BMW Air Filter

The air filter is installed inside the housing on the left side of the engine compartment. Loosen clamp that holds plastic hose onto cover for removing air cleaner. Disconnect air intake duct connection. Loosen clamp that secures MAF sensor tube, remove two mounting bolts, and release the hose clamp securing MAF sensor at rear of housing then remove bolts securing filter housing. Raise the housing from vehicle and invert to get at bolts holding plate over filter; Separate halves of case and take out element; Some have round filter others use a flat design element; Look at outside surface of filter element; Replace if it looks dirty; If it only appears lightly dusty, clean it by blowing compressed air through from back to front face; Never try to wash or oil this pleated paper type cleaning device for vehicles because it will be damaged and need replacement once dirt cannot be successfully removed with compressed air now discard as may not be cleaned satisfactorily by means of compressed air then replace when necessary. While you have no top on, Caution! Do not drive vehicle without an air cleaner installed in place! The engine could wear prematurely or even cause a fire under hood due to misfiring when travelling with a missing one. Take off the body from inside the car's cabin containing particles which settle into its cavity. Put a new one in an intake system, ensuring that it is properly fixed there and the work is done. The installation sequence for this unit follows its dismantling procedure as described above.