Would anyone recommend a K&N filter in a TDI?

Question

Hello Everyone,I have to change the rather brown air filter in my 1999 Golf TDI, as I thinkit is almost a year old (stamped Aug2002 on it... but I have only had thecar since march 2003 so I don't know when it was put in, I know the car hadregular service tho).My father can get a good price through a connection on those K&N filters, hewants to get one since you can just wash them, and keep using it over andover...My question, is it worth the price for one, or are the cheap VW filters thatI buy every year fine. I put on maybe 20-30K Kms a year, and I push the carpretty hard.

Pencilneck · Accepted Answer

IMHO, the K&N filter is more hype than fact. There are 2 ways you can increase air flow of a filter.... have a bigger filter, or have bigger holes in the fitler. Since you wouldn't be putting in a bigger air box.......

SteveH · Answer

Best reason for buying a K&N is that they're washable - so you willnever have to buy another filter again.Works out to be a significant saving if you do lot of miles / kilometersa years.

Erik Dillenkofer · Answer

Significant savings ... until you  a) overoil the filter and destroy the$400 MAF or b) underoil the filter and all the dirt getting through destroysthe $2,000 turbo.Take a look on  - you'll find plenty of usedones for sale due to turbo damage.

Joseph Meehan · Answer

I would not use one.

Little or difference. Very little gain in power, maybe even a little loss, no gain in mileage. While there is some evidence of possible engine damage, I also believe that is also very small and unlikely. Check out:

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In short, don't bother

Would anyone recommend a K&N filter in a TDI?

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