Charcoal Filter Removal
02-04-2006, 09:15 AM
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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 noticed an 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.
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.
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!
Hmm... do not remove... yeah OK.
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.
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!
Enjoy!
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 noticed an 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.
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.
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!
Hmm... do not remove... yeah OK.
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.
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!
Enjoy!
02-04-2006, 09:55 AM
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The bottom of my airbox was also filled with junk, including a large piece of styrofoam that looked just like yours!
I also cleaned the orange air filter by tapping it on a piece of newspaper on the ground, with the bottom side down, which released surprising amount of debris.
I also cleaned the orange air filter by tapping it on a piece of newspaper on the ground, with the bottom side down, which released surprising amount of debris.
02-04-2006, 01:31 PM
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My Ride: 2004 525i Jet Black on Grey Interior---
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nice write up lomag but i only think the v8's have that extra filter.. i know my 525 doesn't
02-04-2006, 01:40 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i
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im gonna check and see if my 530 has it, im in canada so maybe we don't have this law or requirement but will be interesting to see, i will report back with any news. BTW is there a K&N filter that i can use for my car, if so whats the right part # or name??
02-04-2006, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bokke' post='234846' date='Feb 4 2006, 02:47 PM
Brilliant! 
Took about 5 minutes!
Lomag - looks like we have the same intake
Took about 5 minutes!
Lomag - looks like we have the same intake
02-04-2006, 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Hamann5' post='234835' date='Feb 4 2006, 02:31 PM
nice write up lomag but i only think the v8's have that extra filter.. i know my 525 doesn't
The car feels more powerful but I hope someone has dyno data to confirm it.