What Is the Cabin Air Filter and Why Replace It?

The cabin air filter (also called the microfilter or pollen filter) cleans the air entering your car's interior through the HVAC system. A blocked or degraded cabin filter reduces airflow to the cabin, strains the blower motor, and allows allergens and particulates into the passenger space. BMW recommends replacement every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

On most BMW models, cabin filter replacement is one of the easiest DIY services — accessible without tools in under 10 minutes on many variants.

Locating the Cabin Filter on Your BMW

3 Series E90/E91/E92 (2005–2012): Behind the glove box. Open the glove box fully, squeeze the sides inward to release the stops, lower it completely to reveal the filter housing behind.

3 Series F30/F31 (2012–2019): Under the bonnet on the passenger side, behind a plastic cover at the base of the windscreen.

5 Series F10/F11 (2010–2017): Under the bonnet, passenger side, under a rectangular plastic cover secured by two clips.

5 Series G30 (2017+): Under bonnet, same location, cover secured by a single twist-lock.

X3 F25 / X5 E70/F15: Under bonnet, driver side (RHD) or passenger side (LHD), under a rectangular cover.

Step-by-Step: BMW F30 3 Series Cabin Filter Replacement

  1. Open the bonnet and locate the plastic cover at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side.
  2. Lift the two plastic tabs (no tools needed) and remove the cover.
  3. The filter element is visible — slide it out, noting the direction of the airflow arrow printed on the filter.
  4. Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing in the same direction as the old filter.
  5. Replace the cover and press the tabs until they click.

Total time: 5–8 minutes. No tools required.

Choosing the Right Replacement Filter

BMW specifies HEPA-grade cabin filters for most models from 2010 onwards. Look for a filter specified as "activated carbon" or "HEPA" — these block not only particulates but also gaseous pollutants and odours. The OEM supplier for BMW cabin filters is primarily MAHLE. Use your VIN to confirm the correct part number.

Common BMW cabin filter part numbers:

Order the correct genuine BMW cabin filter — dispatched from Berlin, shipping from €6 (EU).