When to replace the Air Filter on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Air filter : 12 month / 15000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Cd View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Air Filter for 3 Coupe (E46) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tools you need:
Drive socket # 13
HEX bit No.H5
Torx bit T25
Torx bit T40
Ratchet wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Clip removal tool
Water pump pliers
Microfibre towel
Fender cover
Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
  • Follow the terms, recommendations and requirements of the part operation provided by the manufacturer.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Recommended sequence of steps:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Air Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the fasteners of the suspension strut mount cover. Use a Phillips screwdriver. Use a clip removal tool.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Ci 2000 Air Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the protective caps out of the shock absorber mounting fastener.
  3. Step 5
    E46 Coupe 320Ci 2.2 2001 Air Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2002 by yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 7
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 325 Ci 2003 Air Filter - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the fasteners of the bottom part of the cabin filter housing. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 8
    How to replace Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2004: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
    Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip:
    Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Air Filter replacement on E46 Coupe 328 Ci 2005 - download illustrated guide
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Air Filter on BMW 3 SERIES 2006? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Air Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Be sure to position the filtering element correctly. Avoid misalignment.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES M3 Air Filter replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Detach the connectors from the climate control sensors.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Air Filter on E46 Coupe 2001 330 Ci by yourself
    Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
  12. Step 14
    3 Coupe (E46) 325 Ci 2002 Air Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the fasteners of the bottom part of the cabin filter housing. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 15
    How to change Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Remove the bottom part of the cabin filter housing.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement E46 Coupe 2004 325 Ci Air Filter
    Cover the cabin filter air ducts with a microfibre cloth to keep dirt and dust out.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330Cd 3.0 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the fasteners of the diagonal braces. Use Torx T40. Use a ratchet wrench.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Air Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the diagonal brace.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Ci 2000 Air Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
  18. Step 20
    E46 Coupe 320Ci 2.2 2001 Air Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the engine cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2002 by yourself
    Disconnect the air intake pipe fastening. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 22
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 325 Ci 2003 Air Filter - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Disconnect the air intake pipe from the air filter housing.
  21. Step 23
    How to replace Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2004: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Undo the fastening screws of the air filter cover. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
  22. Step 24
    How hard is it to do yourself: Air Filter replacement on E46 Coupe 328 Ci 2005 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the fasteners of the back section of the engine cover. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
  23. Step 25
    Need to know how to renew Air Filter on BMW 3 SERIES 2006? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the back section of the engine cover.
  24. Step 26
    Changing of Air Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
  25. Step 27
    BMW 3 SERIES M3 Air Filter replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the oil filler cap.
  26. Step 28
    Replacing Air Filter on E46 Coupe 2001 330 Ci by yourself
    Take off the filter lid.
  27. Step 29
    3 Coupe (E46) 325 Ci 2002 Air Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the oil filler cap.
  28. Step 30
    How to change Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Remove the filter element from the filter housing. Use water pump pliers.
  29. Step 31
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement E46 Coupe 2004 325 Ci Air Filter
    Clean the air filter cover and housing.
    Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Professionals recommend:
    Before cleaning the air filter cover and housing, cover the air duct parts, mass airflow sensor (if available), throttle valve with a clean cloth.
  30. Step 32
    DIY replacement of Air Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330Cd 3.0 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Insert a new filter element into the filter housing. Make sure that the filter edge fits tight to the housing.
    Replacement: air filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Check out the correct location of the filter element. Do not skew.BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – It's important to only use high-quality filters.During installation, make sure to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the air filter housing.
  31. Step 33
    How to change Air Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the oil filler cap.
  32. Step 34
    How to replace BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Ci 2000 Air Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Reinstall the air filter cover. Fasten it.
  33. Step 35
    Install the oil filler cap.
    Step 36
    E46 Coupe 320Ci 2.2 2001 Air Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Tighten the oil filler cap.
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DIY BMW 3 Coupe (E46) Air Filter replacement - online guide
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