Cabin Air Filter Vs Engine Air Filters
In a BMW, there are two main air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. Both help limit harmful particles that may cause damage to the vehicle’s engine when regularly changed.
The cabin air filter is behind the glove compartment under the dashboard, or under the hood of the vehicle. In most cases, it will be behind the glove box. This air filter functions both within the heating and cooling systems.
Furthermore, cabin air filters aid in cleaning out the air before it moves through the vehicle’s heating, AC, and ventilation system. They are essential in the discharge of allergens such as dust, dander, or pollen. These specialized filters even trap pollutants such as mold & smog, plus a diverse range of hazardous fumes.
An engine air filter is a rectangular pleated filter that is located in a cold air collector box near the top of the engine compartment. The engine air filter traps fragments like dirt, bugs, and other debris in the air before it discharges into the engine. The engine air filter only passes clean air into the engine.
Failing to replace the engine air filter at the correct intervals may cause the type of build-up that affects the driving experience and the engine’s overall health. This contributes to both a loss in fuel efficiency and loss in horsepower.
If we open the engine to unfiltered air, it will ultimately wear out quicker. Dust is powerless in limited volumes, but in larger volumes can be abrasive and damage internal engine components. Engines suck in an immense amount of air. If dust comes in with the air, the dust will damage those components and it's costly to fix them.
Having trouble finding a BMW air filter service in Kansas City South? Schedule your next air filter service appointment with BMW Kansas City South online today or give us a call at (816) 384-0207 and speak to an M-certified technician.
Warning Signals: Is It time to change out BMW air filters?
Seeing that there is a need for a new cabin air filter and a fresh engine air filter is not as hard as it sounds. Your BMW requires a new engine air filter when you recognize some or all of the following symptoms:
- Your exhaust is spewing out black smoke
- Your check engine light on in the dashboard is lit
- Your air filter is stained
- Your acceleration diminishes
- Your fuel efficiency diminishes
- Your engine is making odd sounds and is slow to startup
- Your engine air take has grime or debris built up
When external materials damage your engine, it can turn into a relatively costly repair, which is why it’s essential to get a BMW mechanic to check the engine air filters during each auto shop visit.
At the BMW Kansas City South, we find any abnormalities during our complimentary multi-point inspection that is standard with every servicing visit. Call or go online to schedule your appointment now!
When Do I Need A BMW Engine Air Filter?
Essentially, the main reason the BMW engine air filter is to further clean the air from harmful particles such as dust, dander, smog, and an array of pollutants before it goes into the engine. All engines demand a hearty supply of air in order to burn fuel.
It’s not all that challenging to identify that you need a new engine air filter. If your BMW requires a new engine air filter, you will notice a handful or all of the following signs:
- Decrease in acceleration
- Dirty air filter
- Slow engine startup
- Service engine light on your dashboard
- Black smoke coming from the exhaust
- Strange sounds from the engine when in idle
- Drop in fuel efficiency
- Grime or residue build up near the engine air intake
Why Do I Need A BMW Cabin Air Filter?
The primary function of the cabin air filter in BMWs is to filter any air traveling through the heating and AC ventilation system into your vehicle. This filter aids in catching toxic pollutants & allergens, including pollen, mold, dust, and smog.
Top 3 universal signs a BMW cabin air filter needs to be replaced:
- Drop in air flow
- Stinky odor
- Unusual increase in noise coming from the air vents
BMW Air Filter Replacement Cost
Are you searching for the BMW air filter replacement cost on your BMW? Engine air filters regularly get priced between $20 - $45, depending on the type of filter required, while cabin air filters commonly cost between $15 - $35. BMW Kansas City South will install your BMW’s air filters in under an hour. Even better, we only install the best certified OEM parts!
It’s important to use genuine OEM air filters for your BMW rather than the cheaply made aftermarket parts. Certified parts will not only have better longevity, they are dramatically more efficient. Because of our relationship with the manufacturers, we’re ready to serve the best air filter at a great price.
Be sure to view our current service specials or our parts specials. Schedule your BMW air filter replacement appointment online with Kansas City South or call today and speak with a M-certified technician.
Is Spring Time Actually the Best Season to Change Your BMW Cabin Air Filter?
At BMW Kansas City South, we recommend that drivers get their cabin air filter changed during spring. This is because we use the AC considerably more during summer and then crank up the heat all throughout winter.
We depend on the cabin air filter to enable healthy breathing. So it would be wise to change out the filter after 2 to 3 seasons of buildup from road dust, pollen, and other kinds of pollutants. A brand new cabin air filter allows us to breathe in clean air without the irritating pollutants and stinky odors.

BMW Air Filter Change Near Kansas City
Our M-certified technicians at BMW Kansas City South use genuine OEM parts and tools to check and replace the BMW engine air filter & cabin air filter.
Our link to the manufacturer ensures we work with the high quality of replacement products and still provide the most competitive prices in the local area. Call us today or schedule your appointment online.
Get Your BMW Air Filter Replacement Services Now!
It’s important to have the air filters checked whenever you take your BMW in for an oil change. At BMW Kansas City South. Being that this is quick to enact and reasonably priced, it may be worth changing out your filters annually.
For those of us with terrible allergies, you’ll be thankful you used our BMW air filter service! Schedule your appointment with the BMW Kansas City South today.
Make your way to BMW Kansas City South in Kansas City South today for a variety of genuine BMW accessories, a helpful team, and professional service at every step of the way. And if you have any questions for us, you can always get in touch at (816) 384-0207 or visit our store front - 1200 W. 104th St, Kansas City, MO 64114.
Frequently Asked Questions On BMW Air Filters
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
Your engine air filter needs to be traded out between every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Your cabin air filter calls for a trade out after around every 30,000 miles. If you drive under 12,000 miles yearly, then we recommend you service your air filters at least every 12 months.
What happens if you never change the cabin air filter?
If you cannot change out your cabin air filter, the filter will soon or later get clogged with dirt and other debris. The capabilities of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will become compromised. This will reduce air volume in the passenger side air valves and possibly foul smelling orders being pushed out into your vehicle.
What is a BMW microfilter service?
Microfilter is a part or section of BMW’s Conditioned Based Servicing or CBS. BMW/Mini presently uses this process to figure out whether your vehicle is needed for servicing. CBS is a service schedule that was originally introduced with the BMW 7 series (E65).