X5 3.0d Crank filter/ turbo filter

[armo44]

Hi looking some advice.

Iam about to do a full service on my 05 3.0d X5 and know there is a turbo filter/crank filter or possibly called a breather filter. This is available from a BMW dealership but I have never replaced one before and have no idea where it is located? Also.....do you have to replace this filter when the engine oil is drained?

I have heard a lot of reports on that replacing this filter helps prolong the life of the turbo. Common failure on e46 320d's.

[tractorjacob]

Hi mate, I just replaced mine not too long ago while I was doing an oil change.
You are right in that there are 2 types of filter, old spongey ones and new cartridge style ones. I think the new type came in around 2004/5
If you have a new style filter then you can keep the old housing and just change the filter part.
If you have the old style then you need the housing and filter (about £45 from BMW I think)

I did mine when changing the air filter. Its a bit of a pain to change and very often is not replaced during a service (mine was really manky)

Pretty easy to change the breather filter and well worth doing the air filter while your in there.

Takes an hour or so to do and there are some pretty good write ups here:

xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - changing air filter E53 30d

xdrivers.co.uk • View topic - CHANGING 3.0d breather assembly

Hope this helps.

[armo44]

Excellent. Looks handy enough!

Thanks very much. I hope its the newer style to save a few quid. My X5 is early 05 probably a late 04 build so you never know I suppose!

[tractorjacob]

When I was changing mine I asked the guy at BMW if I had the new or old filter. He checked the chassis number and said it was probably a new style.

Turned out he was wrong.
Just watch as if you only buy the filter part, take everything apart and find its the old style then you will still need a housing and have to go back to BMW

the whole unit is only £15 or so more and it saves you having to put your car back together and go and pick up the housing!

Well worth changing your air filter while your in there. You will be surprised just how filthy it is!
Mine looked like the origonal one.

Also if your doing an oil change BMW quoted me £130 for oil
After a quick hunt round I found the recomended oil in ASDA for about £60!


Good luck!