Most guides online are for left-hand drive cars. This is for right hand drive cars, which is almost similar.
The air con filter is under the glove box. It can be accessed via the foot well area.
To access it, three screws must be first removed. Two under the glove box, one at the transmission tunnel of the foot well area. Some guides say 5 screws. I couldn't locate the other two...
After removing the 3 screws, then pull down on the outside edge of the panel.
This action releases the two metal clips which can be seen on the top right corner of the below photo. After which, pull out towards yourself to release the other two hooks on the inside. (Bottom left corner of below photo)
Then remove the white 12v connector socket and release the foot well light cable from the cable holder. In the photo, I had also removed the big black sponge for diverting air to the foot area.
The black cable has enough slack to not require removal. After removal of the cables, turn/rotate the panel to release the flap at the end of the panel which hooks to the transmission tunnel carpet.
If done right, you will have full access to the air-con filter box.
This box has 4 screws. Two are obvious, two not so obvious. Hint: One is hidden behind the white hose.
Remove the four screws and the filter box cover will be out.
Peep under and the filter can be seen.
Pull the two filters out and note the direction of air flow arrow.
Do note that a chunk of leaves and rotten what nots are going to fall on the carpet. Perhaps a simple sheet of plastic bag could have been placed below before pulling out the filter.
New air filter. I replaced with MANN CU2533- The plain non-activated carbon ones. The carbon ones were OOS.
Put the filter in...and follow the reverse order of how we took things apart...
Note the two wires and the black foam air diverter.
Slot back the panel...
If everything was done right, there should be no change in panel gaps and the glove box will open as per usual. Next step is to clean up.
Now go study the micro filter and be amazed at how dirty it is. The greyish colour is the colour of carbon filter.
And while clearing the glove box...I found old tickets to BMW World 2014...another year has gone by. What have you achieved this year?
