Every petrol and diesel engine depends on a steady supply of clean, filtered air to maintain the correct fuel-to-air ratio across the entire rev range. The air cleaner โ the complete filter housing and element assembly โ sits upstream of the throttle body or carburettor and prevents abrasive particles, dust, and moisture from entering the combustion chamber, where even a small amount of grit can score cylinder walls. A blocked or collapsing filter element is one of the most common causes of rough idling and reduced power, because a restricted intake starves the engine of oxygen and forces the management system to richen the mixture, which in turn raises fuel consumption noticeably. Filter elements should typically be replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, though the interval shortens significantly for cars used in dusty or rural environments. The OE part number guarantees that the replacement matches the housing dimensions, sealing lip profile, and filtration grade specified by the manufacturer โ a generic substitute with a slightly loose fit can allow unfiltered air to bypass the element entirely. Bosch and MAHLE are among the largest original-equipment filter suppliers, and their replacements carry the same OE cross-references as the units fitted at the factory across Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and the majority of European platforms.
Each air cleaner listed on this page is linked to specific vehicle configurations via TecDoc OE references. Use your car's make, model, year, and engine code in the vehicle selector to narrow the list down to compatible units. You can also check the part number printed on the label of your existing filter housing or element and cross-reference it against the OE numbers shown. The OE number accounts for housing shape, inlet diameter, and sealing geometry, so a confirmed match eliminates any compatibility risk at fitting time.
OEM air cleaners are manufactured to the vehicle builder's original specification, often by suppliers such as MANN-FILTER, MAHLE, or Bosch, and carry the exact OE reference. Quality aftermarket units from the same suppliers are produced to equivalent filtration standards and are fully interchangeable. Lower-cost alternatives may use thinner filter media or less precise housing dimensions, which can compromise filtration efficiency or allow bypass leakage around the sealing lip โ both of which eventually cause increased engine wear.
Most manufacturers specify a replacement interval of 15,000 to 20,000 miles, but this assumes typical driving conditions. Cars regularly driven on unpaved roads, building sites, or in areas with high pollen and dust levels should have the element inspected more frequently โ at least every 10,000 miles. A visual inspection tells you a lot: a dark grey or black element that no longer shows the white filter paper beneath the surface is overdue for replacement, even if the mileage interval hasn't been reached.
The most obvious symptom is reduced engine performance โ particularly sluggishness under acceleration โ as the engine management system struggles to compensate for the restricted air supply. Fuel consumption often rises noticeably because the system runs a richer mixture to maintain power. Some cars will illuminate the engine warning light when airflow readings from the mass airflow sensor drop below the expected range. A collapsed or damaged filter element can also allow unfiltered air to enter, leading to increased engine wear over time.
Showing 100 of 27,902 Air cleaner OE numbers. Enter the OE on the main OE search to jump to any reference.
