A filter element (100) that is to be mounted in a housing (102) has at least one substantially hollow cylindrical filter bellows (10, 20) designed to separate liquid from aerosol, and two cover elements (30, 40) designed to cover axial end regions (12, 14, 22, 24) of the filter bellows (10, 20). The axial end portions (12, 14, 22, 24) of the at least one filter bellows (10, 20) are pressed against the cover element (30, 40) by an axial compressing force. The at least one filter bellows (10, 20) is secured in the axial direction, and one respective sealing zone (16, 18, 26, 28) is formed between each filter (10, 20) and each cover element (30, 40).