Is Microfilter replacement necessary?
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My car is overdue for microfilter replacement, is it necessary?
If so, where can I get the genuine part cheap? Or any other recommendation?
Also, how do I reset the service indicator on the idrive?
thanks!
If so, where can I get the genuine part cheap? Or any other recommendation?
Also, how do I reset the service indicator on the idrive?
thanks!
#2
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This filters the air coming into the cabin via the air conditioner system. So, since the ventilation on these cars is practically always on, I'd say it is important to check it periodically, at least if you want efficient flow and "sweet smelling" air in your cabin! It is simple to open and check the filters located on top of the firewall in front of driver and passenger sides under the hood. As far as replacements go, I bought the activated charcoal filters from Amazon.com. Search Amazon for "tyc cabin air filter for bmw" and they are about $25 plus $5 shipping. Resetting iDrive is also a simple DIY and is discussed often on these forums. I just did this last week...
1. Using the key or the start button, put the ignition in ON (not Accessory), but do not start the engine
2. Press and Hold the odometer reset button until the first Service Item icon shows. Release button.
3. Cycle through the service items by pressing and releasing odo button until cabin filter icon shows (it has a little fan and a filter symbol)
4. With this icon showing, Press and HOLD the odo button until the Reset? question appears. Release button.
5. Press and HOLD until the mileage indicator changes from dashes to 60,000 miles. Release button.
6. Turn ignition OFF.
Service items appear in the order the service is due, with next due being the first in the list. It is likely the cabin filter icon will be the first one shown assuming that is the next service item due. In this case, you do not need to cycle through all items, just continue with step 4...
1. Using the key or the start button, put the ignition in ON (not Accessory), but do not start the engine
2. Press and Hold the odometer reset button until the first Service Item icon shows. Release button.
3. Cycle through the service items by pressing and releasing odo button until cabin filter icon shows (it has a little fan and a filter symbol)
4. With this icon showing, Press and HOLD the odo button until the Reset? question appears. Release button.
5. Press and HOLD until the mileage indicator changes from dashes to 60,000 miles. Release button.
6. Turn ignition OFF.
Service items appear in the order the service is due, with next due being the first in the list. It is likely the cabin filter icon will be the first one shown assuming that is the next service item due. In this case, you do not need to cycle through all items, just continue with step 4...
#3
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: B-Ham, AL
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '06 550i
'84 Nissan S12 Turbo
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I would say get OEM filters. I've got a pair of Ebay filters in mine now, and they don't block out odors near as well as the OEM's. I can smell cig smoke, oil burning smell on occasion when I'm behind a beater, etc. With the OEM filters I never noticed any odors making it through the vents
#4
Members
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: B,mouth. UK
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 530d auto ,Carbon black,all options but HUD and sunroof
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I would say get OEM filters. I've got a pair of Ebay filters in mine now, and they don't block out odors near as well as the OEM's. I can smell cig smoke, oil burning smell on occasion when I'm behind a beater, etc. With the OEM filters I never noticed any odors making it through the vents
get the OEM
![Whistling](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/whistling.gif)
#5
Members
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Corona, CA
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i Sport Alpine White
Options: Nav, Cold Weather Pkg, Comfort Pkg, Black Dakota Leather, Folding Rear Seat
Mods: Dinan Free Flow Exhaust, Dinan Stage 2 Software, Dinan High Flow Intake System, Dinan High Flow Throttle Body, Carbon Fiber Front Strut Tower Brace, HID 8000k Fogs, LED Super White Side Markers
Coming Soon: HID 8000k Angel Eyes and Lowbeams
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just replaced mine myself. Easy to DIY. Bought filters at auto zone for $30 for the pair, they work just fine.
#6
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just called a local BMW dealer, it's $48.00 each!!!
Microfilter replacents need two of them, so it's $100 total at the dealer.
Do you know any other store that sells the same OEM part at lower price?
Microfilter replacents need two of them, so it's $100 total at the dealer.
Do you know any other store that sells the same OEM part at lower price?
#7
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: B-Ham, AL
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '06 550i
'84 Nissan S12 Turbo
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you decide to go the cheap route like I did, just make sure they are the charcoal kind, not just paper filters.
bavauto.com has OEM ones, at $44.95 each.
I remember reading a diy here somewhere that someone used filters for a truck..Dodge Ram I think.
OEM on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-G...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-A...Q5fAccessories
#8
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Do you know the brand of the OEM filters?
Is it Bosch?
I see the part number matching with the Bosch on autopartswarehouse.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=64&fg=10
Can you confirm???
Is it Bosch?
I see the part number matching with the Bosch on autopartswarehouse.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=64&fg=10
Can you confirm???
#9
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: B-Ham, AL
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '06 550i
'84 Nissan S12 Turbo
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Do you know the brand of the OEM filters?
Is it Bosch?
I see the part number matching with the Bosch on autopartswarehouse.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=64&fg=10
Can you confirm???
Is it Bosch?
I see the part number matching with the Bosch on autopartswarehouse.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=64&fg=10
Can you confirm???
I would go with the part numbers listed on Real OEM's site
#10
Members
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: The Great PNW
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 545i, Silber-grau/grau. Vanilla flavored except for cold WX pkg.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Half the dealer price, carbon, free shipping.