Rear A/C filter DIY

[rvteja1990]

I have 2018 BMW X5 XDrive35i and when i visit oil service recently to one of the BMW service center, they suggested rear A/C filter replacement and cabin micro filter with estimated amount $580. I'm trying to see if i could DIY and found a video to change the A/c filter on the front but could not find any info related to rear A/c filter replacement for this model. I would appreciate if anyone could help me with instructions or links to replace the rear A/c filter.
Thank you.

[CatalinP]

If the car has 4 zone climate control, then you have the 2 filters in the engine bay and a recirculation filter under the glove box.
For the cars with 2 zone climate control, the recirculation filter is missing. There are DIY guides for both here on the forum.

[Qsilver7]

I’m confused by the terminology “rear” AC filter. Did they give you a part number for this filter because I’m not aware of a rear AC filter used in the f15 X5…even if you have 4-zone climate…or 3rd row AC. This is not to say I’m right…I’m just unaware…and can’t find any rear AC filter in the parts database.

There is the "set" of micro-filters that are located at the rear of the engine bay (perhaps this is what they meant by "rear")...which is item #1 in the diagram below (only one is shown in the illustration but there are TWO filters sold as a set):




Then there's the re-circulation filter (item #2 in both diagrams below) which is used if you have the 4-zone or the IHKA AC system:





The diagram below is for the 3rd row fan (system)...its in the rear and there is no "filter" listed:

[CatalinP]

Recirculation filter (#2) is only shown in the 3rd diagram above.

#1 and #2 in the first two diagrams are the 2 parts of the particle filter.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

Recirculation filter (#2) is only shown in the 3rd diagram above.

#1 and #2 in the first two diagrams are the 2 parts of the particle filter.

When you read the part nbr info below the diagram, you'll see that #2 is listed with the recirculation filter part nbr. The supplemental info reveals it along with the 11 digit BMW part nbr being the same as item #2 in the other diagram.

The little numbers highlighted in blue (1, 2, 7, 8, 9) also "hints" of the locations, too...#1 is in the section where the micro filters are located...and the blue #2 is located in the housing closer to the blower where the recirculation filter is located.

They could definitely have done a better job...but when you compare the part nbr index (below the diagram) and supplemental info...it helps with the confusing graphics in the diagram.

Here's screen shots below that include part of the part nbr index and supplemental info...you can see that #2 in both diagrams are the same part nbr and description (recirculation filter).