Replace the Engine Air Filter on a BMW E92 3 Series (2007‐2013)
Every internal combustion engine relies on a specific fuel and air mixtures to run properly. After approximately 50,000 miles, the engine air filter gets dirty and clogged, preventing the engine from breathing the way it should. This will in turn affect power output and emissions. Replacing the engine air filter is as important as oil changes, and for that reason you need to know how to replace it on the BMW E92 328i.
Steps
Setting Up
- Purchase the correct air filter for your vehicle. Going to a local parts store or dealer is the way to purchase the correct parts for your vehicle. There are multiple companies that offer air filters for European vehicles. Mann Brand is a recommended manufacturer.
- Set the emergency brake. If you are doing a repair or simply maintaining your vehicle yourself, safety is very important. This is to ensure your vehicle will not roll for any reason.
- Gather all the tools listed below. Set these tools on your work bench for easier access.
- Pull the hood release lever gently to access the engine bay area. The hood release lever is located in the driver foot well area on most vehicles.
- Pull the second hood release lever, located in the mid-front of the hood. Lift the hood. Be cautious, in case the engine bay area is too hot, leave the hood open until the car cools down.
Changing the Filter
- Locate the air cleaner box. After opening the hood, locate the air cleaner box which in most cars is located next to the engine.
- Unscrew the two torx screws. These hold the air duct in place. Use a T-15 torx socket to undo the screws then remove the air duct.
- Unplug the mass air flow sensor. Do so by simply pulling the connector out and laying it to the side. The mass air flow sensor is used on all vehicles to measure the amount of air entering the engine.
- Loosen the clamp with a flathead screw driver. This clamp connects the charge pipe to the air cleaner box.
- Use a 10mm wrench to remove the two bolts. The air cleaner box is only held by two 10mm bolts.
- Pull the air cleaner box out. Place air cleaner box on your work bench for filter removal. It is very important to have a work area to ensure the job is done in an orderly manner and to prevent loosing any parts.
- Unscrew six torx screws. Using a T-25 torx socket unscrew all 6 screws to split the air cleaner box and get to the filter.
- Replace the air filter. Make sure the air cleaner box is free of any debris, such as leaves and dirt before installing the new filter.
- Perform these steps in reverse order to put the air cleaner box back in the vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- T-15 and T-25 torx socket
- Flathead screw driver
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- 3 inch extension
