Replace the Cabin (Pollen) Filter

The BMW X5 (F15, 2013–2019) carries its cabin microfilter under the bonnet on the passenger side, below the engine cowl trim — not inside the cabin. There are two filter elements, and they come out attached to the cover once you’ve lifted the scuttle trim.

How to Replace the X5 (F15) Cabin Filter

1. Open the bonnet. On the passenger side at the base of the windscreen, undo the four plastic nuts and lift away the triangular cowl trim.
2. Unplug the electrical connector near the bonnet strut, then undo the nuts holding the plastic filter cover.
3. Lift the cover out gently — the two cabin filters are clipped to it. Turn it over so the filters face up and unclip them.
4. Clean out any leaves/debris, then clip in the new filters with the airflow arrow pointing the way marked on the housing.
5. Refit the cover, reconnect the plug, replace the cowl trim and do the four nuts back up.

Don’t Confuse It With the Recirculation Filter

The F15 also has a smaller recirculation filter behind the glovebox, inside the cabin — that’s a separate item from the two main microfilters under the cowl. If you’re chasing a musty smell, it’s worth doing both, but the main “cabin/pollen filter” is the pair under the bonnet scuttle covered above.

Good to Know

• It’s a two-filter set under the cowl — renew both together. Some F15s run an activated-charcoal version; fit like-for-like.
• Mind the airflow arrows — filters in backwards cut airflow and filtration.
• Typical interval is around every 2 years / 20,000–30,000 miles, sooner if the air smells musty or the blower feels weak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the cabin filter on a BMW X5 F15?

Under the bonnet, passenger side, below the engine cowl/scuttle trim — not behind the glovebox. Two elements sit on the filter cover.

Do I need tools?

Just enough to undo the plastic cowl nuts and the cover nuts — no special tools. Work gently so the plastic trim and clips don’t crack, especially when cold.

If weak airflow comes with a blower or climate fault, look the code up on our sister site autodtcs.com.