Oil filter, cabin filter questions, spark plugs

[dm567]

My 2004 x5 with the 4.4 liter engine just passed the 50K mark and I'm now out of warranty so I have a few questions and like to get the forums opinions: Answer one or all, the more input the better.

1. Which oil cartridge should I buy? Auto barn sells the KandN cartridge filter and the Beck/Arnley Oil filter. Which should I buy? Or should I look elsewhere for a mann filter? The Beck Arnley is 15 dollars and the KandN is 10 dollars.

2. When do I change the cabin air filter and where is it? Have they changed it already prior to the 50k mark?

3. When do I change the spark plugs? Have they already been changed prior to the 50K? What should I buy?

Thanks
D

[mrbmwx5]

spark plugs change it at 100k

[Bimmer Ese]

I bought my 2004 X5 in Jan with just a little over 50k. I did a complete tune-up to to include some the things you are inquiring about. I bought all parts from www.autohausaz.com. Real good guys with free shipping over $50.

As far as the filter, I used Mann.

Dan

[asot]

Originally Posted by dm567

2. When do I change the cabin air filter and where is it? Have they changed it already prior to the 50k mark?

I clean mine every year and replace it every second year, no matter how many Km the car makes...(mine does about 20,000km/year)
It 's an easy DIY http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/Ho...rofilterX5.pdf

Costs about 30 Euro... ($45)

[NJ04e53]

i got a 04 3.0 for a few weeks now and at 54K, I just did my spark plugs this morning. I used NGK iridiums and the car is running much smoother now. I checked the air filter and is filthy as sin so I'm ordering K&N air filter. I'll also get my oil change this week along with a complete radiator flush. hopefully this will get the x in better running condition. My cabin filter is still OK, so I just vacuum clean it.

[JCL]

I would just use the OEM oil filter, they aren't expensive. Not a place to cut corners.

Spark plugs are scheduled for 100,000 miles. Some have noted an improvement in idle smoothness with new plugs sooner than that. If it is running well, I would leave them alone. If you are chasing a rough idle, it is a good place to start.

For the cabin air filter, there is an article on the X5World home page showing how to change it.