confusion on this air filter replacement video guide

[mrjayviper]

I'm not a mechanic by trade so I'm much of a noob with these things. so advance apologies for the stupidity.

I found this video guide on how to supposedly change the air filter for a E53.

But the air filters replacement I've seen in ecstuning/other shops is rectangle in size. Not a tube like in the video (around 6:10 mark).

Can someone please enlighten me? thanks

[MrFixIt]

Welcome to the Xoutpost!

What year and model is your X5? Different production year and model will dictate the type of air filter and its location.

Assuming your are referring to the engine air intake filter? There is also a cabin air micro-filter.

Both filters are simple to replace.

[mrjayviper]

mine is a 2001 v8. and the ones I've seen in ecstuning/pelican are rectangular. thanks

[MrFixIt]

If yours is 2001 4.4 than it should look just like mine, 2003.

Air filter is located right behind the passenger side (right side for US cars) front head light assembly. It's inside the black plastic semi-square box about 10x10" with four shiny metal clips. Undo the clips, lift the cover, remove old filter, clean out filter housing with vacuum clean if filthy, install new filter, replace cover, fasten the 4 clips. Done.

You might have to loosen the air mass sensor tube to gain clearance for the filter remove/replace. Just unscrew/loosen the clamp. When you see it, it should be intuitive.

Go here: Xoutpost.com - Xoutpost.com x5tips.htm
Lots of How To's.

[mrjayviper]

thank you

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by mrjayviper

I'm not a mechanic by trade so I'm much of a noob with these things. so advance apologies for the stupidity.

I found this video guide on how to supposedly change the air filter for a E53.

But the air filters replacement I've seen in ecstuning/other shops is rectangle in size. Not a tube like in the video (around 6:10 mark).

Can someone please enlighten me? thanks

I can't see the video right now because it's being blocked by my employer's net nanny...but make sure you're not confusing the engine's "intake" air filter with the microfilter/pollen filter for the HVAC system.

The HVAC microfilter/pollen filter (#2 in 1st diagram below) is rectangular and is located at the rear of the engine in the "cowl" that is between the wipers and below the windshield...the filter media may also be impregnated with "activated" carbon which helps eliminate odors as well as dust/dirt/pollen/etc:

{HVAC System/Microfilter - BMW part # 64 31 9 224 085}

The intake filter for the engine (#3 in the diagram below) is squarish/rectangular...but thicker and not as long as the HVAC's microfilter and is located in the large black intake muffler housing (#1 in diagram below):

{engine intake air filter - BMW part # 13 72 1 736 675}

[upallnight]

That Loyd on Youtube AKA BM Trouble U, I believe the engine he is working on is a N62 engine. If you have an M62 engine, the air filter is different.

Edit.
Oops sorry according to Qsilver7 that a Diesel.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by mrjayviper

mine is a 2001 v8. and the ones I've seen in ecstuning/pelican are rectangular. thanks

I just saw the video...dude in the video is working on an I6 DIESEL engine...you came back to state that you have the 4.4 M62TU V8 engine.

The 3.0d's air filter is #3 in the diagram below (just like in the video)...again, totally different engine than what you have:

Just a note to the OP and to the guy who made the video...you should always IDENTIFY which e53 you have...there are multiple engines, transmissions etc. ...the more information/details you give about your e53...the better answers you get.

For instance, if you had looked for a video on how to change the air filter on an e53 X5 4.4 with the M62 engine...you wouldn't have been confused by watching someone change the air filter on an inline 6 cylinder e53 X5 3.0d M57 engine.

If you create a signature that has your model/model year/build date info...it can help us help you better...especially since you indicate that you're not that familiar as a DIY'er. Your vehicle's info will help reveal to us details about your X5 that you may not be aware of that we need to give you the best answer.

You can create a signature by clicking on the USER CP link found at the very top right of the page in the blue border.

All the various engines found in the e53 X5...not all e53s are the same...

[mrjayviper]

thanks everyone.

[upallnight]

Loyd doesn't produce any more BMW video since he is no longer with BMW.