BMW i3 – Cabin Filter Replacement (Instructions)

2 min read
BMW i3 – Innenraumfilter wechseln (Anleitung)

Regular filter replacement helps keep the air in your BMW i3 clean, ensures the air conditioning works efficiently, and prevents your windows from fogging up. In these instructions, you will learn how to easily replace the filter yourself in just a few minutes.

Quick Check

Time required approx. 15-20 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Installation location Passenger footwell
Tools Torx T20 screwdriver
Compatible filter EDOC-1001-A
Airflow toward the rear (toward the back of the vehicle)
Manufacturer interval every 24 months
EV-DOC recommendation every 15.000-20.000 km or 12-18 months

Preparation

  • Secure the vehicle: Make sure the vehicle is secured in Park (P), completely deactivated (ignition/system off), and that the ventilation/air conditioning is switched off.
  • Protection & hygiene: Place a mat or cloth under the work area to catch falling dirt. Safety glasses and a dust mask protect you from falling dust and pollen. It is best to have a vacuum cleaner ready to clean out the housing before installation.
  • Lighting: Since the installation location is usually dark, we recommend using a headlamp or flashlight for the best possible visibility.
  • Tools: You will need a Torx T20 screwdriver for the replacement.
  • Access: The filter is located in the left side of the passenger footwell, beside the center console. Slide the seat all the way back and recline the backrest as far as possible to create maximum working space.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Remove the footwell trim
    Use the Torx T20 screwdriver to loosen the screws on the lower cover of the center console in the passenger footwell. Carefully pull off the trim so that the plastic retaining clips do not break, and set it aside.
  2. Open the filter housing
    Press together the two retaining tabs on the vertical cover of the filter housing (or loosen the Torx T20 screw on the cover, depending on the model year) and remove the cover.
  3. Remove the old filter elements
    The BMW i3 uses two stacked filter elements. First, pull out the upper filter element by its pull strap. Then slide the lower filter element upward and pull it out as well.
  4. Install the new filters
    Insert the first filter element and push it all the way down. Then insert the second filter element directly above it into the shaft.
    ↔ Airflow: The arrows on the side of the filters must point toward the rear (toward the back of the vehicle)!
    💡 Pro tip: Slightly compress the filters at the sides like an accordion as you insert them. This allows them to slide easily through the narrow footwell and unfold back into their perfect fit in the shaft.
  5. Close the housing & install the cover
    Put the filter cover back on until it audibly and noticeably clicks into place (or screw it back on). Reinstall the footwell side trim and secure it firmly with the Torx T20 screws.

Disposal instructions

To ensure that all materials from your filter change are recycled as effectively as possible and that the cycle remains closed, please dispose of them as follows:

  • Used filter: As the old filter is heavily contaminated with pollutants, particulate matter and soot, it should be disposed of in the general waste. Through thermal recovery in modern facilities, useful energy (electricity and district heating) is still extracted from it.
  • Shipping box: It’s best to put the grass paper box in the waste paper bin so that the fibres remain in the recycling cycle. Alternatively, you can dispose of it on your own garden compost heap.
  • Filter bag: The plastic-free pouch for your new EV-DOC filter is made of paper and should also be placed in the waste paper bin.
  • Labels & backing paper: You do not need to remove stickers from cardboard before putting it in the waste paper bin – they are automatically recycled along with the paper. However, if you are composting the cardboard, please remove the labels first. Individual labels and backing paper should be disposed of in the general waste because of the adhesive.

Disclaimer

These instructions are provided for guidance only. All work carried out is at your own risk and under your own responsibility. EV-DOC accepts no liability for personal injury, damage to property or consequential damage, or for vehicle faults resulting from incorrect installation or misinterpretation of these instructions. Please always follow the specific manufacturer’s guidelines for your vehicle.

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