Help needed please. I have been wanting to change my air filter to a K&N since purchasing my car a week or two ago but the first time I attempted It felt stiff to remove! any way a few you tube video's later and confirming I hadnt done anything wrong I tried again today! Took off the MAF and conecting pipe at the back removed the intake and prepared to lif the cover off well it didnt budge I tried at the front and the back and unfortunately the cover snapped at the top up to the cutout for the oil!! absolutely gutted so my double fold question is why cant I get the cover off? and how much for a replacement for the mk 5 gti?
The Engine cover sits on 4 screw in posts with rubber Grommets. The safest way to remove the cover is to pull from the back first where its strongest and I mean PULL.
It may take a few goes but once 1 or 2 come loose you should be able to grab the cover by the sides (not a thin part of the cover!) and fully release.
There is no denying the design of this cover is Shat!
As far as a replacement cover goes you are looking at around £150 for a new one.
I would either get a used one or you could buy an aftermarket intake for that money new or used....have a look in the classifieds.
In future I would suggest using some general purpose grease and applying this to the screw and grommet - This will make removal far easier for next time.
Hope this helps.