I power washed my cabin filter
 

then let it dry in the sun, I think it came out great and I will re-use it.

besides criticism about being cheep, see any problems/issues?

Hmmm, I am curious to know the answer aswell.

Chances are your filter is simply not as effective anymore because the activated carbon is probably "saturated." Or maybe I am am confused and it does not work that way at all...just a guess. And from my fishtank cleaning days, activated carbon can only go through so many washes/filter cycles.

I skipped buying the 60 dollar filter and instead bought the engine air filter on my last trip to the dealer.

Yes, you are cheap. :nanana:

$60? Buy a non-OEM generic replacement. Somehow, I don't think that washing a disposable filter is very effective. :tsk:

They had these Mann filters with charcoal on Amazon for $23 bucks a month or two ago.

If you are really cheap, you MAY be able to wash them by hand as long as you let them dry completely before using. It sounds like power washing may be pretty harsh on the filter material. I wouldn't wash mine. One and done.

These fit the E53:

Amazon.com: Mann-Filter CUK 5366 Cabin Filter With Activated Charcoal: Automotive

Buy two or a Mann Oil Filter, for free shipping if you don't have Amazon Prime :)

Thanks for the tip! I just ordered the cabin filter and a K&N engine filter for $63 with free shipping from Amazon. This is a very simple replacement that will take no longer than 15 minutes or so. Now my family and our X5 can breathe cleaner air on our way to our Virginia Beach vacation!

Interesting info about the cabin filter.. I will have to read the manual and see when it supposed to be replaced .. I cant tell the difference in air.. Its just hot here .. And enjoy your trip to va beach. If you need some excitement go to ocean breeze water park.. they have gokarts there. If you catch a breezy day mt trashmore is nice but they just had a report of 2 wolfs there about a month ago.

Saw them on one of our sponsors websites here for only 15 bucks.
Ebay even has them for 13 bucks and free delivery. But I think I might really cheap out and try washing mine too....or just blowing compressed air gently thru it! LOL.

I found them on ebay for $12 CABIN AIR FILTER bmw X5 2000 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002: eBay Motors (item 140434790231 end time Aug-31-10 02:22:20 PDT)

x5 cabin filter items - Get great deals on eBay Motors, BMW items on eBay.com!

$16.60 with shipping (whereas you can get free shipping from Amazon with a $25 order). Also, I'd be leery of the quality of these filters. OTOH, Mann is a known OE supplier.

I agree with you about the Amazon free shipping. But buying a cheap ebay filter is better than pressure washing one. These charcoal activated filters are not meant to be washed.

Not worried about that for something that amounts to a comfort item. If it were an engine filter of some kind, then I'd agree.....

You are more worried about what the engine breathes than what YOU do?

Priorities all out of whack!!!!!!!!!
You should be more concerned with the air you and your family breathe not the engine!

how difficult are these to change? pretty easy i suppose.. is there a DIY?

It is easier than changing the wipers. I think instructions actually come with the Mann filters. The one I ordered from Amazon did anyway. Pop the hood, turn a few clips up near the wipers and that is it. Old one out, new one in, turn clips, shut hood and breath fresh air. They have made this simple as pie. Now, my e36 is a completely different story. Much, much more involved.

I change mine every year and had a *box* of the charcoal ones..
I assume the charcoal is *activated charcoal* so there is a life on it, regardless of how dirty it is or not. The charcoal helps absorbs the odors, etc...

I replaced my X's cabin filter with a Mann non charcoal filter in Jan. I just ordered one to replace it because it is a little too dirty for my liking. I read where it is 'recommended' you change cabin filter with every oil change in the X5 (15k). I also have a Merc that came with a non charcoal filter as well. Driving to KC from Columbia I go past a pig farm. It seemed I always forgot to press the recirculate button on time and wow what a smell. I recently got the courage to start doing to maintenance on the Mercedes myself and replaced the cabin filter with a charcoal one. Six times I have driven by that farm with charcoal filter and not even the slightest hint of stink has come in the cabin (without pressing recirculate). I assure you it is well worth it to get a charcoal filter; and NO you can not get those wet. I was in the Army and used charcoal Chem suits... NO WATER.

Let's see...could it have been anything like my E34...I'll bet it is
Remove glove box, all dash panels under passengers side, side panels on center console, find all the clips on the blower motor/heater core assembly, pry open, replace filter, put it all back together, take apart again and find squeak:D

God forbid you had right hand drive.

It had to get so clogged the air stopped working for me to replace that bastard.

Sounds similar. Remove the glovebox and some trim, move electrical harnesses, then try to pull out the filter that is wedged pretty much in the middle of the dash. Oh, and it bends.

Crap. You're right.

Now if I could just get some filters for my motorbike, bicycle, boat, atv, snomobile, another that matches my jogging outfit.......

And what about all my vehicles that don't even HAVE a filter?

:rolleyes:

Your X5 is better than them, the air inside those vehicles isn't as clean and you probably smell more outside odors. :D

It is a $20+/- part that needs replaced every year or so for the air to be cleaner and smell better. Why not replace it?

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on this DIY, here's what I looking at buying:

BMW E53 X5 00-06 3.0i 4.4i 4.6is Replacement Radiator Fan | eBay

I am confused. Why is your inquiry of a DIY in this thread? And are you just saying you are going to purchase this fan and install it? Or are you asking us what we think of that fan?

Wow. I goofed! Had a couple of windows opened and replied to the wrong thread. I was actually trying to get some feedback on the fan from another diy post. Please ignore.

As for the filter, I've agreed with many here...use Mann on Amazon and you will do just fine.