My 1.9Tdi has 36,000 on the clock and isn't due another (variable) service until around 45000.

I noticed that it was running really rough around 2000 -2500 rpm - lumpy running on light throttle and a noticeable flat spot under hard acceleration. These things creep up on you slowly and take a while to notice but I drove a similar car that highlighted how bad mine had become.

I have seen a few threads suggesting that the 40,000 recommended change interval for the air filter is too long and after the dealer could find nothing wrong I asked 'em to change the air filter.

I have still to give it a long trip but initial impressions are the car is like new again - smooth acceleration all the way to 4000rpm.

I'll be getting the air filter changed at every service from now on!

No doubt you'll have seen this:

...in some of the threads you looked at - that's an old filter of mine after just 15k. These days, a new one goes in every 6 months, which is about 8 or 9k. Much better running, like you say

My 1.9Tdi has 36,000 on the clock and isn't due another (variable) service until around 45000.

I noticed that it was running really rough around 2000 -2500 rpm - lumpy running on light throttle and a noticeable flat spot under hard acceleration. These things creep up on you slowly and take a while to notice but I drove a similar car that highlighted how bad mine had become.

I have seen a few threads suggesting that the 40,000 recommended change interval for the air filter is too long and after the dealer could find nothing wrong I asked 'em to change the air filter.

I have still to give it a long trip but initial impressions are the car is like new again - smooth acceleration all the way to 4000rpm.

I'll be getting the air filter changed at every service from now on!

And right you are! The air filter should be checked frequently and changed when necessary. A new air filter is cheap anyway and can improve mpg, avoid early turbo problems and make the engine live longer.

Garages get pennies from changing air filters but hundreds of pounds from problems that can arise by not changing them.

Too true - it's why I always fit a 'proper' panel filter. With something from Green/Pipercross/K&N you get better performance and running, and they can be cleaned and reused.

40k recommended life for an OEM paper filter?!? :eek:

Steve

It's 60k miles I think, and I have changed them every 10k miles for a while now.

I used to change the air filter every 5-10k miles on old cars which I serviced myself, but after noticing similar problems on a MK I TDI I changed the air filter at about 36k miles and the old one looked like a lump of coal.

Shows you how far things are taken these days.

a performance filter usually has a recommendation for it to be cleaned for iirc around 5k and they are usually getting black at that point.

Indeed; I try to check them around that mileage. And then, instead of having to bin a paper one and replace it, a quick wash/clean as per the manufacturers instructions and a light spray of the filter lubricant oil you can buy and you're off again with a good as new filter

Steve

Is it easy to change the air filter on the 1.9tdi engine? Mine is on 28k miles and the engine does sound a rough rough so I think I might have a try at replacing mine.

Very easy - just two or three screws. It sits in the box on the right-hand side of the engine bay with a big hose running between it and the engine. Take out the screws, lift up the top section and the filter is sitting on top of the bottom section. Make sure the new filter is seated correctly when you put it in - some have a rubber rim that needs to be fitted around the top edge of the bottom section of the box - others have a spongy rim that's just squeezed between the two sections to make a seal...

HTH

Is it easy to change the air filter on the 1.9tdi engine? Mine is on 28k miles and the engine does sound a rough rough so I think I might have a try at replacing mine.

I was lazy! It was in at the dealers for the final bits to be sorted before the warranty ran out and I just asked 'em to change it :O

Have now done just shy of 100 miles since it was changed - it's like a new car! Completely smooth through the whole rev range. Definitely won't wait as long next time!

I do mine annually, just after autumn. Amazing the amount of crap in there, leaves, dead wasps, fag butts, sand...

£8 for a filter, and I make sure to vacuum out the bottom of the air box while I'm at it.