Cabin Air Filters
 

I'm replacing the air filters on my 2011 X5 to get rid (or attempt to get rid of) of a funky AC smell. The dealer recommended I get the two charcoal activated filters that install outside the cabin under the hood (64 31 6 945 586). However, they also recommended that I get a filter that installs directly in the interior AC unit (64 31 6 945 596). I'm assuming this is the filter for when the AC is on recirculation mode.

Does anyone know how to install the internal filter or where the internal filter is located? I could take it to the dealer to have it done, but I'd rather just do the install myself than waste half a day driving back and forth to the dealer.

Thanks.

Check on the MANN-Filter website they should have diagrams.

Should be passenger side footwell. Take the lower cover off under the dash and it should be accessible from there

Just in case this helps, here is a DIY guide on changing out the under hood cabin air filter on the X3...

BMW X3 Cabin Air Filter Replacement Photos and Instructions

I use the Mann filters since they're pretty inexpensive (under $25) and good quality parts.

I might skip the extra filter(s), and spray some Febreze or Febreze pet odor spray into the vents. Maybe a few long shots of Lysol, too; cuts the funkiness down, and kills some of the mold.

Never understood the gimmick of the recirc deal, but different strokes. And, a decent filter(s) of any brand, from most websites, is usually half the price of the dlr's, in my experience.
GL, mD

The funky smell is a common problem for auto A/C and there are many chemical kits out there for removing the smell and killing the stuff that causes it. Just do a Google on the words:

air conditioner smell removal kits

And you'll find lots of sources. Replacing air filters is typically only a short-term solution at most, as the stuff is usually not growing on the air filters, but on the evaporator and other surfaces.

The best way to avoid this takes a bit of effort and inconvenience on the part of vehicle owner -- shut the A/C off, but keep the fan blowing, for a minute or so before you park the vehicle for any extended period of time. This dries out the evaporator surfaces and prevents the smelly stuff from growing.

Let me try and help you with the smell...others can comment on filter changes. Since hardly anyone has complained of needing to change filters to solve a smell, I am going to take issue with your dealers diagnosis...(gasp)

AC systems will emit odors due to the moisture trapped in the system. All cars have a 'condensate drain' which allows water which has been removed from the air in your car to drain out the bottom. On a hot summer day, stop your car in the driveway and you'll see that it has piddled.

With most cars, the AC runs constantly, even when you are heating, to dehumidify.

So, YOU need to check and make sure your condensate drain is open and freely draining. If dust/dirt/whatever has blocked it, the water sits in the AC system, festering, and the cabin air is musty and funky.

Opening the drain is a simple wire or screwdriver affair, on most cars. Search via google for AC condensate drain, or here or on Bimmerfest should reveal.

A

Here's my DIY A/C recirculation filter replacement...
http://www.xoutpost.com/853716-post21.html