Replacing the standard air filter

[Watts]

I was toying with a replacement panel filter such as a Pipercross or K&N but the general consensus was that unless you are going for a remap then it wouldn't make any difference. So, if sticking with the OEM one, how often should it be changed? Two services so far and no sign of it being changed so it will be a minimum of three years if left to VW. In the old days when I used to maintain my cars it'd be changed annually. So what do people think? Annually, every couple of years or just leave it to VW?

[TwoSheds]

For the UK/USA markets VW schedule its change at 90k.kms or at six years whichever is first.

Its personal choice of course if you want to change it earlier and there will be people here in one or other camp ie changing it earlier or who follow the manufacturers recommended schedule.

A filter costs about £20/£25 if you feel more comfortable changing it earlier.

[Watts]

Thanks TwoSheds, I think I might get it out and inspect it next week and replace if mucky. At £20 it's not worth worrying about compared to monthly depreciation!

[mcmaddy]

I put the Pipercross panel filter in mine on day 1. The size difference in depth is large to say the least. I haven't remapped mine either.

[mattwilko92]

In my opinion, a high performance air filter is only required when the car demands more air. In standard form the GTI doesn’t require more air intake. Therefore i will just be changing mine with the OEM/Mann filter. In fact i’ve just bought one from ebay for £16 if i remember. I work as an air conditioning engineer, and the air we breath is truely filthy, therefore i go off the basis of changing annually. For £16-£20 every year, you may as well.

[Watts]

Thanks for the inputs all, very helpful. I shall stick with standard and get it replaced pronto. Not that I want to replace the air box, but I wonder what effect the narrowing to the entry point makes? Probably overthinking this now, it's not like the car is short of go

[Watts]

Ordered a replacement filter at Eurocarparts, 37% holiday discount and free delivery! Just £14.48 Worth a look if anyone needs any basic parts. Discount code on the site but just in case, it was holiday75.

[Watts]

New filter arrived today, great service and excellent price from Eurocarparts

A five minute job well worth doing, new and old comparison after 18k miles and a smidge over 2 years:





But what the bloody buggery bo**ocks was this grille for??:



Seems designed specifically to disrupt air flow into the air filter! What with the constriction where the air enters I'm surprised the car can breathe at all! Anyway, with a bit of fiddling, that's come out. Should I have left it in? I don't recall having one on any previous car.

Does this site have a naughty words filter? It censored my 'bo**ocks' with a 'nuts'! Bloody and buggery was fine though

[TwoSheds]

That screen looks likes the snow screen which fits in the lower part of the air filter housing.

Fitted to some models.

[Exonian]

I tend to find I end up buying a new car instead of a new filter...