How to Change the Air Filter on a BMW 330I

BMW recommends you take your car to a dealer for maintenance. The latest cars are complicated, computerized machines, so this is good advice. However, these services can get expensive and can be time-consuming. There are a few things you can do yourself, two of which will improve your gas mileage. With the price of gas what it is, keeping your tires at the recommended pressure and a getting a clean air filter every 10,000 miles are a simple do-it-yourself jobs. The air filter is relatively easy to swap out, so it makes sense to replace it often even if your budget forces you to neglect a full in-dealer service.

Things You'll Need

• Air filter

Instructions

1. Open the hood and take a look inside the engine. The air filter on the 330I is found in the front left side of the engine compartment. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally in the 3 series, and will be in a black housing.

2. Pull on the top of the cover and the filter will come out of the housing.

3. Remove leaves, twigs or other debris in the housing.

4. Unwrap your new filter and slide it back in. Snap the top cover back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Some aftermarket filters will last a lifetime. Some will not filter as well as the OEM factory filter. Read the packaging carefully.