Guys:

I have a 2004 A4 1.8t Automoatic 6-speed but it was manufactured in Germany. I purchased a K&N Air Filter for that model thinking that it was the same as the U.S. version -- it is not.

The filter was too small for the air box and now K&N is doing a measuring test with the OEM filter to see which one fits. Please be aware and dont go through the pain that I am going thru.

 

K&N filters in general are bad for our cars. The filter media oil gunks up the MAF sensor.

 

Yeah, and the MAF isn't cheap to replace either. I know first hand how K&N filters can kill an MAF. Not only does the oil tend to get all over the MAF, but by design it allows larger particles through it and over time it's kind of like sand blasting the really fine material that makes up the sensor.

 

So what IS Better? Stock? Or what about those green filters?

 

So what can we use to replae the OEM filter? There has to be something better than that... anyone have experience on the matter?

 

Rubbish! The only time oil will get on the MAF is if you over oil it. A new K&N will be just fine and it is supposed to last 50,000 miles before cleaning. For $45 buy a new one if it looks to be really dirty.[sm=trust_me.gif]

 

i agree with this statement i have been using my k&n for almost 60,000 and no prob. i have also cleened it and reoiled it myself and had no probs. as for letting in more dirt particals there has been test showing that it does. i have never heard of something bad hapining by it letting in some microscopic dirt particals.

 

I've had the K&N for about 10,000 miles now, and its still running smooth. I do know another person that put the K&N into there A4 and the MAF di get all gunked up. But he even blammed it on himself for over oiling, if you keep the oil down...its smooth sailing.[sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]

 

Agree! K&Ns are great and as long as you don't pour oil all over it, it will work great!

 

A tuner on Audiworld, subjected the K&N filter and several others to testing. He found that the factory Mann filter to be the best. The K&N filter flows the best, and there's a reason for that. Hold the filter up to light, you can see right through it. Take a cup of sand and shake it through the factory filter vs. the K&N. the K&N acts like a sifter! You are all correct that by using a K&N nothing will probably happen, but there have been many complaints of the MAF gunking up with the oil.