Hi,

I have a X5 E70 3.0d and changed my air filter. I don't know if this is the same for 4.8 V8. However that is a shitty jobs. This is not unclip and clip at all. First the top cover immitating engine is bolt on some fixture, but removing it is easy. Then there is a visit trap for the airfilter. You can remove the screws but you need special thin and long torx socket. You can't get the filter out by this opening. You must remove the large cover below the controp cover. But you can't do it all because the last screw in being the engine under the dashboard...Removing the old one is ok, just damage it, tear it off, it is just plastic. But guys, putting the new one is a nightmare. The only good way would be to put down the engine...and then no problem. By whatever side you look at it, front or back, it is impossible to remove all what would be necessary to change the air filter. I have usually not 2 left hands and do all on my motorcycle and other mechanic but there what a pain. really poor design. On the X3, unclip, pull up cover, change and clip, finish, That was fine. If there is a better way let me know please.
Air filter is a MANN 28 euros online shop in Germany, 104 at BMW dealer...
Luc