A must for every service inspection and a commonly overlooked item. The cabin filter, also known as the microfilter helps reduces dust particles and dirt entering the cabin of your car. It also plays an important role by protecting the blower motor, heater core and other HVAC system components from contamination. Clean the air that enters your cabin by changing the fresh air cabin microfilter.
The BMW F25 X3 and F26 X4 have an additional recirculated air filter keeping the air within the cabin clean when using the Recirculated-air mode on the climate control.
Suitable Models and Years:
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 2.0L 140kW | xDrive 20d |
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 2.0L 135kW | xDrive 20d |
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 2.0L 135kW | xDrive 20i |
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 3.0L 190kW | xDrive 28i |
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 2.0L 180kW | xDrive 28i |
| BMW X3 F25 (2010-2017) 3.0L 190kW | xDrive 30d |
| BMW X4 F26 (2014-2018) 2.0L 140kW | xDrive 20d |
| BMW X4 F26 (2014-2018) 2.0L 135kW | xDrive 20i |
| BMW X4 F26 (2014-2018) 3.0L 190kW | xDrive 30d |
| BMW X4 F26 (2014-2018) 3.0L 230kW | xDrive 35d |
| BMW X4 F26 (2014-2018) 3.0L 225kW | xDrive 35i |
How often should I replace the cabin filter and recirculated air filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4?
The cabin filter service interval is flexible and dependent on the operating conditions. BMW recommend replacing after 2 years at the latest. We recommend every year or 10,000 km (whichever comes first).
How long will it take to replace the cabin filter and recirculated air filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4?
< 15 Minutes
Is it easy to replace the cabin filter and recirculated air filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4?
A beginner with basic automotive knowledge can replace the cabin filter.
What tools are needed to replace the cabin filter and recirculated air filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4?
- Microfibre towel (optional)
Parts Needed to Replace the Cabin Filter and Recirculated Air Filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4
Or
Or
BMW Cabin Filter Recirculated Air
Extra Information
Tip: When the cabin filter is removed thoroughly clean housing and remove any loose dirt and debris.
Note: Example shown on a 2011 F25 X3
Warning: Risk of damage! Air conditioning must not be operated without the cabin filter.
Also known as: Microfilter
Instructions to replace the cabin filter and recirculated air filter in a BMW F25 X3 or F26 X4
External Air Cabin Filters
1. Open bonnet.
2. On the passenger side (left side for right hand drive cars) wipe down the cabin filter housing area of any loose dirt and debris.
3. Move sealing foam forward (red arrow) to expose retaining lug (blue arrow). Squeeze tabs of retaining lug to unlock, pull upward and remove grilled cover.
Installation note: Grilled cover tabs (red arrows) must snap correctly under the windscreen cowl panel.
4. Pull forward locking tab (red arrow) and remove the cabin filter housing cover in an upward direction (green arrow), hinge at the back and pull out.
Installation note: The cabin filter housing cover tabs (red arrows) must be correctly seated under the cabin filter housing retaining lugs (blue arrows).
5. Release the four clips (red arrows) of the upper cabin filter frame.
6. Remove the lower cabin filter, upper cabin filter frame and upper cabin filter as one in an upward direction (green arrow). Remove the cabin filters from the cabin filter frame. Take note of airflow direction arrow on the cabin filters.
7. Thread the new lower cabin filter through the upper cabin filter frame. Install the new upper cabin filter in the upper cabin filter frame with the fabric hinge toward the front. Take note of airflow direction arrow on the cabin filters.
8. Install the lower cabin filter, upper cabin filter frame and upper cabin filter as one in a downward direction. Press down the four clips of the upper cabin filter frame until an audible “snap” is heard. Make sure the upper and lower cabin filters are installed in the correct position.
9. Install cabin filter housing cover, grilled cover and sealing foam.
Installation note: Two cabin filters are installed connected by a fabric hinge.
Installation note: The arrows on the cabin filters mark the direction of the air intake.
Installation note: Check upper and lower cabin filters are installed in the correct position.
Recirculated Air Cabin Filters
1. Open passage side glove box.
2. Unclip service cover (red arrow) and remove in a downward direction from the top.
3. Unclip cabin filter flap tabs (red arrows) and remove cabin filter flap in a downward direction (green arrow). Note: Unclip both tabs simultaneously with both hands using fingers and thumbs.
4. Remove the left cabin filter (red arrow) by pulling in a downward direction (green arrow). Take note of the airflow direction arrow on the cabin filter.
5. Pull the right cabin filter (red arrow) to the left (green arrow) and remove by pulling in a downward direction (blue arrow). Take note of the airflow direction arrow on the cabin filter.
6. Install new cabin filters. Install the right cabin filter and slide all the way to the right. Install left cabin filter. Take note of the airflow direction arrow on the cabin filters.
Installation note: Slide filters in at an angle.
Installation note: The arrows on the cabin filters mark the direction of the air intake.
Installation note: Check left, and right cabin filters are installed in the correct position.
