How To Change BMW E36 Compact Cabin Filters [Worst Ever Seen] E36 318ti Pollen Filter Location | 003

How To Change BMW E36 Compact Cabin Filters [Worst Ever Seen] E36 318ti Pollen Filter Location | 003
I bought this BMW E36 318ti Compact on a whim from eBay. Although it is a little tired, it had been well serviced with records kept up to date. I noticed though that the air from the heater wasn’t as fresh, or free flowing, as I expected, and checking through the many receipts I have for this car, I could not see any cabin filters having been purchased!
Here's what I used:
BMW E36 Compact 318ti Cabin Pollen Filters: ebay.us/EWg8Di
It seems that the cabin filters may not have been changed for around 80k miles. I must admit, pollen filters aren’t something I have overly worried about in the past with other cars, but 80k does seem a long time to not have them replaced. 🙂
When I started researching the position of the e36 cabin filters online I could find plenty of information about the other versions of the BMW E36, such as the saloon, coupe, convertible, and touring, but nothing, or very little, about the hatchback compact or ti version!
I did spend some time on my back under the steering wheel looking behind the centre console for the compact cabin filters. I came to the conclusion that they weren’t there like on a standard e36, so I spent some time researching further. I can’t tell you how pleased I was when I discovered on my 318ti pollen filters are located under the bonnet.
While the cabin filter location for e36 compact is elusive, once you know where to look they are quite easy to get at, the main concern is that there is a flimsy plastic cover/guide that directs the air in the right place, which would be very easy to break and probably impossible to replace. There are actually 2 filters behind the cover, both the same size.
When I got to the filters it was very obvious that they had not been changed for some time. Probably from long before the previous owner had the car. Maybe the confusion over where they are stopped them being replace 🙂
I always use good quality service parts, and look for the bigger brands. I found that there was a wide price range for these filters, and looking at the price of the dearer ones I can understand somebody deciding to leave them. I was very pleased when I did find them at a good price from Febi Bilstein.
Once I had replaced the filters the cabin did smell much fresher, and the air coming through the heating system seemed to flow better. This was an easy, inexpensive job that is well worth doing.
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[@derman4786]

I've been looking into this for a while now, I've found out it is like this for any model without a AC, I don't know if you have it but I'm glad I've found this video because it is exactly like this in my 92' saloon

[@SPANNERRASH]

Awesome really glad this vid is helpful for you. It will hopefully save you from searching everywhere for those pollen filters. 😆

[@jw200]

Glad to see E36 compact videos. I own one. Like and sub!

[@SPANNERRASH]

Nice, welcome aboard mate! Check out the intro vid we released around Christmas to see more about the car. Quite a bit to come for the pocket rocket. 😃

[@1ivansucic]

Great video! Helped me a lot with my 323ti (it was even filthier than yours 😂 ) Do you or anyone else know the part no. of that flimsy plastic thats on top of the filters? I've noticed that mine is missing and i cant find the part no anywhere 2:00

[@SPANNERRASH]

Glad it helped and that's a great question, I have no idea. It might be possible to fashion one out of some plastic sheet.

[@johncollins2966]

Those cabin filters are always in an awkward place. 😊😊

[@SPANNERRASH]

Strange how they moved them for the compact. Saves grovelling around under the dash though :)

[@johncollins2966]

@@SPANNERRASH Definitely 👍

[@garethpurves769]

Every day is a school day! 😂

[@Bredmirror]

I wanted to change my filters too but the new ones kinda flop around and dont sit right.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I'd send them back and get a different brand. They shouldn't really be an issue.