perform this operation yourself, do the following. After lifting the car on a lift, use a 10 socket to loosen the two fasteners on the filter housing. Use a flat screwdriver to loosen the clamp on the fuel supply hose.
At this point, some diesel fuel will leak, so prepare a container in advance. To prevent all drops from leaking, you can use the silicone plug included with the new filter.
Using a screwdriver or any other metal object, remove the clip from the other end. Unscrew the old filter by rotating it. Use a Torx E20 socket to remove the fastening elements.
Take the new filter, transfer it to the previously removed fastening, and install a new rubber ring as a seal. Assemble in reverse order.
Replacing the fuel filter for BMW X1
This procedure should be done every 30,000 kilometers on this car model. If used in winter or with low-quality fuel, the interval decreases to 20,000 kilometers.
In this model, the fuel filter is usually located under the car, so removing the engine protection is necessary for replacement. The replacement process is similar to other models, using the same tools. The fuel filter replacement on F30 and E90 models is also done in a similar way.
Replacing the fuel filter on BMW E39
It is located under the car, between the rear passenger seat and the driver's seat, near the sill.
It is best to replace it on a lift, but if not available, you can use a pit or jack. You will need 10 and 8 keys or sockets, a screwdriver, a set of hex keys, a container for fuel drainage.
After lifting the car and removing the protection, use a 10 socket to loosen the central attachment of the gasoline filter. Loosen the clamps from the hoses, and unscrew the bracket with a cross-headed screwdriver that secures the pipes.
Remove the hoses from the filter with rotational movements. When connecting the new filter, pay attention to the arrow, ensuring it is directed towards the engine.
Replacing the air filter on BMW E90
To replace the air filter on this model, you will need to put in a bit more effort than on others. However, it can be done by yourself in a short time.
Its housing can be easily found on the right side in the engine compartment. To replace it, you will need to remove the entire housing by unscrewing two bolts, slightly loosening the clamp of the air intake pipe with a screwdriver, disconnecting the sensor and air duct connectors.
Then unscrew the screws securing the parts of the housing, open it, and remove the air filter. Before installing the new filter, clean the housing from accumulated dust and debris. Assemble it in reverse order.
Replacing the cabin filter on BMW X5 E70
All you need for this operation is a hex key and a new filter. The steps are as follows:
- Open the hood;
- Unscrew the four half-turn plastic clips;
- Unscrew the three bolts with the same 10 key, and remove the housing with the filtration elements.
Replacing the oil filter on BMW E53
You can do this from the engine compartment, so you don't have to lift the car. Unscrew the filter cover with a 32 socket. It is removed together with the filter cartridge. After that, replace the old filter with a new sealing ring lubricated with oil, and install the new filter. Tighten the cover with the consumables back on.
