Replacing the air filter (BMW 3 Series E46)

Engine M43TU

1. The air cleaner is located in the front left corner of the engine compartment.

2. Unfasten the four latches and remove the air cleaner cover (Fig. 20.2).



3. Remove the air filter from the housing (Fig. 20.3).



4. Wipe the inside surfaces of the air cleaner housing and cover.

5. Insert the new filter into the air cleaner housing, cover the housing with the lid and secure it with the latches.

Engine N42

6. Open the hood. Remove the air intake duct cover by pulling the center pins out of the clips and removing the cover clips.

7. Remove the acoustic cover, which is secured with two screws (Fig. 20.7).



8. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the intake air duct (Fig. 20.8), loosen the air duct clamp, remove the two air cleaner mounting screws and lift the air cleaner approximately 5 cm. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the air cleaner from the engine compartment.





9. Loosen the clamp, remove the retainer and disconnect the intake air duct from the air flow sensor.

10. Turn the air cleaner over, remove the screws and remove the cover (fig. 20.10).



11. Unscrew the two nuts and remove the air flow sensor from the air cleaner (fig. 20.11).



12. Remove the air filter from the air cleaner housing.



13. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner.

14. Insert the new filter into the air cleaner housing (fig. 20.14).



15. Otherwise, assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly.

6-cylinder engine

16. The air cleaner is located in the front left corner of the engine compartment. On models with the M54 engine, remove the air intake casing by removing the fasteners, having first pulled out the central pins from them (fig. 20.16).



17. On all models, release the air filter tray latches and remove the tray from the housing (fig. 20.17).



18. Remove the air filter (fig. 20.18).





19. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner body and tray.

20. Place the new filter in place, then push the tray into the air cleaner housing until it snaps into place.

21. Insert the clips and install the air intake cover in place.