Cabin Filters which ones are best?

[SCOOBYR1]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to ask a really dumb question  :-[ I am looking to change the cabin filters on my 57 plate E70 X5 and there seems to be a plethora of different filters at vastly differing prices. I know that I need the 2 filters which come as a package but what confuses is the choice between a mere pollen filter and a carbon filter. I thought they were doing the same job, filtering the atmosphere within the cabin. Also the vast price difference, is it worth saving money and buying the crossland filter or Mahle or going genuine "Tres expensive" BMW? :-\
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated
Cheers

[X5Sport]

The activated carbon filter is supposed to be better for those with hay fever/allergies and if you spend more time in urban driving as they control other nasties better.

I use the carbon ones from ECP - can't remember which one now.  The BMW OEM one will only be a rebadged version of a cheaper one anyway.

[SCOOBYR1]

Excellent many thanks for that, queue next Dumb question - ECP? Eh?  :-[ I've been looking on Ebay and Europarts the only ones I've come across are Mann, Crosland and Mahle. I think I've read somewhere that Mahle are the manufacturer of the OE BMW stuff? The price difference is whats kinda confused me as it's got me asking how there can be such a huge difference price wise this must reflect in the quality? Even assuming the Crosland is inferior quality at the prices quoted I could change the Crosland filter nearly 5 times for the cost of 1 genuine BMW filter! :-\

[SCOOBYR1]

[quote="SCOOBYR1"]

Excellent many thanks for that, queue next Dumb question - ECP? Eh?  :-[

[SCOOBYR1]

Oh I get it ::) ECP? Eurocarparts D'oh!

[Barney]

Are they easy to change??

[SCOOBYR1]

[quote="Barney"]
Are they easy to change??
[/quote]

Barney , haven't done this before but have watched a few you tube and carkiosk vids and it looks well simple. 15 minutes tops. If  I was more adept I'd post alink . Sorry

[Barney]

ok, cheers, I'll do a search on Youtube 

[X5Sport]

I think the one under the bonnet is simple enough.  The second one inside the car is a bit of a pain.  It's up under the centre console somewhere, vertically mounted.

[SCOOBYR1]

:help2:[quote="X5Sport"]
I think the one under the bonnet is simple enough.  The second one inside the car is a bit of a pain.  It's up under the centre console somewhere, vertically mounted.
[/quote]

Eh? I thought there were only the 2, both under the bonnet?  :help2:

[X5Sport]

Both of yours may be under the bonnet.  It seems to depend upon what trim/year/options are installed.  I think some of the later versions (LCI onwards?) have one inside too.  I have seen it referred to but not gone looking.  The instructions that I have seen all refer to the two being under the bonnet, but seem to be for the U.S. LHD models.

[SCOOBYR1]

Thanks X5sport

I am back on Wednesday so I'll have a look and let you know how I get on! No doubt be back on here looking for advice  :-[
Cheers

[SCOOBYR1]

[quote="SCOOBYR1"]
Thanks X5sport

I am back on Wednesday so I'll have a look and let you know how I get on! No doubt be back on here looking for advice  :-[
Cheers
[/quote]
Have fitted these now took all of 10 minutes, although in answer to my own question the Crosland filters I fitted were of a very inferior quality. They would not clip in correctly as they were slightly adrift of the clip in points. The filters I removed were Mahle which are 3× the cost but fit correctly!  In hindsight I'd pay the extra and have the quality.
Now to find this mysterious recirc filter

[X5Sport]

This thread from Xoutpost may be of use.  Steering wheel is on the wrong side, but you get the drift.

[SCOOBYR1]

[quote="X5Sport"]
This thread from Xoutpost may be of use.  Steering wheel is on the wrong side, but you get the drift.
[/quote]

Excellent X5Sport many thanks for that 
Have seen the genuine BMW filter for £23 on ebay so think I'll stick with oe after my Crosland experience! 
Cheers