Odors, dust, and debris easily collect in the cabin of your car. In a BMW, where you have beautiful materials and numerous electronic components, you need to keep these particles away. That’s why changing the BMW cabin air filter is so important to do on a consistent basis.
What’s the best cabin air filter for a 2020 BMW?
You can pick up a genuine BMW air filter for about $30. If you don’t mind buying an aftermarket product, you can select several premium cabin air filters from multiple companies for around $40 or slightly more.
Are you unsure which cabin air filter is right for your needs? Maybe you’re not sure if you need to replace the cabin filter now or if you can wait longer to do so. Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about these air filters.
How Often Should You Change the Air Filter on Your BMW?
There is a lot of dust and debris that goes through the air even if you don’t see it. Dirt from outdoors gets into the cabin of your vehicle. Changing the air cabin filter is important. BMW recommends that most vehicle owners do this every 3 years.
At the same time, if you do not drive your vehicle often, you may be able to reduce this. Instead, aim for replacing it every 30,000 miles. In both situations, you should be doing so at least one time every few years.
Keep in mind that if you work in an area where there is a lot of dust or the overall interior of your car gets dirty, you may need to do this more frequently. Your mechanic should check the filter if you haven’t had it done in a while.
Can You Change the Air Filter on Your BMW on Your Own?
It is possible to change the air cabin filter on your BMW on your own. First, be sure to check the warranty on your vehicle. You do not want to do anything that is not recommended by the manufacturer that could put your warranty at risk.
Next, check out this video from Filterheads. They break down how to replace the cabin filter in a BMW (though it is not a 2020 model). The hard part is finding the filter. In most BMW models, it’s located toward the back of the engine compartment.
You can also check your owner’s manual to learn more about the placement of the air filter. This will differ based on the specific model and trim you own. Generally, it is located at the base of the hood near the windshield of the car on the passenger side.
It only takes a few minutes to complete this process. You’ll pull on the cord that connects to the cabin to release it. Then, you’ll be able to take off the vent-like covering. You may need to remove the weather stripping.
Pay close attention to this – you’ll need to follow the same process for putting it back together. You don’t need many tools. Inside, you’ll find a cover that needs to be removed – look for the teeth along the back that you need to remove to do this.
Then, you’ll see the exposed cabin air filter. You’ll need to press in the side tabs to remove the filter. It can take a bit of work and maneuvering to get this out. It’s usually in pretty tight. Once out, simply pull out the filters and take the paper filter out of the frame.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Cabin Air Filter?
The cost of replacing the cabin air filter itself is inexpensive. Most often, these cost around $30 to $50, depending on what you choose and the car’s specific features. Some of the more expensive or elusive BMW models may be more expensive.
If you choose to have a professional do the work for you, you can expect to pay a bit more for it. The cost will include parts as well as the labor charges, which range from $20 to $50 depending on the provider, as well as the overall area you live in.
Should You Buy an Aftermarket or OEM Cabin Air Filter?
Both OEM and aftermarket air cabin filters are available for the BMW. You can choose either. Some people want only original equipment in their vehicle, which means looking to the OEM products. These are good quality products.
It is possible to upgrade to a higher quality aftermarket. These cost more, but they often do a better job of minimizing particle flow. If you live in an area where there is a lot of dust you may appreciate these higher quality and more effective products.
