looked under the bonnet of my superb 130 tdi today - even after removing the plastic shroud on top of the engine i couldnt find the air filter - anyone give us a clue? - thanks

You need to remove the plastic cover to the right of the engine, above the offside wheelarch. Under the cover is a squarish plastic box with a lid retained by wire clips. The air filter lives in here. Be careful not to damage the MAF or dislodge any vac pipes whilst you are in there. I took the box right out in order to do a proper cleaning job.

VAG air filters are generally choked with dirt before the stipulated renewal mileage. The box will need a good clean out too.

rotodiesel.

thanks - much appreciated - will investigate tomorrow