Cabin Microfilter: with or without charcoal.

[peterjaw]

Hi guys,
I just replace my Cabin Microfilter a few days ago. I replaced a filter without charcoal because it is cheaper.

My question is: what is the difference between them, with or without charcoal?

The replaced microfilter was a charcoal filter. I know the charcoal can absorb the ordor, but I still smell the outside ordor all the time if I let the outside air flaws in. So, what is the benefit for me to pay almost twice the money for the charcoal microfilter?

[Radu292002]

Originally Posted by peterjaw

Hi guys,
I just replace my Cabin Microfilter a few days ago. I replaced a filter without charcoal because it is cheaper.

My question is: what is the difference between them, with or without charcoal?

The replaced microfilter was a charcoal filter. I know the charcoal can absorb the ordor, but I still smell the outside ordor all the time if I let the outside air flaws in. So, what is the benefit for me to pay almost twice the money for the charcoal microfilter?

with...of course

[FSETH]

The main benefit of charcoal air filters that I know about are their odor eliminating properties. I would bet you are going to smell even more outside pollutants with the plain filter. I would have gone with the charcoal one personally.

You e70 guys have it rough though. Your micronfilters are about twice as much as us e53 guys from what I see. I can get an OEM Mann charcoal filter for under $30.

[Xtony]

On a similar note, do our cars have recirculation filters under the dash like some other BMW's?

[peterjaw]

Originally Posted by Xtony

On a similar note, do our cars have recirculation filters under the dash like some other BMW's?

I don't think so. In the past 2 years, the technician only check things under the hood. I don't see any information on the internet talking about the filter you mention here.

[peterjaw]

Originally Posted by FSETH

The main benefit of charcoal air filters that I know about are their odor eliminating properties. I would bet you are going to smell even more outside pollutants with the plain filter. I would have gone with the charcoal one personally.

You e70 guys have it rough though. Your micronfilters are about twice as much as us e53 guys from what I see. I can get an OEM Mann charcoal filter for under $30.

Charcoal microfilter under $30? You kidding me. BMW dealer charges me $280 for
the charcoal one, that is why I paid $40 to buy an OEM plain microfilter.

I have being using this plain one for 3 days and don't feel anything different. May be I need more time to find out the truth.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by peterjaw

Charcoal microfilter under $30? You kidding me. BMW dealer charges me $280 for
the charcoal one, that is why I paid $40 to buy an OEM plain microfilter.

I have being using this plain one for 3 days and don't feel anything different. May be I need more time to find out the truth.

Yeah, the e53 is much cheaper and only uses one filter whereas I am pretty sure the e70 takes two, right?

Was that price for installation as well? You are in Taiwan, right? Here in the U.S. you can buy a set of OEM charcoal microfilters for the e70 for about $120. Maybe cheaper than that at some places. Keep in mind I am stating OEM filters. Knock offs will be much cheaper.