Charcoal filter removal

[epm]

I have an 08 M5, build date 5/07 and just had my 1200 mile service. I ordered the BMC filters after reading the posts and seeing the great pictures regarding instillation. So upon receipt of my car back from the dealer I attempted to install the filters. First question, I thought BMW replaces the air filters during this service. My service tech confirmed this when I dropped the car off. After opening the air boxes it is clear the original filters were in place as they do show signs of dirt and residue. Also the car was returned to me with .7 l oil level reading. After looking carefully at the intallation photos, I can not pull the charcoal filters out without ripping them. There is no seam evident that allows the charcoal filters and black plastic to be removed in 1 piece. Is this different on the 08's than prior yrs? There is also no evidence of clips internally holding the charcoal filters in place. I put in the BMC filters and left the charcoal filters in place. I don't notice a difference in sound induction or performance but I have only driven about 15 miles with the new filters. Also, the mass flow air sensor was easy to get off by unscrewing the 2 screwes vs working the 2 tabs and pulling hard on the plug. Again, there doesn't seem to be a seam. Thanks

[M5Drifter]

You can take out the charcoal filters without destroying them. I took mine out and was able to keep them intact. A couple of reteining clips were left in the housing and were easy to remove and put them back on the filters (for storage).

Use a butter knife or medium flat blade screw driver. Wedge it in between the filter and housing. Pry out a little at a time and work clockwise. Be patient and gentle. It will come out with out marking or damaging the housing or filter.

Good luck. It can be done. I can take photos of the intact filters as proof.

[RedmondM5]

I took them out of my 2008 without ripping them. Like he said above, use something to pry them out and they come out intact.

[Wayward]

I'll offer this -- and yes, this solution comes at a cost, but these tools worked like a charm. Almost too easy, as a matter of fact.

I do use them for other things, but for this application, it was almost too easy. Fwiw, here's the link.

[epm]

Thanks for your help. I got them out, only broke 1 clip of the 10. Thank you for the tips. Now I just have to figure out how to take off the bottom tray as I dropped my flashlight and have had no luck fishing it out. I looking for schematics on hoe to disassemble.

[S1monLM]

Mine has 500 miles, can I remove the charcoal filters before the 1200 mile service due?

[Barry Lausch]

It's not unusual for your friendly neighborhood BMW dealership to be out of stock on many M5 maintenance items. The carbon filters seem to be a favorite. I've had three E60's and had the carbon filters back-ordered on the 1,200 mi service every time. If you check with the SA I think you'll find this to be the case. They don't seem to take that part of the service real serious.

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by epm

Thank you for the tips. Now I just have to figure out how to take off the bottom tray as I dropped my flashlight and have had no luck fishing it out. I looking for schematics on hoe to disassemble.

If your flashlight is magnetic, this tool may help (handles items up to 16 lbs). Tools are like closet space, btw, there's no such thing as enough.

[Dukecat]

I know I'm a complete wimp, but I have always been too afraid to remove the charcoal filters myself.

Now that this apparently is sanctioned by BMW/Dinan, I wonder how much BMW or Dinan would charge to do such a relatively simple task? Prior to this time, my BMW SA said they wouldn't touch them and anyone who had BMW remove the filters had a very close relationship with their M tech and the removal was done under the table.

Dinan Software

[bill ewo]

This is great news!