Air Filters: Evolution for Cleaner Air

Hi.

The version A came from the factory with the extra sealing strip around the filter.

The replacement part is "B", which is slightly larger and no longer has a sealing strip around it.
Interestingly, you can move the filter within its housing... how is it supposed to seal properly?

I bought him a book of poetry, and he seems to be speechless.

m;

Hi,

I think that's because one filter is part of the original equipment, while the other is only supplied by aftermarket parts suppliers.

"I remember this from my time in quality control at a supplier of components for new vehicles. Almost 100% of the parts used for initial vehicle assembly were of high quality, while the parts shipped as replacement parts often had a higher defect rate."

Best regards, Rüdi.

After years of the seal-less "B" version of Mann-Filter being available on the market, there was another surprise today:

1K1 819 653 B, but from Valeo, and with a significantly different design.

ADVANTAGE: The VORTEIL frame is no longer made of "glue-soaked paper" but of foam material. This makes bending it easier, which is especially important during installation in the Passat (less so in the Golf 5), and reduces the risk of it almost tearing.

However, the new ones seem lighter, at least noticeably lighter than the 1-year-old "Man-B" version - there probably is less activated carbon in them.

m;

The Renault single-unit air conditioning system also has two different versions. The original version comes with a plastic frame and foam sealing tape, which requires the air filter housing to be disassembled extensively, and more than just a small cover needs to be removed. In the spare parts catalog, they are listed with a frame made of double-layered, glued cardboard. This cardboard can be slightly bent, and only then will it fit through a small, removable cover. If it fits back on, the filter insert is correctly installed. A pack of three (without activated carbon) costs 15 EUR. An original filter (without activated carbon) costs 18 EUR. Both versions are available with activated carbon, but the original version is only available as an aftermarket option. From the factory, it comes without activated carbon.