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Repair Summary
The following article gives instructions on performing a cabin filter replacement in 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 8 cylinder engine, including the E90 sedan and E93 convertible.
A BMW E90 M3 cabin filter replacement is extremely easy and only takes about 15 minutes to perform.
One of the most overcharged maintenance items on all BMWs is replacement of the cabin air filters, also known as the microfilters. A BMW E90 M3 cabin filter replacement is so simple, it can even be performed by vehicle owners who have absolutely no mechanical ability whatsoever.
The BMW E90 M3 cabin filter does exactly as its name implies; it filters the fresh air being drawn into the interior cabin of your car through the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It filters out dust, pollen, and other air-borne contaminants as well as noxious odors. It is an extremely important component of your vehicle's HVAC system and plays an important role in providing a fresh, comfortable, allergen-free environment inside your BMW.
The BMW Repair Guide recommends replacing your BMW E90 M3 cabin filter 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 it 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.
Section 1 - Performing a BMW E90 Cabin Filter Replacement
- The cabin filters are located inside two plastic containers under the vehicles hood.
- Use an 8mm socket wrench or nut driver to remove the 3 screws anchoring the plastic containers to the engine compartment.
- The cabin filters are located on the underside of the plastic container. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the two filters.
- Note that the new cabin filters have a direction for air flow printed on side of filter. Make sure the air flow arrow is pointing up when you install new filters in the plastic containers.
- Reinstall the plastic containers.
BMW E90 M3 Cabin Filter Replacement Finished