Cabin air filter directionality?

[hachi0525]

So I decided to change my cabin air filters today (2020 M550). Does the arrow direction of the air flow actually matter? When I took out the filters, the filter closer to the interior had the arrow pointing to the interior (ie back) of the car. The other filter closer to the engine had the arrow in the opposite direction, pointing towards the engine. Can anyone confirm if this is correct (this is the first time they are being changed)? Thanks!

[Qsilver7]

So I decided to change my cabin air filters today (2020 M550). Does the arrow direction of the air flow actually matter? When I took out the filters, the filter closer to the interior had the arrow pointing to the interior (ie back) of the car. The other filter closer to the engine had the arrow in the opposite direction, pointing towards the engine. Can anyone confirm if this is correct (this is the first time they are being changed)? Thanks!

This is a common question for the dual micro-filter setup. But once you read the BMW TIS instructions that the arrows on the filters should point in the direction of air flow…then see how the airflow is designed in this dual baffle setup…the ARROWS should POINT TOWARD THE REAR of the car.

You can see the micro-filter replacement instructions, and an illustration of how the fresh air flows from the engine bay (HVAC blower) into the dual filter housing (as well as recirculated air):

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=730010&d=1731848074
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=730011&d=1731848074

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=730012&d=1636219044
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=730013&d=1636219044