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Audi A3: How to Replace Air Filter

The air filter is the gate between the outside world and your engine. Learn how to replace it in the Audi A3 here.

By Bassem Girgis - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (1996-2008).

The air filter on the Audi A3 works hard to filter all the air going into the engine. The proper maintenance interval for the air filter is 50,000 miles, or bi-annually. Anything after that and the air filter starts getting clogged with dirt, which restricts the air going into the engine thus decreasing the engine's performance. Replacing the air filter is important and simple. This guide will show you how to replace the air filter so your Audi A3 can perform at its best.

Materials Needed

  • Pliers
  • Socket
  • T25 torx bit

The pictures are from a VW engine, which is identical to the Audi A3 2.0 Turbo TSI.

Step 1 – Remove hose on side of air box

The hose on the side of the air box is held in place by a clamp. You can squeeze the clamp with your fingers, then pull the hose out and away from the air box.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
Figure 1. Remove hose.

Step 2 – Remove MAF sensor

The mass air flow sensor is connected to the intake tube. You can remove that by squeezing the electrical harness' plastic tab, then pull it up.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
Figure 2. Remove MAF sensor.

Step 3 – Disconnect intake tube

Use your pliers to squeeze the intake tube's clamp, then slide it backwards towards the car. Use your hands to remove the intake tube off of the extension tube.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
Figure 3. Slide clamp off to disconnect intake tube.

Step 4 – Remove top screws

Remove the eight t25 torx screws around the air box. These screws are located around the air box, and two of them are around the intake tube. They hold the top of the air box to the bottom of the air box. When you remove all eight screws, remove the top of the air box along with the intake tube to reveal the filter.

  • AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
    Figure 4. Remove top eight screws.
  • AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
    Figure 5. Remove top eight screws.

Step 5 – Replace air filter

Remove the air filter and install the new one in its place.

Re-install everything else.

  • Install the top of the air box, and tighten the eight screws.
  • Connect the intake tube, and slide the clamp on it.
  • Install MAF sensor.
  • Install side hose to the air box.
AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACE REMOVE HOW TO
Figure 6. Replace air filter.

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