Apr 22 , 2026
Bosch 5100300356 Water Filter: Compatibility and Replacement
The Bosch 5100300356 is the current-generation replacement water filter for Bosch French door refrigerators manufactured in the last several years. If the water filter indicator on your Bosch fridge is flashing red and the model number 5100300356 matches what is printed on the old filter, this guide covers everything you need to know about replacement.
Bosch filters are less commonly stocked at big-box retailers than GE, LG, or Samsung equivalents. That is part of why people end up searching specifically by part number. This is a straightforward replacement once you know where to get the right cartridge.
What the 5100300356 Filters
The Bosch 5100300356 is a carbon block filter with NSF 42 and NSF 53 certifications. It reduces:
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Particulates and sediment
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia)
- Specific pharmaceuticals and VOCs
The filter uses activated carbon to adsorb contaminants as water passes through it. The carbon also provides fine mechanical filtration for particulates and sediment.
Rated capacity is 6 months of typical residential use or approximately 200 gallons of dispensed water, whichever comes first.
Which Bosch Models Use the 5100300356
The 5100300356 fits Bosch French door refrigerators manufactured roughly from 2019 forward. Specific model families include:
- B36CL80 series French door counter-depth models
- B36CD50 series counter-depth French door models
- Several 500 Series and 800 Series Bosch French door fridges
- Select Benchmark Series premium Bosch models
Bosch sometimes packages the same cartridge under multiple part numbers or with separate SKU labels. If your existing filter shows 5100300356 or the Bosch UltraClarity Pro label with that number, this is the correct replacement. If the filter shows a different Bosch part number (640565 or similar older numbers), the 5100300356 may or may not be the correct replacement. Check the user manual or service sticker for verification.
Where the Filter Is Located
On most Bosch French door models using the 5100300356, the filter is located in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment behind a small hinged door. The door swings down to reveal the filter, which sits in a vertical housing.
Some Bosch models place the filter at the bottom of the fridge behind a kick-plate grille. Less common for the 5100300356 but worth checking if the upper compartment does not have the filter.
Replacement Installation
Bosch kept the 5100300356 replacement process straightforward. Total time is typically 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 1. Open the filter access door in the fresh food compartment (or remove the bottom grille if the filter is underneath).
Step 2. Turn the old filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The filter releases and pulls out of the housing.
Step 3. Unbox the new 5100300356. Remove the protective caps from both ends of the cartridge.
Step 4. Align the new filter with the housing opening. The tabs on the cartridge body correspond to slots in the housing.
Step 5. Push the filter in fully and turn clockwise about a quarter turn until it locks. You will feel the detent.
Step 6. Close the filter access door.
Step 7. Flush the new filter by dispensing 2 to 3 gallons of water through the dispenser. Initial flow may be cloudy from air and carbon fines. This clears quickly.
Step 8. Reset the filter indicator. On most Bosch models, press and hold the Filter Reset button on the dispenser panel for 3 to 5 seconds until the indicator resets.
When to Replace
The 5100300356 is rated for 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first. The fridge's filter indicator uses time-based estimation, though some Bosch models incorporate flow-based tracking as well.
Signs to replace beyond the indicator:
- Flow rate at the water dispenser noticeably slower than when new
- Ice production slowing or inconsistent
- Any chlorine taste or off taste returning
- Cloudiness or visible particles in dispensed water
- The filter has been in service for 6 months on the calendar
Most households replace on the 6-month schedule before reaching the gallon limit.
Authentic Bosch vs Aftermarket Options
Authentic Bosch 5100300356 filters run $60 to $85. Aftermarket 5100300356-compatible filters run $20 to $40.
The 5100300356 is a newer filter, so the aftermarket market has fewer options than for the GE MWF or LG LT1000P. Fewer brands means less competitive pricing on the aftermarket side, but also fewer quality-control issues with untested compatibility.
Authentic Bosch is the right call when:
- Fridge is under warranty
- Aftermarket filters have not fit properly in the past
- Premium Bosch purchase where filter cost is a small fraction of fridge cost
Quality aftermarket is the right call when:
- Fridge is out of warranty
- Buyer has used aftermarket filters successfully in other appliances
- NSF 42 and NSF 53 certification is confirmed on the aftermarket product
Reliable aftermarket brands for the 5100300356 include Waterdrop and AquaCrest. Both carry NSF certification and generally fit and perform well. Other brands may or may not.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Filter will not lock into housing. Usually alignment. The cartridge tabs need to align with housing slots before turning. If rotated incorrectly at insertion, the filter will not engage. Pull out, align tabs, push straight in, then turn clockwise.
Water dispenses slowly after replacement. First 2 to 3 gallons will be slower as air clears the line. If slow flow continues past the initial flush, confirm the filter is fully locked and check that the fridge water supply is fully open.
Filter indicator does not reset. Hold the Filter Reset button for a full 3 to 5 seconds. On some Bosch models, the reset is a multi-step menu rather than a dedicated button. User manual has the specific procedure.
Water has a taste after new filter. Flush 3 to 4 gallons through the dispenser. Loose carbon fines from new media can affect initial taste. Extended flushing resolves it.
Filter indicator turns red again within days of replacement. Reset probably did not complete. Hold the Filter Reset button again for 3 to 5 seconds.
Other Bosch Filter Models
Bosch uses a few different filter cartridges across their fridge lineup. If 5100300356 does not match your fridge:
- 640565 — Older Bosch filter, still in many pre-2019 fridges
- UltraClarity (separate from UltraClarity Pro) — Older Bosch filter system
- Some Bosch fridges use third-party filters with Bosch branding, requiring cross-reference to identify
If you are unsure which Bosch filter fits, check the filter itself (model number is printed on the cartridge) or the Bosch user manual for your specific fridge.
Buying the 5100300356
Water Filters FAST stocks authentic Bosch 5100300356 filters and quality aftermarket alternatives. Same-day shipping on weekday orders placed before 1pm Central. Free shipping over $75. Satisfaction guarantee and 30-day returns on every filter.
If you need help confirming the correct filter for your Bosch fridge, call 855-789-FAST. Our support team can identify filters from photos, model numbers, or fridge service stickers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bosch 5100300356 the same as the UltraClarity Pro? Yes, in most current Bosch fridges. 5100300356 is the part number for the Bosch UltraClarity Pro cartridge. Bosch markets the filter under the UltraClarity Pro name while the actual part number is 5100300356.
How long does the Bosch 5100300356 filter last? 6 months or approximately 200 gallons, whichever comes first. Most households reach the 6-month time limit before the gallon rating.
Can I use a generic filter instead of the authentic Bosch 5100300356? Yes, when the aftermarket filter specifies 5100300356 compatibility and carries NSF 42 and NSF 53 certifications. Quality aftermarket filters can perform comparably to authentic Bosch at lower cost. Check reviews specific to your Bosch fridge model before ordering.
Does the 5100300356 remove fluoride? No. Standard refrigerator water filters including the 5100300356 are not rated for fluoride reduction. Reverse osmosis systems are typically required for fluoride removal.
Where is the filter located in a Bosch French door refrigerator? Most Bosch models with the 5100300356 locate the filter in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment behind a small hinged access door. Some models place the filter at the bottom behind a grille. The user manual has the specific location for your model.
Where can I buy a Bosch 5100300356 filter with fast shipping? Water Filters FAST stocks authentic Bosch 5100300356 filters with same-day shipping on weekday orders before 1pm Central. Free shipping over $75, satisfaction guarantee, and 30-day returns.
