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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on performing an air filter replacement on a BMW E9x M3 series car. Even though we have used a 2013 BMW E92 M3 to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any BMW E9x M3 series vehicle with the S65 eight cylinder engine, including the E90 sedan and E93 convertible.
A BMW E90 M3 air filter replacement is an important part of the vehicle's regular maintenance plan and is an easy, cost saving repair for the home mechanic.
The air filter element is a very important component of your BMW M3's high performance engine and should be changed on a regular basis. Its purpose is to filter out airborne contaminants like dust and sand and prevent them from entering the engine. Not performing a BMW E90 M3 air filter replacement on a regular basis will greatly affect your vehicle's performance and can shorten the life span of your engine.
According to the BMW Service and Warranty Information book for the E90 M3, the air filter element should be replaced with every engine oil change. Unfortunately, this recommendation is implemented in conjunction with BMW Conditional Based Service (CBS); a fancy algorithm-driven system in your BMW that calculates your vehicle's engine oil life based on mileage, time, and driving data. This data is used to notify the driver when the car "is ready" to have its oil serviced.
For many of us M3 enthusiasts, the CBS system is more of an annoyance than a benefit. We personally change our M3 engine oil every 3000-5000 miles here at the Repair Guide...long before the CBS system decides it's ready. So this raises the question: how long should you wait to change the air filter on your M3?
Like most service recommendations, replacing your BMW E90 M3 air filter is more conjecture than real science. It really boils down to how many miles you have driven and the conditions you have been driving in. Driving in excessively contaminated conditions for extended periods of time (like a highway under construction) will greatly shorten the life span of your air filter due to dust and sand lodging inside the element.
Since the BMW E90 M3 is powered by a "race-bred" high-performance engine, the Repair Guide suggests replacing your air filter element every 10,000 miles under "normal" driving conditions.
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 E9x M3 models with production date from 09/2009
The air filter must clean 8000-9000 gallons of air for each gallon of gasoline burned inside the engine, without restricting the air intake. Air filter replacement at recommended intervals lets an engine breathe properly while protecting it from costly damage. Air filters should be inspected and replaced as needed at least once a year, more often if the vehicle is driven in heavily polluted or dusty conditions.
All BMW E9x M3 models with production date to 09/2009
The air filter must clean 8000-9000 gallons of air for each gallon of gasoline burned inside the engine, without restricting the air intake. Air filter replacement at recommended intervals lets an engine breathe properly while protecting it from costly damage. Air filters should be inspected and replaced as needed at least once a year, more often if the vehicle is driven in heavily polluted or dusty conditions.
BMW E90, E92, E93 M3 only
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.
Section 1 - Replacing the BMW M3 Air Filter
- Using a T20 torx bit or T-handle, remove the eight torx screws securing the lid on the intake muffler. Remove the lid from the vehicle.
- To remove the air filter, grasp it on the rubber boot side and pull straight back. The filter is on a spring mechanism that compresses when you pull back allowing you to remove the filter (see image below).
- Remove the air filter element and replace with a fresh one.
BMW E90 M3 Air Filter Replacement Finished
