Your BMW 535i air filter is a paper filament filter inside a cardboard frame. Mounted near the top of your engine, the 535i air filter is one of the easiest filters to access on your car. Your oil and fuel filters are contained in metal cylinders and located in hard-to-reach areas, but your BMW 535i air filter just sits beneath a plastic cover.

To replace your 535i air filter, you simply lift the old filter out and place the new one in. Changing your BMW 535i air filter is not only easy, it is also important.

When your 535i air filter becomes clogged or dirty, your engine can't breathe. The job of the BMW 535i air filter is to remove contaminants like dust and engine grime from the air your engine pulls in to mix with the fuel in the combustion chambers. If your 535i air filter is clogged, your engine cannot get the air it needs. A dirty BMW 535i air filter can result in a loss of engine power, lowered fuel economy, and a hot running engine that can lead to more serious damage over time. Most manufacturers' guidelines recommend that you replace your BMW 535i air filter once per year. However, if you live in a dusty climate or if you put a lot of miles on your car, you may need to replace your 535i air filter more often. You should check your BMW 535i air filter periodically to ensure it is clear—by blowing through it, rather than looking at it. It is not always possible to visually determine whether you need a new 535i air filter. If you are looking for better performance and more power from your engine, you may want to consider a high-performance or high-flow BMW 535i air filter.Most performance 535i air filters are washable and reusable, so you will not have to buy another one for a long time.