Air cleaner — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

Engine N42

1. Remove the clips, lift the air intake shroud approximately 5 cm, and pull it away from the air cleaner and washer reservoir.

2. Unscrew the two nuts and pull the plastic cover over the engine forward (Fig. 2.2).



3. Loosen the clamp securing the air inlet duct to the throttle body, disconnect the vacuum hose and unscrew the two screws securing the air cleaner body to the engine compartment mudguard (Fig. 2.3).



4. Lift the air cleaner and remove it from the vehicle, disconnecting the wiring and disconnecting the hose when possible.

Engine M43TU

5. Disconnect the electrical connector plug from the air cleaner and disconnect the fuel tank ventilation hose from the valve (Fig. 2.5).





6. Turn the ventilation valve 90° counterclockwise while pulling it upward and remove it from the bracket on the air cleaner body.

7. On the left mudguard in the engine compartment, unscrew the bolt connection nut and remove the cruise control system actuator.

8. Loosen the clamp securing the air flow meter to the air cleaner, disconnect the air inlet duct from the air cleaner, unscrew the air cleaner mounting bolt and remove it from the vehicle (fig. 2.8,a, b) Remove the sealing ring.

Engines M52TU and M54

9. Release the wire harness from the fasteners on the air cleaner housing and move the harness to the side.



10. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the air inlet duct from the upper section of the air cleaner.

11 Remove the two air cleaner mounting bolts and remove it from the engine compartment, separating the air intake duct from it when possible (Fig. 2.11).

Installation

12. Install the air cleaner in the reverse order. Make sure that the lower support engages with the plastic protrusion of the body (Fig. 2.12). When connecting the air inlet duct to the air cleaner, lubricate the seal between the air duct and the body with acid-free grease to make work easier.