Audi A3: Air Intake Reviews and How to Install
A cold air intake kit could allow your Audi A3's engine to gain performance, get better gas consumption, and all while making it sound much better.
This article applies to the Audi A3 (2003-Present).
The factory air intake on your Audi was designed with noise in mind, and by noise, they clearly targeted noise suppression. The plastic air box is restrictive and meant to keep things quiet. An aftermarket intake will utilize larger diameter piping, cleaner bends and a design better intended to draw cold ambient air into the warm engine. Cold air intake kits are commonly considered to be the first modification when it comes to engine performance. They are easy to install, they are fairly priced, and the effects are always immediate. Read on to learn how to install a cold air intake kit to your Audi A3.
Table of Contents
How to Install Air Intake
Materials Needed
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Socket set
- Allen wrench
- Pliers
Step 1 – Remove negative battery terminal
Before you start, remove the negative (black) battery terminal, then wrap it in a towel to avoid touching any metal and creating a spark.
Step 2 – Remove air injection hose
Remove the air injection hose connected to the side of your air box. You can simply pull it out, and it will release.
Step 3 – Remove upper air box
Remove the eight screws holding the upper air box to the lower air box with your Phillips screwdriver. Then, use your pliers to release the clamp connecting the intake hose to the intake tube. Remove the intake hose, then remove the whole upper box.
Figure 3. Remove eight screws. 
Figure 4. Remove upper box.
Step 4 – Remove lower air box
Remove the fresh air intake lid by releasing the three retaining clips securing it in place. Remove the fresh air intake duct, you can just disengage it by pulling it apart. Using your Allen wrench, remove the bolts holding the lower box to your car. Finally, pull the lower air box up to remove it from the vehicle.
Figure 5. Remove lid. 
Figure 6. Remove bolts. 
Figure 7. Remove lower box.
Step 5 – Remove fresh air inlet duct
Remove the two screw that secure the fresh inlet duct to the vehicle, then remove the duct.
Step 6 – Install heat shield
Follow the specific instructions on the manual that came with your air intake system, and assemble the heat shield. You will need to install the trim on it, and you will need to assemble it together, as it comes in pieces. Install the heat shield where the lower box was installed, then secure it to the car.
Step 7 – Install intake tube
Install the silicone sleeve that goes between the intake tube and intake hose. Tighten its worm clamp with your flat head screwdriver. Before installing your intake hose, remove the mass air flow sensor from the old hose, and connect it to the new hose, then connect the intake hose to the silicone sleeve, and tighten the worm clamp. Connect the primary intake tube, which is the last tube, connected to the intake hose. Connect the air injector's hose to it, then tighten the clamp on its silicone sleeve.
Figure 10. Silicone sleeve. 
Figure 11. MAF sensor. 
Figure 12. Intake hose. 
Figure 13. Primary intake tube.
Step 8 – Install filter
Before installing the filter, connect the air injector's hose to the factory air injector's hose. Connect the filter, then tighten the worm clamp holding it in place. Finally, connect the mass air flow sensor's electrical connection, and connect the negative battery terminal.
Figure 14. Connect air filter. 
Figure 15. Connect MAF sensor.
Featured Video: 2.0t K&N Air Intake Installation
Air Intake Review
Air intake kits are designed to make your Audi A3 sound faster and go faster, and maybe even give you a fuel economy bump. This is easier said than done, because the real question is, what brand should you buy? Like anything else, each brand has its pros and cons, and it all depends on what's important to you. The sound may be the most important feature for you, and for someone else, it could be the performance, while the price is important for most. This guide will answer all your questions and accompany you in your air intake shopping process. Read on to learn about the different brands and their features.
K&N |
Injen | APR Carbonio |
Neuspeed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$275 | $234 | $224-324 | $265-379 |
Reusable Filter |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
Gains |
10 HP | 10 HP | 7 HP | 7 HP |
Construction |
Aluminum | Aluminum Stainless | Carbon Fiber | Plastic |
Warranty |
Million Mile Limited | Lifetime | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Best Value: K&N
K&N
Price – $275
Reusable Filter – Yes
Gains – 10 HP
Construction – Aluminum
Warranty – Million Mile Limited
The K&N cold air intake comes on top when it comes to reputation, and their million mile warranty proves how much they stand behind their products. This product will come designed specifically for your car, which means your old system will be out, and your new K&N will be installed in a matter of 90 minutes. This cold air intake kit will show some immediate effect, and with its high flow construction, you will also see a nice, positive change in your fuel consumption. Enthusiasts claim this product will make your car sound aggressive when you want it, which means you don't have to always sound mean, but you're always one step away from that. Recommended if you're looking for a reputable company with a great warranty.
Injen
Price – $234
Reusable Filter – Yes
Gains – 10 HP
Construction – Aluminum Stainless Steel
Warranty – Lifetime
This kit will force rich oxygen into your system, which will show a hefty increase in your performance. The kit comes with everything you need to get it installed, which means you won't need to use old clamps and bolts. You will always be faced with the option to choose the finish you desire, you can choose between polished or black, depending on your taste. The American-made product is covered by a lifetime warranty and a reusable warranty, so you don't ever have to worry about it again once it's in the vehicle. Some buyers have been disappointed in how thin the tubes were, as well as not noticing any change in fuel consumption. However, they all agree the performance and the sound have been improved tremendously. Recommended if you're looking for an increase in performance and sound.
APR Carbonio
Price – $224-324
Reusable Filter – Yes
Gains – 7 HP
Construction – Carbon Fiber
Warranty – 1 Year
If you're looking to make your engine compartment look different, this one will make people ask you questions. It comes in a unique-looking carbon fiber case, with the filter hidden. It will provide you with a low tone, which will still sound like you have some aftermarket parts under your hood. This kit is known for its fast response, as soon as you touch the gas pedal, it will provide. Some drivers have been complaining about this product changing its color to a yellowish color, due to the resin that was used to bond it together. Unfortunately, if it changes color after a year, there isn't much you can do about it, since the warranty will only be your friend for a year. This product will definitely add some horses to your engine. Recommended if you're looking for a unique product, and a fast pedal response.
Neuspeed
Price – $265-375
Reusable Filter – Yes
Gains – 7 HP
Construction – Plastic
Warranty – 1 Year
This kit will give you a nice increase in power; however, it will give you a much nicer increase if you tune your car. Some people complain that it is a bit restrictive due to its short pipe; however, if you don't mind adding your own touch to it, you can always make it longer. Many drivers claim that you lose low end power, but you will make it up with the top end power. This product comes in a variety of colors, so you can modify it any way you want to make it unique. This air intake will add some volume to your sound as well. It comes with a one year warranty, so try not to break it after the year. Recommended if you're looking for color options.
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