FILTER ELEMENT

A filter element (1, 1') comprising a first pleated bellows (2, 2') manufactured from a first filter medium (3, 3'), is intended to provide a filter element which after some service life can be easily modified such that it again achieves sufficient filtering action, characterized in that a second pleated bellows (4, 4') is provided, which is manufactured from a second filter medium (5, 5'), wherein the second pleated bellows (4) is inserted into a recess (6) of the first pleated bellows (2) and wherein the edge (7) of the second pleated bellows (4) is partially or completely surrounded by the first pleated bellows (2), or wherein the second pleated bellows (4') is laid upon the first pleated bellows (2') such that the recess (6') is covered by the second pleated bellows (4') and the pleat peaks (12') of the pleated bellows (2', 4') are aligned with one another.