Originally Posted by Lomag' post='234701' date='Feb 4 2006, 02:15 PM

I don't mean to hi-jack the other thread on this forum and from m5board about this topic however I figure I would put together a thread here for the record and make it sticky since its such an easy thing to do. Also, the steps given on m5board are overly complicated, but ofcourse, the M5 is another animal.

Let me start by saying that this filter exists only because some new U.S. law requires cars manufacturers to install it. It is supposed to keep vapors released by the engine from getting into the atmosphere. Now, it doesn't exist on any E60's outside of the US, so removing it causes no harm to anything. The fact of the matter is that removing this filter helps increase airflow to the engine allowing it to breathe more. How much more? Who know's... but it certaintly can't hurt anything! I definitly noticedan improvement, especially at highway speeds. Some members have mentioned that the engine sounds louder after removing the filter -- I don't notice any difference, however if it is louder then I like it. One other thing is that I now believe that the air filter itself should cleaned along with that entire area once a year. You'll see why below.

I know this applies for the 545 and 550, but probably all other U.S. E60's also?

The original thread on our forum for those interested is below:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=21740


First you're going to want to unclip the 5 clips holding the top of the plastic air box on. They're just regular clips where you push the plastic end down and the metal portion is released. The clip on the bottom right corner was a little tough to unclip due to the obstructions there. Use a long screwdriver from the top right side and you can do it.

Attachment 15071


Next, you're going to want to loosen the screw on the clamp and remove the electronic sensor which I have already disconnected in the picture.

Attachment 15072


Then you can gently pop the top cover off and rotate it 180 degrees to see the charcoal filter. The filter is held on by clips from the other side. A screw driver can be used to pry off the filter slowly. I have already loosened the filter in the picture below. You can see the clip locations in the second picture. If you take off the filter and the clips remain on the box cover make sure to remove them. You don't want those things in your engine!

Attachment 15073

Attachment 15074


Hmm... do not remove... yeah OK.

Attachment 15075


By now the charcoal filter is removed and your job is done however I highly recommend to remove the orange air filter and to clean off the bottom side. Also you should clean out all the junk inside the bottom of the air filter box. I had a huge chunk of styrofome and some leaves in there as you can see. This should be a yearly service requirement along with the oil change IMO.

Attachment 15076

Attachment 15077


Make sure you clean everything our properly, especially the top portion of the air box cover where the charcoal filter used to be. Re-insert the orange filter, and put everything back together and let your engine breathe!

Attachment 15078


Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Krozi' post='829905' date='Mar 29 2009, 05:05 PM

Took mine off today. Luckily I had the metal retaining clips so I can replace it whenever I go to the dealer...

Originally Posted by ShadeZeRO' post='829908' date='Mar 29 2009, 05:08 PM

I've kept mine off for a while, and i've had plenty of dealer visits.

Originally Posted by BET530' post='846199' date='Apr 13 2009, 06:40 PM

i took mine off two days ago, i dont really feel a difference but if this will help the car breathe easier, cool.

Originally Posted by BET530' post='846199' date='Apr 13 2009, 07:40 PM

i took mine off two days ago, i dont really feel a difference but if this will help the car breathe easier, cool.