XSeries-forum

I started the full service on my 5 today, I cant believe the faff with removing the air filter!! It took me 30 minutes to remove it, unbelievable!!
Anyhow, once removed I found it to be in a very bad state, I don't think I have ever seen an air filter so dirty, if anyone in the know is reading this then could you take a look at the pics and advise if it is supposed to look this black after 15k-ish miles?????

Looks about normal from those I have changed.  I've changed a few now and TBH one (from our 330 E46) was a lot worse as it was completely blackened!  I don't think it had been changed in 7 years - and was still under dealer support then.

It is certainly a faff to get at, hence I suspect many being left alone.

[quote="X5Sport"]
Looks about normal from those I have changed.  I've changed a few now and TBH one (from our 330 E46) was a lot worse as it was completely blackened!  I don't think it had been changed in 7 years - and was still under dealer support then.

It is certainly a faff to get at, hence I suspect many being left alone.
[/quote]
Ok, cheers for that 

[quote="chelsea"]
I started the full service on my 5 today, I cant believe the faff with removing the air filter!! It took me 30 minutes to remove it, unbelievable!!
Anyhow, once removed I found it to be in a very bad state, I don't think I have ever seen an air filter so dirty, if anyone in the know is reading this then could you take a look at the pics and advise if it is supposed to look this black after 15k-ish miles?????
[/quote]
Mine was a hell of a lot worse than that at 93 K when I did mine. Funny thing was it had a comprehensive BMW service history from new.
Only goes to show the dealers don't always change them at service, even though it's only on the service schedule as once every third service 60 K.

that doesnt look bad to me. the outer "sock" can be removed and refitted the other way around for a bit more mileage. the actual filter underneath usually looks like new,

On my E53, it did make an appearance at the 60k service on the bill. I can only assume it had been changed but obviously never checked.

It was an additional item to the normal "third service" routine, which included some other items as well to change.

Jeez/..........done the oil change and fuel filter change today............I am pretty sure that the fuel filter has never been changed, all the bolts etc dont look like they have ever been removed at all..........what an arse of a job it is too !

I swapped my OEM filter for a K&N version.... vehicle breathes a little better & is slightly more responsive.

The K&N unit is life lasting & just needs blasting out with an air line at each service.....

...going to swap the airfilter for k and n next service !

Just serviced my wifes mondeo today and saw my old x5 fuel filter on the bench so decided to cut it open, after doing so and the colour of the filter inside then I can only assume its never been changed, it is really dirty ! My BMW service record shows it being changed twice, no chance !

[quote="chelsea"]
...going to swap the airfilter for k and n next service !

Just serviced my wifes mondeo today and saw my old x5 fuel filter on the bench so decided to cut it open, after doing so and the colour of the filter inside then I can only assume its never been changed, it is really dirty ! My BMW service record shows it being changed twice, no chance !
[/quote]

Acording to the service record on my x the fuel filter had been changed but it still had the original one on as there was the oem clips on never been removed.

Sounds about right.  Owners don't check, so it's money for old rope to an unscrupulous dealer.  I now always demand the replaced parts, and warn the garage I have marked things so I know if they don't touch it.  A simple line across bolts with a UV pen is all that's needed.  If the bolts need to be removed to get at things, and don't.......

Seems to work.....but my current BMW Dealer seems OK.  The last one was a shocker.....which may be one of the reasons why they went out of business.  It's a car rental place now.

its a shame you cant trust some people to do things