I just removed it on my 2008 550 and it was not removeable, meaning it wasn't held in by clips, it actually "broke" off, cleanly I may add by simply using a flathead and prying up with a little pressure. 6 clean breaks and the filter was removed. haven't driven the car yet but we'll see shortly....

 

Well, I took it off. Those plastic welds or whatever you want to call them looked sloppy...I could probably melt it in place and have it look better by hand than however BMW did it.

Since I just purchased it two weeks ago, I was curious to see the condition of the air filter. It was not in that great of shape and the box itself was full of dirt/sand/road debris. Since I am doing summer school and am staying at a dorm, I do not have a vacuum to suck up all the mess so I'll have to do it when I am back home. As for the filter, the seal at the front of it, about where the front clip is located at, was torn. I am definitely going to be slapping in a new filter soon. I don't want to get off topic but where do you guys get your filters from? And what brand do you all use? Being that the previous owner had it serviced only at the dealership, the filter had BMW markings on it; what brand is OEM equivalent? I've searched but haven't really come up with any answers.

As far as any differences, I haven't driven it yet. I'm about to go out and grab I bite to eat so when I come back, I'll let you all know how it feels.

 

After a nice, two and a half hour drive around town and through some back roads, I feel that throttle response is a bit more crisp. I could not discern a difference with how it sounded.

 

I took the filter off today. It took me about 10 minutes and it was pretty straight forward. The small issue that I ran into was removing the filter from its cover. A flathead screwdriver was the answer. The filter just popped out.
I did a short test drive and it seems that throttle response is a little better at lower rpms(2000-2500). I will do a more thorough drive later today.

 

Removed on my 2010 528i. Same story - easiest mod. Takes less than 5 minutes. After CF removal:
- a bit louder when accelerating
- car feels a bit quicker, but its not significant may be 2-3 hp

Will test on freeways on weekend.

 

does it make the engine sound a little louder with this off?

 

At around 4000 prm it start to be a bit louder.

 

I removed mine today. I didn't really notice anything much, maybe a touch louder. Didn't take it on the highway yet because I need some engine coolant and the dealership was closed today (sundays)

Will report back when I hit the highway

 

Worked well for me. 07 525i Only two clips on the top outside of the box and it hinged up and out. Then the two filters. Charcoal was held in with 5 plastic/metal clips - A quick flathead and it popped right out. Maybe it is placebo but it feels better. A little bit louder but not much.

 

Has anyone in California attempted to pass smog with this mod?