Air Filter. Time to replace???

[jsklair]

I got my ignition coil replaced FOC yesterday as part of the 28F5 recall, and while it was at VW they did their usual visual check.

A couple things came up, such as a split in the CV boot, and a broken air duct, which is all fair enough.

But they also say I need to replace my air filter.

My car is a 55 plate, and has done 46,000 miles.

According to the service schedule booklet:

"The air filter element is replaced and the housing cleared - (for vehicles driven more than 90,000 km / 60,000 miles in 6 years)"

My car is 6 years old, but hasn't hit 60,000 miles yet.

This is not written in the same manner as some service schedules, i.e. 6 years, or 60,000 miles, or whichever comes first.

That would make more sense, and conclusively mean I needed an air filter change.


Can anyone clarify the VW statement on what I need to do?

Thanks in advance.

[GTIStevie]

i thought air filter was changed at every service, its a fairly cheap item and the standard paper ones are pretty crap and easy to clog up.

[alexperkins]

Nope - standard air filter on these is about £25 a pop so not cheap

Its probably around time to replace it mate - they dont last forever, and the service schedule is only a guideline.

[robdf2]

Definatley change the air filter but do it yourself.
witht he engine cover in place my engine was pristine you could eat your dinner off of it , since changing to a cai my engine is covered in so much crap its insane , all this crap would usually go through into the standard air filter , so i would say do it. 

[jsklair]

Cheers for all the advice.

You're all probably right, I'll just replace the element myself.  Looking at the service history, it hasn't been replaced since the factory.


VW want to charge £38.03 to fit it.


I just did a quick ring round to see how much the part is:

VW: £17.86
German Swedish: £11.52 (Mann Filter)
Euro Car Parts: £15.90 (Both Bosch and Guttmann)

Should I go for the VW one, or is Mann a good brand?

Or is it worth getting a performance filter element:

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=33-2888

[alexperkins]

MANN make VWs air filters 

[jsklair]

MANN make VWs air filters 

Cheers, that's £26.51 saved!

[Tfsi_Mike]

Excuse for an ITG panel filter 

[jsklair]

Excuse for an ITG panel filter 

How much of a noticeable performance improvement will there be if I plonk in a performance filter element (be it ITG, K&N, etc...), and nothing else?

And which one is best?

[alexperkins]

Very very little. Maybe 1 or 2hp more

Main time for changing the airfilter to a higher flow one is for a remap!

Ive got a pipercross one in mine but thats only because im now stage 2

[jsklair]

Very very little. Maybe 1 or 2hp more

Main time for changing the airfilter to a higher flow one is for a remap!

Ive got a pipercross one in mine but thats only because im now stage 2

I've got no plans to get a stage 1 remap any time soon, so I think I'll stick with the MANN panel for now.

Thanks for all the advice.

[h4rdy]

You can wash a Pipercross/iTG/VWR etc etc panel filter.

As its not paper like OEM.

BTW Pipercross, I believe, make VWR so don't bother with that.

But save money in the long run.

Put a wanted up on here £15-£20ish second hand and give it a wash.

[h4rdy]

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,29993.0.html