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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on performing a cabin filter (microfilter) replacement on a BMW E46 3 series car. Even though we have used a 2003 BMW 325ci to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any E46 3 series vehicle, including the 323i, 328i and 330i coupe, sedan and convertible.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E46 3 Series 325ti
E46 3 Series 318td
E46 3 Series 320td
E46 3 Series 318ti
E46 3 Series 330xi
E46 3 Series 330i
E46 3 Series 330xd
E46 3 Series 330d
E46 3 Series 316ti
E46 3 Series 328i
E46 3 Series 325xi
E46 3 Series 325i
E46 3 Series 320i
E46 3 Series 323i
E46 3 Series 320d
E46 3 Series 318i
E46 3 Series 318d
E46 3 Series 316i
E46 3 Series M3 CSL
E46 3 Series M3
E46 3 Series 330Ci
E46 3 Series 330Cd
E46 3 Series 325Ci
E46 3 Series 323Ci
E46 3 Series 320Ci
E46 3 Series 320Cd
E46 3 Series 318Ci
E46 3 Series 328Ci
E46 3 Series 316Ci
E46 3 Series 323i 2.4
E46 3 Series 316i 1.9
E46 3 Series 316i 1.6
A BMW E46 cabin filter (microfilter) replacement only takes a few minutes and is the easiest of all repairs for 1998-2006 3 series owners.
Performing a BMW E46 cabin filter replacement might be simple, but don't under estimate its importance. Changing out your cabin filters is an essential part of the E46's maintenance plan that should be done on a regular basis.
The cabin filters (also known as the microfilters) do exactly as their name implies; they filter the fresh air being drawn into the interior cabin through the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. They filter out dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants as well as noxious odors. They are an extremely important component of your vehicle's HVAC system and play an important role in providing a fresh, comfortable, allergen-free environment inside your BMW.
The BMW Repair Guide recommends replacing your E46 cabin filters once a year. If you drive in an excessively contaminated environment (like a smog-filled city or around heavy road construction) you may want to change them more often.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW E46 models
Cabin filters are something that is often overlooked in vehicle maintenance, but these filters are actually very important to both your comfort and health. Traditional cabin filters prevent pollen, dust, and other allergens from entering your vehicle's cabin, keeping your air as clean as possible. Cabin filters that feature an activated charcoal filter layer take it a step further to help eliminate unpleasant smells, especially useful in large cities or when passing smelly areas such as farms.
BMW E46 325i and 330i
Maintaining a clean air filter is crucial to the longevity of your vehicle. Fuel economy, performance, and dependability is sacrificed when you overlook servicing your air filter.
BMW E36 323i, 328i and M3
Often overlooked, a clean air filter can make a noticeable difference in performance and fuel economy in your vehicle. When a vehicle's air filter is not properly serviced, it restricts air flow into the engine which directly translates to less horsepower to the wheels.
Fits all BMW vehicles
This is the same Genuine BMW coolant you would buy from the dealership.
Section 1 - Replacing the BMW E46 Cabin Filter
Replacing the cabin filter in your E46 3 series is very simple and only takes a few minutes. We strongly recommend cleaning and disinfecting the cabin filter housing when you remove the filter...this kills any lingering bacteria, allergens and foul smells that may be under the filter element.- Open the hood of the car and locate the cabin filter housing. It is located at the rear of the engine.
- Twist the three spring latches counterclockwise to unlock and release the cabin filter cover.
- Remove the cover from the housing.
- Remove the old BMW E46 cabin filter from the housing.
- Using a good antibacterial cleaner (we use Lysol Kitchen Cleaner with a citrus scent - see tools and supplies), thoroughly wipe out the cabin filter housing.
- Replace the BMW E46 cabin filter and reinstall the cover.
BMW E46 Cabin Filter Replacement Finished
 replacement | 1998-2006 3 series | Replacing your cabin filter only takes a couple minutes, we show you how.){kind=link}