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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on replacing the cabin filters (microfilters) in a BMW E63 6 series car. Even though we have used a 2005 BMW 645ci to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any E63/E64 6 series and E60/E61 5 series vehicle with minor modifications.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E63 6 Series M6
E63 6 Series 630i
E63 6 Series 645Ci
E63 6 Series 650i
E64 6 Series M6
E64 6 Series 645Ci
E64 6 Series 650i
E64 6 Series 630i
A BMW E63 cabin filter replacement is one of the easiest maintenance repairs you can do.
Dealerships love doing the easy maintenance items on your BMW. Cabin filter replacements are easy money for dealership service departments; they make money on the inexpensive parts and on the 15 minutes it takes to replace them. In fact, it takes more time pulling your vehicle into the service garage and opening the hood than it does changing the filters.
Performing a BMW E63 cabin filter replacement might be simple, but don't underestimate its importance. Changing out your cabin filters is an essential part of the E63's maintenance plan that should be done on a regular basis.
The BMW E63 cabin filter (also known as the microfilter) does exactly as its name implies; it filters the fresh air being drawn into the interior cabin through the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It filters out dust, pollen, and other air-borne contaminants as well as noxious odors. They are an extremely important component of your vehicle's HVAC system and play an important role in providing a fresh, comfortable, allergen-free environment inside your BMW.
The Repair Guide recommends replacing your BMW E63 cabin filters once a year. If you drive in an excessively contaminated environment (like a smog-filled city or around heavy road construction) you may want to change them more often.
Note for BMW E60 5 Series Owners
If you are servicing the cabin filters on your BMW E60 5 series and have come across this article, the procedure is exactly the same. The BMW E60 and E61 5 series sedans and touring wagons have the exact same cabin filter housing as the 6 series coupes and you can use the following instructions to service your car.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW E60/61 5 series and E63/64 6 series
If the air coming through your vents happens to be noticeably weaker you may have a plugged cabin filter. Also, this filter plays the obvious vital role of cleaning the air you are breathing that comes through the HVAC system.
BMW E60, E63, E64
Air filters should be inspected and replaced at least once a year, more often if the vehicle is driven in heavily polluted or dusty conditions. Air filter service at recommended intervals protects an engine from costly damage.
Section 1 - Removing and Installing the BMW E63 Cabin Filters
- Locate the two BMW cabin filter plastic containers under the hood, in front of the windshield.
- Use a flat blade screwdriver to release the metal clip securing the side of the plastic container.
- Using an 8mm hex socket, turn the plastic retaining bolt counterclockwise until it releases the plastic container from the engine compartment.
- Remove the plastic container with the cabin filter.
- Remove the BMW E63 cabin filter and replace with new one. Note that the cabin filter should be installed with the air flow arrow pointing up (away from the plastic container).
- Note - On the right side cabin filter container, you will need to remove the electrical connection from the hood sensor switch and the AUC sensor before removing the container.
- Reinstall plastic containers.
BMW E63 Cabin Filter Installation finished
