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How to Replace the Air Filter on BMW "3 Series" E46

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Part: Air filter

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Video tutorial

In this video tutorial, you can see how to replace the air filter on a BMW "3 Series" E46 by following some simple steps: the first thing to do is purchase a new air filter from an authorized dealer. Next, get inside the vehicle, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake; lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod. Remove the fasteners from the cabin filter cover and take off the cover; then remove the cabin filter; take off the adhesive rubber gasket.

Using a Torx T20 wrench, remove the mounting bolts of the filter housing. Disconnect the wiring from the cabin filter housing, and remove the filter housing.

Loosen the air duct with a ratchet wrench and disconnect the air duct. Use an H5 HEX wrench to remove the fasteners from the air filter box cover.

Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Reassemble the air filter housing and reposition the oil cap.


Updated on 3 August 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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