Replacement air filter for a 3.0 Diesel
 

I've read through the threads about replacement air filters for the petrol variants of the X5 but there doesn't seem to be anything about replacing the filter on a 3.0D.
This is a long conical filter as opposed to a panel type and from what I've heard its a b*tch to replace.
Anyone done it to their X5 diesel, was it worth it?, any economy/performance gains etc?
Specifically I'm thinking about a K&N but I've heard these can knacker the MAF if over oiled so I'll have to proceed with caution.

I have a K&N in the garage waiting to go on mine but because of what everybody says on here, I havent even tried to get it fitted. I`ll wait until I need to pop in to my locla garage and ask them to do it.

If you decide to do it, please take some pics at each stage, a thread on changing the 3.0d filter would be much appreciated.

Think of a K&N as a longlife air-filter as it is washable and therefore reusable.
We been fitting them for years and as far as gains go you can expect 1% gain when new, which is barely noticeable!
The problem is that people think they last 4ever and forget to clean them!Because K&N filters consist of mesh and oiled cotton it traps all the dust perfectly but when this becomes clogged ,very little air reaches the engine and as a result the engine sucks the air-filter and and breaks it!I have seen this on many occasions!However,depending on your climate conditions ,if you clean it every 5000 miles max,you should be ok!But then again I wouldnt fancy removing the air-filter on my 3.0D that often.I have had to cut off a bit of unnoticeable plastic on the engine bay on make two special tools to make my next air-filter change that much more easier.

Have a look at this custom made direct induction kit on Eibachs test vehicle.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ghlight=eibach

Its hard to believe that BMW would make a service item so hard to get to.
It also makes you wonder if the air filter ever gets changed when BMW service the car.
I have no idea where the air filter is on my X, is there an easy way to see if the filter has been changed after a service (i.e without having to dismantel too much of the engine!)?

Have a look at this thread I posted way back at Automotive Forums.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t402...ir_filter.html

Hmm...thats not good.
My car is due an inpection 2 early next year so I guess a filter change is due. I'll have to keep an eye on what I get charged for and what they actually do!

Thanks for the tip!

I've replaced my filter 2 months ago.

It was really a pain in the neck... :mad:

It took almost 3 hours overall, where 2 of them building the
correct tool and to understand the what kind of empty head
could design such nigthmare :mad: :mad:

But... at the end I did it :thumbup:

PS:
I've used the bosch filter (the same) and not the oem...


byez

Perseverance pays off!Congrats for completing the task.Its not easy even for the professionals!

any diy guides/pics on removal of the diesel air filter?

yes, we could use some photo reports on this