N54 Cabin Filter Replacement

Fits US N54 cars in this guide

E90/E92/E93 335i and 335xi first, then E82/E88 135i, E60/E61 535i and 535xi, E89 Z4 sDrive35i and 35is, E71 X6 xDrive35i, F01/F02 740i and 740Li. Confirm filter and access by VIN.

Drawing of the plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield with numbered dots: 1 Cowl panel; 2 Rubber seal — Cowl panel

Rubber seal

E9x and E8x filters: 1
E60/E61 filters: 2
Wiper tool: 01 10 99 (433)

Before you start

These steps cover the E90, E91, E92, E93 and E82, E88: the filter housing is under the cowl at the base of the windshield. Other cars are listed below. Do not run the A/C without the prescribed filter in place. Ignition off before you unplug anything. On cowl jobs, use wiper arm extractor 01 10 99 (433); levering an arm off without it can break the wiper console at the pedestrian protection point.

What you replace

E90/E92/E93 and E82/E88 N54, activated charcoal microfilter (alt fine-dust 64 31 6 803 970)

64 31 9 313 519

Activated charcoal cabin filter

Profile gasket, E9x/E8x housing

64 31 6 935 369

E60/E61 535i and 535xi N54, activated charcoal microfilter

64 31 9 171 858

E61 535i US catalog fitment: send us your VIN and we'll send yours.

Activated charcoal cabin filter

E89 Z4 35i/35is N54, activated charcoal (alt fine-dust 64 31 9 346 267)

64 31 9 195 194

Activated charcoal cabin filter

E71 X6 xDrive35i N54, carbon set (alt fine-dust set 64 31 6 804 939)

64 11 9 248 294

F01/F02 740i/Li N54, carbon set (alt fine-dust set 64 11 6 809 933)

64 11 9 272 642

Cowl or footwell access: send us your VIN and we'll send yours.

Activated charcoal cabin filter set

Butyl rope, lower housing seal

83 19 5 A1B 479

Stock width 7 mm. Replace the lower housing seal if damaged.

Interior footwell microfilter (when your car uses group 64-31-010)

When group 64-31-010 applies; other OEs above may not.

Other cars

E60/E61 535i and 535xi

Remove both wiper arms with extractor 01 10 99 (433), both housing covers, then the cowl cover.

Pull the upper housing section on each side, then each lower section. On the right, unclip the AUC sensor with its electrical lead first. Replace both microfilter elements and reinstall in reverse.

Torque loosened fresh-air ducts: bracket left/right 4.5 Nm, duct to bearing block 3.5 Nm, pipe clamp to duct 2.0 Nm.

E71 X6 xDrive35i

Right microfilter housing under the hood: remove the right cover, disconnect the plug, unlock the rotary catches, and remove the housing.

Replace or modify the element per the manufacturer instructions, then reinstall the housing and cover.

Interior footwell (group 64-31-010)

Remove the bottom-right passenger instrument panel trim, loosen the microfilter lid, and pull the old element out of the heater/A/C unit.

Install the new filter with the direction arrow pointing in the direction of travel. Refit the lid and trim and verify the water drain hose is fitted correctly to the unit and lid.

E89 Z4 and F01/F02

OEs above; no BMW steps in our shop copies. Send us your VIN and we'll send yours.

Steps, torque values and part rules come from BMW's repair instructions for the cabin microfilter. Part numbers come from BMW's parts catalog up to 2020. Check yours by VIN.

Drawing of the cowl panel across the base of the windshield with its clips with numbered dots: 1 Cowl panel; 2 Cowl clips — Cowl panel

Cowl clips

Generic layout: yours may differ.

Tools

Wiper arm extractor

01 10 99 (433)

Screwdrivers and trim tools

Housing screws, cowl clips, and latches.

Torque wrench

Wiper arm nut if your cowl path lists a value.

Open cowl access
1. Rubber seal
2. Cowl panel
With the hood open, release the cowl cover and sealing strip until you reach the microfilter housing under the windshield base.

Caution: E92/E93 route the cowl panel over the windscreen cover on both sides; E90/E91 route under it on both sides.
Split upper housing
1. Upper housing cover
2. Release points
Generic layout: yours may differ.
Loosen the upper housing screws and remove the upper microfilter housing section.
Remove side covers

Release retaining tabs and latches, then pull the left and right housing covers off.
Free lower housing

Disconnect plugs, unclip cables, and detach the hose and cable strip from the lower housing section.

Caution: do not damage or leave out the retaining lugs on the cable strip.
Lower section out

Release holder tabs and side screws, guide the lower housing section out, and remove it.
Seal and element

Check the lower housing seal; fit butyl rope if it is damaged, then install the new microfilter element.

Caution: Replace the element at every service; do not clean and reuse it.
Reassemble cowl path

Reinstall lower section, covers, cables, and upper section. Refit cowl sealing strip, cover, and wiper arms if removed.

Caution: poor cowl or seal fit can let water into the interior.
Reset CBS

Reset the CBS microfilter service display per the factory specification.