Air filter change Volkswagen GTI 2006 - 2011 | Haynes Manuals

Servicing /

October 2025

3 minute read

Time

5 to 45 minutes

Difficulty

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Note: On four-cylinder BPY and five-cylinder engines, the air filter is in the engine cover

Four-cylinder timing belt engine (BPY)

1 Release the intake hose clamps at the rear of the engine cover and disconnect the intake hose from the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor (see below)

2 Engine cover details - five-cylinder engine shown, four-cylinder BPY models similar: 1 Intake hose clamp. 2 Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector. 3 Smaller hose. 4 Intake air duct screws

3 Disconnect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector

3 Remove the fresh air intake air duct mounting screws at the front of the engine cover

4 Lift the engine cover up from the right side of the ballstuds, then the left side, and remove the cover

5 Place the cover upside down on a bench and remove the filter housing mounting screws

6 Rotate the housing up and unhook it from the engine cover, then remove the filter from the housing

7 Clean the inside of the air filter housing with a damp cloth

8 Installation is the reverse of removal

Four-cylinder timing chain engines (CBFA and CCTA)

Note: To remove the engine cover, lift the cover up and off of the ballstuds

1 Release the air guide top cover clips and remove the top cover

2 Release the air guide lower clips and remove the guide

3 Remove the fasteners that secure the cover of the filter housing. On models so equipped, also detach the smaller hose from the front of the filter housing

4 Lift the cover up and remove the air filter element

5 Clean the inside of the air filter housing with a damp cloth

6 Installation is the reverse of removal

Five-cylinder engines

1 Release the intake hose clamp from the engine cover and disconnect the intake hose

2 Disconnect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector. On models so equipped, also detach the smaller hose from the front of the filter housing

3 Remove the fresh air intake air duct mounting screws at the front of the engine cover

4 Lift the cover up from the right side off of the ballstuds, then the left side, and remove the cover

5a Place the cover upside down on a bench and remove the filter housing mounting fasteners (see below)