Performance Air Filter for BMW 3 Series E30 / E36, 5 Series E28 / E34, 8 Series (1981-2000)

$65.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Guaranteed Fitment
Free Shipping, Lower 48 States
Lifetime Warranty

Want it soon? Order within

I18n Error: Missing interpolation value "end_date" for "Ends on {{ end_date }}"

Shop safely

Secure checkout with trusted payment providers.

Shop safely with us

High-Flow Air Filtration for BMW M20 Straight-Six and M40/M42 Series Engines

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for BMW enthusiasts maintaining or tuning classic 3 Series (E30, E36) and 5 Series (E28, E34) chassis running the M10, M20 Straight-Six, or M40/M42/M43 four-cylinder engine families.

The Problem: The M20 Straight-Six and its contemporary four-cylinder siblings were designed with restrictive, disposable paper filters that prioritize intake silence over efficiency. These stock filters quickly become a bottleneck, especially as they accumulate dust, choking the engine’s ability to breathe at higher RPMs where these BMW engines naturally want to perform.

The Solution: This BMC performance filter replaces the restrictive paper media with multi-layered cotton gauze treated with low-viscosity oil. We use this specific upgrade to drop the filtration threshold to 7 microns while significantly increasing the air volume entering the plenum. It allows your BMW to maintain peak volumetric efficiency without the need for a noisy, heat-soaking open-pod intake.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

Enhanced Flow Dynamics: Utilizes an epoxy-coated alloy mesh to maintain pleat geometry under heavy vacuum, ensuring consistent airflow even during spirited driving.
Full Moulding Construction: Unlike cheaper filters that are glued together, this uses a "Full Moulding" system with no welded joints, eliminating the risk of the filter frame cracking or separating over time.
Regenerative Design: This is the last filter you’ll buy. It is fully washable and can be re-oiled using a standard regeneration kit, maintaining factory-level fitment with aftermarket performance.

Technical Specifications

Fitment	BMW 3 Series E30 / E36 / E36 Compact, 5 Series E28 / E34, 750iL E32, 850i E31, Z1, ALPINA, Bertone Freeclimber (1981-2000)
Engine Range	1.6L - 2.7L I4 / I6, 5.0L - 5.7L V12
Part Number	BMC FB117/01
Dimensions	149mm x 259mm panel

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the following vehicles (BMC fitment data):

Bertone Freeclimber 2.0 (129 HP) | 1990-1993
Bertone Freeclimber 1.6 (100 HP) | 1992-1999
Bertone Freeclimber 2.7 (129 HP) | 1990-1993
BMW 3 Series (E30) 316i 1.6 (100 HP) | 1987-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 316i 1.6 (102 HP) | 1988-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 316i 1.6 Touring (100 HP) | 1991-1994
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318 i 1.8 (102 HP) | 1984-1988
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318i 1.8 (113 HP) | 1987-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318i 1.8 (115 HP) | 1987-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318i 1.8 Cabrio (113 HP) | 1990-1993
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318i 1.8 Touring (113 HP) | 1989-1994
BMW 3 Series (E30) 318iS 1.8 (136 HP) | 1989-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 320i 2.0 (125 HP) | 1982-1985
BMW 3 Series (E30) 320i 2.0 (150 HP) | 1985-1990
BMW 3 Series (E30) 320i 2.0 (129 HP) | 1985-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 320i 2.0 Cabrio (129 HP) | 1987-1993
BMW 3 Series (E30) 320i 2.0 Touring (129 HP) | 1988-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325e (122 HP) | 1983-1988
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325e (129 HP) | 1985-1987
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325i 2.5 (171 HP) | 1983-1989
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325i 2.5 (170 HP) | 1986-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325i 2.5 Cabrio (171 HP) | 1985-1987
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325i 2.5 Cabrio (170 HP) | 1987-1993
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325i 2.5 Touring (170 HP) | 1987-1993
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325iX 2.5 (171 HP) | 1986-1987
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325iX 2.5 (170 HP) | 1986-1991
BMW 3 Series (E30) 325iX 2.5 Touring (170 HP) | 1988-1993
BMW 3 Series (E36) 316i 1.6 (100 HP) | 1990-1993
BMW 3 Series (E36) 316i 1.6 (102 HP) | 1990-1993
BMW 3 Series (E36) 316i 1.6 (102 HP) | 1993-1999
BMW 3 Series (E36) 318i 1.8 (113 HP) | 1990-1999
BMW 3 Series (E36) 318i 1.8 (115 HP) | 1990-1999
BMW 3 Series (E36) 318i S 1.8 (140 HP) | 1993-1999
BMW 3 Series (E36) 318i S 1.8 Coupe (140 HP) | 1992-1995
BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) 316i Compact (102 HP) | 1994-2000
BMW 5 Series (E28) 520i (125 HP) | 1981-1987
BMW 5 Series (E28) 520i (129 HP) | 1985-1987
BMW 5 Series (E28) 525e (122 HP) | 1981-1987
BMW 5 Series (E28) 520i (150 HP) | 1986-1990
BMW 5 Series (E28) 525e (125 HP) | 1983-1987
BMW 5 Series (E28) 525e (129 HP) | 1984-1987
BMW 5 Series (E34) 518i (113 HP) | 1989-1995
BMW 5 Series (E34) 518i (115 HP) | 1989-1996
BMW 5 Series (E34) 520i (129 HP) | 1988-1991
BMW 5 Series (E34) 525i (170 HP) | 1988-1991
BMW 7 Series (E32) 750i L V12 [2 Filters Required] (300 HP) | 1987-1994
BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Ci [2 Filters Required] (326 HP) | 1994-1996
BMW 8 Series (E31) 850CSi [2 Filters Required] (380 HP) | 1993-1999
BMW 8 Series (E31) 850i [2 Filters Required] (300 HP) | 1989-1993
BMW Z1 2.5 (170 HP) | 1988-1991
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen B12 (E31) 5.0 V12 (351 HP) | 1990-1994
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen B12 (E31) 5.7 V12 (416 HP) | 1992-1996
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen B3 (E30) 2.7 (204 HP) | 1987-1992
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen C1 (E30) 2.3 (170 HP) | 1983-1985
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen C1 (E30) 2.5 (190 HP) | 1986-1988
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen C2 (E30) 2.5 (185 HP) | 1985-1988
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen C2 (E30) 2.7 (204 HP) | 1987
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen C2 (E30) 2.7 (209 HP) | 1986-1987
BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen Roadster (Z1) 2.7 (200 HP) | 1990-1991

V12 models marked [2 Filters Required] use two FB117/01 filters.

OEM Cross Reference (BMC): BMW 13721247842, 13721287681, 13721707050, 13721715880, 13721715881, 13721720861, 13721734682; GM 25062209; FORD 5017853, 870X9601RA

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. As specialists in European performance, we only stock components that meet or exceed the requirements of the M20 Straight-Six engine family. Your BMW deserves the same filtration technology used by top-tier racing teams.

Common Questions

Will this panel filter fit my BMW E30 325i or E36 318i?
Yes, this BMC drop-in panel filter (part FB117/01) is a direct fit for the factory airbox on E30 325e/325i/325ix (M20 2.5L/2.7L) and E30/E36 318i and 318is (M10/M40/M42/M43 1.8L) models, as well as M20-powered E28 and E34 5 Series models.

Which E34 525i engines does this filter fit?
This filter is engineered for 1988-1991 E34 525i models equipped with the 12-valve M20B25 engine, as well as international E34 518i (M40/M43) and 520i (M20) models.

What is included in the box?
The package includes one pre-oiled BMC FB117/01 high-flow replacement panel air filter ready to drop into your factory airbox.

Can this air filter be washed and reused?
Yes, the multi-layered cotton gauze media and epoxy-coated alloy mesh are fully washable and can be cleaned and re-oiled using a standard filter regeneration kit.

Do I need to modify my stock airbox for installation?
Installation is a direct drop-in replacement for the factory paper element using BMC's single-piece Full Moulding frame, requiring zero modifications to the stock airbox.

Fitment

Make	BMWALPINABertone
Engine Size	1.6L 1.8L 2.0L 2.3L 2.5L 2.7L 5.0L 5.7L
Year	1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

Estimated Time: 20-30 Minutes
Difficulty: 2/10 - Straightforward driveway maintenance with basic hand tools.

Tools You Will Need

10mm socket or open-end wrench (for battery terminal & airbox bracket nuts)
Flathead screwdriver (medium, for stubborn airbox spring clips)
Precision pick tool or small flathead (for releasing the Bosch AFM electrical wire bail)
Shop vacuum or lint-free microfiber towel (to clear out lower airbox debris)

Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the 1989-1992 BMW 3 Series, the OEM rubber intake boot (the "accordion bellows") downstream of the Air Flow Meter (AFM) becomes rock-hard and brittle with age. Never pull violently on the upper airbox lid while the boot is attached, or you will split the rubber ribs, causing massive unmetered air leaks and erratic Motronic hunting idle. Furthermore, do not pry off the AFM wire harness connector without depressing the metal wire bail clip first, or you will crack the vintage 30-year-old plastic connector housing.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent electrical shorts and reset base adaptation values.
Disconnect the AFM Harness: Locate the Bosch Air Flow Meter mounted directly to the top half of the air filter housing on your 1989-1992 BMW 3 Series. Use a precision pick tool to gently depress the square wire retaining bail, then slide the electrical multi-plug straight off the AFM.
Release the Airbox Retaining Clips: Release the four spring-steel retaining clips holding the upper and lower airbox halves together. If they are corroded or stiff, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the tension lips open.
Separate the Housing and Remove the Old Filter: Lift the upper airbox lid/AFM assembly upward just enough to clear the internal lip without over-stretching the rubber intake boot. Pull out the old, restrictive paper panel filter and discard it.
Clean the Lower Airbox Housing: Inspect the lower airbox basin for gravel, leaves, and road grit. Use a shop vacuum or a lint-free microfiber towel to completely clean the chamber before dropping in the new panel filter.

Phase 2: Installing the Performance Air Filter Panel for BMW E30 E34 E36

Seat the Performance Filter: Place the new Performance Air Filter Panel into the lower airbox tray of your 1989-1992 BMW 3 Series. Ensure the deep polyurethane/rubber sealing perimeter sits completely flush inside the lower housing groove with no pinched edges or gaps.
Align Housing Hinge Tabs: Lower the upper airbox/AFM lid over the new filter panel. Ensure the lower rear alignment tabs engage fully into their factory slots on the bottom housing before clamping down the lid.
Secure the Retaining Clips: Fasten the four spring-steel clips by hand or gently leverage them closed using a flathead screwdriver. Verify the lid is clamped uniformly around all four corners to prevent unmetered, unfiltered air bypass.
Reconnect the AFM Sensor: Slide the electrical multi-plug back onto the AFM housing until the metal wire bail clicks positively into the retaining detent.
Reconnect Battery and Perform Base Idle Adaptation: Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Turn the ignition key to position II (ON) for 5 seconds, then crank and start the engine. Do not touch the gas pedal or rev the engine for at least 20 to 30 seconds on initial start-up; allow the DME (ECU) to automatically settle and calculate base idle airflow trims.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1989-1992 BMW 3 Series. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.