Generally speaking, you should change the cabin air filter in your BMW every 15,000 – 20,000 miles. This may not always be the case though. The BMW model, driving conditions and seasonal changes are all contributing factors for identifying when to replace a cabin air filter. Drivers should understand the importance of replacing their filter to ensure the best quality experience out of a BMW all year long. Make an appointment with a BMW specialist for an inspection.
When you own a BMW, it’s easy to forget that they require ongoing service and maintenance in order to continue performing optimally; as they’re such excellent vehicles year-round, they rarely require significant repairs or maintenance tasks.
The cabin air filter is an important part of ongoing care because it keeps the interior of your car cleaner and helps the AC system perform well. There is more to know about this air filter in your BMW, and if you’re not sure how to know when it should be replaced or serviced, continue reading to get more information:
What Does the Cabin Air Filter Do For Your BMW?
This air filter in your BMW plays an important function, but it’s often a neglected part of maintenance. The cabin air filter is responsible for capturing all the dust, dirt, pollen, debris, and contaminating particles, keeping them from entering your cabin so that you and your passengers don’t breathe them in. Furthermore, it keeps the overall quality of the air inside clean so that your interior stays new and preserved longer.
How to Know When to Replace Your BMW’s Cabin Air Filter
Just like many of the other parts of your car, such as engine oil and oil filters, the cabin air filter in your BMW needs to be replaced on an ongoing basis. Once the air filter becomes dirty and compromised, air cannot pass through it efficiently, nor can it perform the function of properly filtering out debris and contaminants. Here are a few tips on how to know when you should replace your cabin air filter:
Follow the Factory Maintenance Schedule
The BMW manufacturer does a pretty excellent job of laying out all the important maintenance tasks their drivers need to follow in order to achieve optimal performance results out of their cars. The cabin air filter is certainly included in these maintenance tasks, and your specific BMW might require different maintenance intervals than others. If you’re not sure where you to find this information, start with your owner’s manual and then contact a BMW specialist for more guidance.
Have Frequent Inspections Performed
A good rule of thumb to follow to ensure that your cabin air filter is adequately replaced is to have an inspection performed every time you get your oil changed. You can ask to see the filter yourself to make sure it requires replacement. If you notice that the filter is darker, black, or covered in debris, it’s a good idea to change it right away.
What Factors Contribute to Increased Need for Air Filter Replacement?
The routine maintenance and inspections will help you stay on top of cabin air filter replacements; however, there are other factors that contribute to how often you’ll need to replace it:
Especially Dusty Roads or Driving Conditions
If you live in an area that has lots of dirt roads, or in rural communities with farmland, your BMW is likely exposed to a lot of air particles that can fill up your air filter rather quickly. It’s important to stay aware of the roads and conditions you frequently drive in and adjust your maintenance intervals accordingly.
Changing Seasons
It’s always a good idea to check your air filter before summer and after spring for a few reasons. First, you’ll want a great-working AC system for the summer months that can be brutal three-digit temperatures. Second, the Spring season usually brings a lot of excess pollen and allergens out into the air, which could significantly affect the quality of your air filter.
How Star Motors Can Help You
For over 30 years the BMW experts here at Star Motors have made cabin air filter inspections part of their routine care each time our clients bring their cars to us. In the areas of San Juan Capistrano and Southern Orange County, CA, the air can be especially filled with contaminants, dirt, and debris—particularly during spring and summer months that are often dryer. We always remind our clients that their air filters need to be checked and follow through with such tasks to ensure they’re never without quality air inside their vehicles. If you’d like to schedule an oil change and/or cabin air filter inspection, please call us directly or make an appointment through our website.
