[CROD4]

I am trying to replace out the air filters in my 2000 528i and are the only two filters the two on the driver and passenger side just under the hood? Because I was told there was a difference between a regular air filer and a cabin air filter.

 

[tim330i]

I've moved your question to our E39 5 series forum, you'll get more help in here. The engine air filter is on the right side of the engine bay (when facing the engine).

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=DM53-USA-09-1999-E39-BMW-528i&diagId=13_0414

 

[MKJS]

I am trying to replace out the air filters in my 2000 528i and are the only two filters the two on the driver and passenger side just under the hood? Because I was told there was a difference between a regular air filer and a cabin air filter.

Welcome!!

I have a '99 540, but believe the arrangement is similar. The cabin air filters are mounted just forward of the firewall, one on each side of the car. The engine air filter is in a box just behind the radiator.

I'm not sure which you are trying to replace, cabin or motor filter, but yes, there is a difference between them, the 2 cabin filters being identical, but quite different from the motor filter.

You can usually pick up some good deals on amazon, etc., for the cabin filters, they are charcoal and can get a bit pricey. The engine filters are usually carried at the big parts houses, you only need one and they are usually much cheaper than the cabin filters.

Hope this helps,

Jim

 

[avu3]

Jim hit it. Cabin air filter is completely different from intake air filter. If you've never serviced either, I'd do both now so you have a baseline.

If you care about your filters, be careful where you get them from. Counterfeiting is common and even comes up on Amazon given how they store and distribute product from 3rd party sellers.
If you're buying good name brands - Mahle / Mann, get them from a known vendor. RM European, FCP, ECS, guys like that (sorry if I forgot your favorite), not Amazon/eBay.

Example
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-cabin-air-filter-set-528i-540i-e39-042-2012
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-air-filter-lx422

You can get Mann and Mahle intake air filters from Napa under their import lines. Some may be carried in store locally or they can order for you. They are a little more expensive
https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/ATMC26151/ATMC26151_0248940972
https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/ATMLX422/ATMLX422_0248978193

They also carry cabin filters in their Gold line (which are generally pretty good, but I've never looked at these particular ones) and their import line (but doesn't say who the OEM is).

Scott