Replacing the air filter on the BMW X5 (E53)

Note:

The air filter on the BMW X5 is recommended to be changed every 15-20 thousand km. run.  But its condition largely depends on the operating conditions of the car: on very dusty and polluted roads, the element becomes clogged much faster. Therefore, many drivers decide to replace much earlier (after 8-10 thousand).

In order to gain access to the filter, you will first need to remove the engine protection, the air duct, move the washer reservoir to the side and remove the plastic in the reservoir area, as well as remove the plastic air filter housing, the upper plastic and the sealing strip.

Replacing the air filter on a BMW X5

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface and lift the hood.

2. To remove the cabin filter, unscrew the 2 latches.

3.  Turn off one more latch on the center.

4. Open the cabin filter cover.

5. Pull the BMW X5 filter out of the housing.

6.  Starting at the left end, pull up and remove the sealing bar. 

7. Turn off 6 latches fastenings of the top plastic.

8. Pull towards you and remove the plastic.

9. Remove the 2 plastic air intake parts.

10. Using a 10 mm head,  unscrew the 2 nuts securing the washer reservoir.

11. Move the tank to the side.

12. With a 13 mm wrench, unscrew the BMW X5 filter housing nut on both sides.

13. Pull towards you and remove the housing.

14. Disconnect the latch from the plastic part. Remove tubing and wiring.

15. Using a 10 mm head,  unscrew the fixing nuts.

16. With a 10 mm head, remove 3 more screws.

17. Remove the side plastic.

18. Using a 5 mm hex wrench  , unscrew the bolts securing the upper plastic engine protection.

19. Remove protection.

20. Pull out the 4 tabs.

21. Press the latch on the pipeline.

22. Remove the air intake.

23. Next, you need to remove the side of the BMW X5 air filter housing. To do this, with a 5 mm hex wrench , unscrew the 3 bolts of its fastening.

24. Remove the plastic.

25. Next, you need to unscrew the second part of the BMW X5 air filter housing. To do this, unscrew the 5 bolts of its fastening with a 5 mm hex wrench .

26. Unscrew the oil filler cap.

27. Remove the upper part of the air filter housing.

28. Remove the BMW X5 air filter.

29. Clean the bottom of the housing from dust and dirt.

30. Wash with detergent.

31. Replace the BMW X5 air filter with a new one.

32. Replace it.

33. Reinstall all previously removed parts in reverse order.

Source:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TglV_MA0O_fre3m2ZbwzA