E90 microfilter service overdue

[stevesuk]

Hi guys,

Just double checking... when our E90 is telling me that it needs a microfilter service, is that just the cabin pollen filter?

I seem to recall it is, but the service indicator has never asked for any other filters to be changed (e.g. the air filter), hence checking

Thanks!

Steve.

[helix402]

Yes, just pollen filter.

[stevesuk]

helix402 said:

Yes, just pollen filter.

Thank you.

[AllyBassman]

Takes 5 minutes to change, don't pay BMW to do it!

[stevesuk]

AllyBassman said:

Takes 5 minutes to change, don't pay BMW to do it!

Indeed, I've changed it before. Even without thinking about the cost, its a 5 minute job - providing you don't drop any of the bolts - and from here it would probably take an hour just to drive to the dealer and back.

I'm curious as to when the other filters (like the air filter) are meant to be changed. Is it meant to be at the same time as the oil service, or are they meant to be inspected and changed when the technician judges they're worn out? Ours is 12 years old, and I think I've changed the engine air filter once...

[AllyBassman]

As they're so cheap, I change my pollen and air filter yearly.

I think BMW's schedule is two years for air filter? Maybe 3 as it's under the major service.

[stevesuk]

AllyBassman said:

As they're so cheap, I change my pollen and air filter yearly.

I think BMW's schedule is two years for air filter? Maybe 3 as it's under the major service.

Thanks - have ordered both, we'll see whether my ham-fisted mechanical skills will allow me to change the air filter without breaking anything

[texasjohn]

Both are an easy DIY but be careful with the pollen filter housing, it’s not difficult to snap one of the tabs that the screws/bolts go through if you’re a bit hamfisted. Learn from my mistake

[stevesuk]

texasjohn said:

Both are an easy DIY but be careful with the pollen filter housing, it’s not difficult to snap one of the tabs that the screws/bolts go through if you’re a bit hamfisted. Learn from my mistake

With the air filter - I've watched a video on YouTube where someone does it just by taking the lid off the air box in situ (as opposed to a lot of videos, where it looks like they're going through all the hassle of completely removing the entire airbox/intake before starting).

I guess doing it by taking the lid off would be the easiest method, but if it's that simple I wonder why most of the videos show the box being removed completely? (N52 2.5 litre petrol engine).