BMW Repair: CHARCOAL AIR FILTER LOCATION IN 1997 328I BMW, allergy problems, carbon filters

Question
TO SAVE COSTS, I NEED TO LOCATE THE CHARCOAL AIR FILTER IN MY CAR. WHERE IS IT AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?

Answer
The carbon filters filter the outside air coming into the cabin.  Not sure exactly where they are on the 328, but they are either on the hood itself (near the hinge side), or just below that in the engine bay.  

These are easy and straightforward to remove and replace....BUT they are expensive.  I wouldn't do them as often as BMW recommends, unless you have allergy problems or really like cleaned air.