Unofficialbmw.com

[dwoosam]

How can I change the Air Conditioner Filters
in my car? Is there a service manual on this model also?
dwoosam@phitec.net

[mwong]

There are two sets of A/C system filters for the E38.

The most important set is under the hood. This is the micro filter and should cost between $35 and $45 at the dealer, depending on which dealer and your discount. Changing them is a piece of cake. On the rear of the hood you will see two stamped metal covers about 8x14 inches. They are hinged at the center and have one Phillips screw at each end. Remove the screw and the cover will drop down. (Careful, they have been knows to fall and if the hood isn't open all the way the tab will scratch the engine cover) The filters pull out, new ones go in, close the covers and you're set.

The other set is called the recirculation filters, much smaller and changed less frequently. For the passenger side just drop the glove box door down then take out the one Phillips screw and two expanding fasteners (pull the center pin and they will loosen) on the black plastic cover. The filter is on the center console and retained by a tap that fits over a small post on the AC housing. It's not too hard to get the old one out.

Passenger side is very easy to see/access. Once you've done this side, you at least know where to look for the other.





For the other side, you need to pull off the cover underneath the steering wheel and pull down the AC vent and access the filter. (Much easier way to go than removing all the other stuff as shown in the link below.) It's not as easy as the passenger side, but you can reach the filter and unclip it.

Replacing E38 interior recirculation filters




There is no service manual for this car. The Bentley is "due out" for the E39, but no one knows for sure when it will really be available. Many things on the E38 740 and E39 540 will be similar.

However, you can look into getting the TIS and ETK CDs for your computer. They have instructions on how to remove and repair many things. Look up "BMW ETK" on e-bay and you will see what they are all about. You can also order them from TheCentralLetterShop.com but the prices are pretty high.

Some readers from the RoadFly.org board put together a nice collection of DIY tips for the E38. Take a look:
www.e38.org

This one is for the E39 5 series 1997-2003, but plenty of information is applicable to the E38.
www.BMWtips.com

[ 09-27-2003: Message edited by: M.Wong ]