DIY: Let's Replace the Cabin Filters

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by tlp

So your oil filter is junk as well? That is also made by MANN.

Originally Posted by dparm

Can you please post a photo of what you mean? It's borderline-baiting to just make some wild statement with zero proof of what you're claiming.

Mann is a huge OEM supplier for air filters, oil filters, etc. They aren't "junk".

Maybe there oil filters are good, but the oil filter is Nothing like the difference between the OEM Cabin Filters and the Mann, there crap, if you like/want um be my guest but there just a real long filter cut into segments, thats why there so cheap/crap.

Originally Posted by marksae

Look at the pictures above and you can see the Mann filters' plastic frame does not go all the way around the filter. It only covers two out of the four sides. For this reason, I spent the extra money on the OEM filters. I'm pretty picky when it comes to stuff like this.

You did the right thing brother, The Mann filter has NO PLASTIC, Just Paper! i sent those Mann POS back to Amazon today, instant refund, done deal. Now im ordering OEM, PERIOD.

[tlp]

Originally Posted by marksae

Look at the pictures above and you can see the Mann filters' plastic frame does not go all the way around the filter. It only covers two out of the four sides. For this reason, I spent the extra money on the OEM filters. I'm pretty picky when it comes to stuff like this.

I guess you must drive around with the windows up full time. The in car filter debate is totally overrated. SARS anyone?

[S65 Underdog]

I think I need to do this. I turned my AC on for the first time this year after a long winter of constant heater and cold weather and a smell was emitting from the vents. Not happy.

[marksae]

Originally Posted by tlp

I guess you must drive around with the windows up full time. The in car filter debate is totally overrated. SARS anyone?

While I agree with you on that point, I'm a stickler when it comes to fitment related issues of parts.

[JonM]

You guys can do what you want, but I think the Mann filters fit as well as the OEM ones. Neither fit perfectly and based on the lower plastic lip inside the frame, neither have to. Don't just look at the parts, look at the whole assembly.

Another benefit to the Mann parts is they are easier to recycle.

[tlp]

^
Thanks Mr. Leatherz.

[Vic311]

Isn't Mann the OEM manuafactuer of the filters? So the ones bought from BMW are just BMW branded. No?

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by JonM

You guys can do what you want, but I think the Mann filters fit as well as the OEM ones. Neither fit perfectly and based on the lower plastic lip inside the frame, neither have to. Don't just look at the parts, look at the whole assembly.

Another benefit to the Mann parts is they are easier to recycle.

Say what? have you seen a Mann replacement filter before? Its NOTHING like the OEM in any way besides its rectangle.

Originally Posted by Vic311

Isn't Mann the OEM manuafactuer of the filters? So the ones bought from BMW are just BMW branded. No?

Nope Mann Is NOT the OEM filter supplier, CORTECO-MICRONAIR is the OEM filter maker.

[JonM]

Originally Posted by ibmike

Say what? have you seen a Mann replacement filter before? Its NOTHING like the OEM in any way besides its rectangle.

Ummm, yes. I wrote the original post and the how to.

The filters are different (as I clearly explained and showed), but once installed in the frame, they work the same way. In fact, the Mann actually fit a little tighter with it's blade seal design.

If you want to use OEM BMW cabin filters, good for you. I do not.

[chuckvic]

replaced all 4 last night in 15 min and I was working slow. used OEM filters. They snap in real tight so you really need to pull or pry them out. Mine really needed it.
easy job but think maint plan covers them every third oil change, my dealer forgot.
Thanks to OP for a great DIY!!

chuck

[Z K]

I just replaced mine with the MANN filters. Took maybe 15 minutes to do. Very easy.

The fit is tight - exactly right and it fits nicer than OEM. The material is exactly the same as OEM. All that is different is the plastic frame. The edges are sealed by the plastic that it clips into anyway so there is no leakage of air around the filter.

[Alpha///M]

I believe my SA changes these, as well as wiper blades, when brought in for scheduled service. And if he doesn't mention it when you drop your car off, YOU should! When warrantee expires, that's a different story.
Thanks for the write up OP!

[OerdingE93]

Thanks for the write up! Doing mine now.

[w.eric]

Im pretty sure OP has the filter pointed in the wrong direction.

This should be the way.


The air is going into the box, not the other way round. Also, the filter is design to catch the latch in this direction.

[tinman831]

I think they OP just laid the filter that way for the pictures. The photos don't show the filter installed in that orientation.

[JonM]

Originally Posted by tinman831

I think they OP just laid the filter that way for the pictures. The photos don't show the filter installed in that orientation.

Correct. I took that picture so the part number was easier to read.

[BzsBimmer]

Just did this! Didn't have to remove the weatherstrip and I used a power driver set to lowest clutch setting.

The PO broke the tabs closest to the engine probably over tightening them so be careful.

I used the MANN filters as well. They seal just fine but I can see why other posters would be concerned since the ends without the flaps don't seal against anything like the edges that have flaps.

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Just did this! Didn't have to remove the weatherstrip and I used a power driver set to lowest clutch setting.

The PO broke the tabs closest to the engine probably over tightening them so be careful.

I used the MANN filters as well. They seal just fine but I can see why other posters would be concerned since the ends without the flaps don't seal against anything like the edges that have flaps.

I accidently overtightened mine as well and the tabs broke. So sad =(

[TX]

Wait someone actually used a power driver to remove the screws? Really?
Anyway, I changed my filters last night. I used the BMW filter pack. It was around $100 bucks. It's twice as much as the MANN posted above, but the plastic trim made a really tight fit. The plastic wedges up against these little clips around the frame which retain a good amount of sealing force on the new filter. I literally had to pry the old ones out. You do not need to remove the weather stripping for this job. It took me 10 minutes and that was with several stops to have a beer. The two front clips were already broken off from some service tech using a power driver on them in the past I assume. 8mm socket If I remember correctly?

FYI, it looks like the replacement covers are these:
64316958815 Housing, microfilter top section, left 1 $21.18
64316958816 Housing, microfilter top section, right 1 $21.18

I just ordered them to replace my broken covers.
-X

[Robario12]

Can someone confirm the OEM part number?

Is it: 64 31 9 159 606? Thanks!

[TX]

Originally Posted by Robario12

Can someone confirm the OEM part number?

Is it: 64 31 9 159 606? Thanks!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=64&fg=10&hl=1

for e9X:
01 Set, microfilter/activ. charcoal filter 1 64319159606 $127.83


You can find it cheaper other places however
Like here:
http://www.getbmwparts.com/parts/ind...&siteid=214672


bmwofalexandria has it for 103.91

[Robario12]

Thanks!!