DIY: N52 328i Air Filter Replacement Basic Maintenance

bimmerzeit · 08-19-2019, 01:06 PM

Hey everyone, I started doing some DIY videos on my 2007 328i with the N52 engine. I thought I'd record them in 4K and share them here to help out some of the younger guys getting into these cars as the prices of these cars come down and they make a great first car to learn on.

It is interesting that the factory air box has to be removed from the N52 in order to disassemble it and install the new filter. Most other BMW's have a cartridge or quick-release style lid that allows for a filter replacement in one or two minutes. Overall this is still a very simple DIY and can be completed in under 20 minutes.

jfw432 · 09-19-2019, 09:12 AM

I glanced at this the other day on a new to me car and decided it wasn't worth checking the condition of my filter just yet. Decided to look while at work today and it's a little unfortunate it's this involved.

bimmerzeit · 10-04-2019, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfw432

I glanced at this the other day on a new to me car and decided it wasn't worth checking the condition of my filter just yet. Decided to look while at work today and it's a little unfortunate it's this involved.

Yeah it is kind of a pain compared to pretty much every other BMW! Most other BMW's can be done in 2 minutes. The BMW dealer quotes $110 for this service, so you can get it done yourself in about 30 minutes for just the cost of a filter, around $20.

odin0941 · 10-05-2019, 10:17 AM

Thanks for the video, probably will replace mine or put a new open air filter, do you have a video on that or is it not advised for the 325i 2007? I'm trying to get a bit more performance or at least make it sound a bit meaner

bimmerzeit · 10-20-2019, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odin0941

Thanks for the video, probably will replace mine or put a new open air filter, do you have a video on that or is it not advised for the 325i 2007? I'm trying to get a bit more performance or at least make it sound a bit meaner

There may be some gains from installing an aftermarket intake but generally I'd recommend against it. The factory box is pretty good and a filter is $10-20 on most BMW's so it is economical to replace.

Personally I would spend that money elsewhere on the car like a set of Michelin tires, which will dramatically change how the car drives!

jzeigler1959 · 11-29-2023, 01:24 AM

I see you are holding a Mann filter in the video. How do these compare to other brands? I have never been brand picky with air filters.

08-19-2019, 01:06 PM	#1
bimmerzeit Private 46 Rep 75 Posts Drives: E28, E39, E90 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	DIY: N52 328i Air Filter Replacement Basic Maintenance Hey everyone, I started doing some DIY videos on my 2007 328i with the N52 engine. I thought I'd record them in 4K and share them here to help out some of the younger guys getting into these cars as the prices of these cars come down and they make a great first car to learn on. It is interesting that the factory air box has to be removed from the N52 in order to disassemble it and install the new filter. Most other BMW's have a cartridge or quick-release style lid that allows for a filter replacement in one or two minutes. Overall this is still a very simple DIY and can be completed in under 20 minutes.
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09-19-2019, 09:12 AM	#2
jfw432 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Macon, GA iTrader: (0)	I glanced at this the other day on a new to me car and decided it wasn't worth checking the condition of my filter just yet. Decided to look while at work today and it's a little unfortunate it's this involved.
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10-05-2019, 10:17 AM	#4
odin0941 New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW 325i 2007 Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Israel iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the video, probably will replace mine or put a new open air filter, do you have a video on that or is it not advised for the 325i 2007? I'm trying to get a bit more performance or at least make it sound a bit meaner
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11-29-2023, 01:24 AM	#6
jzeigler1959 Registered 6 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 328IX Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Olympia, WA iTrader: (0)	Mann Brand I see you are holding a Mann filter in the video. How do these compare to other brands? I have never been brand picky with air filters.
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