• Cold Air intake for Audi A3 (2015-2016) 1.8L L4 Engine
  • Cold Air intake for Audi A3 (2015-2016) 1.8L L4 Engine Default Title

Cold Air intake for Audi A3 (2015-2016) 1.8L L4 Engine

$189.99
$189.99
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Uncork Your EA888 Gen 3 TSI: Performance Cold Air Intake for Audi A3, VW GTI, Golf & Golf R

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for Audi A3, VW GTI, Golf, and Golf R owners running the potent EA888 Gen 3 TSI engine, whether it’s the 1.8L or the 2.0L variant. If you’re looking to wake up that turbo and get some real snap out of your ride, this is for you.

The Problem: Let’s be honest, the factory intake system on the EA888 Gen 3 TSI is built for compromise — primarily, keeping things quiet for the average commuter. But you’re not average. The stock airbox is often restrictive, full of baffles and tight bends that choke airflow, especially when that turbo starts spinning hard. This creates bottlenecks, slows down turbo spool, and limits the cooler, denser air your engine needs to make maximum power. I’ve seen these stock setups struggle on the dyno time and time again, leaving performance on the table for the EA888 Gen 3 TSI.

The Solution: We engineered this cold air intake system to correct those factory design flaws, delivering reliable performance and an addictive driving experience. By replacing the entire restrictive OEM setup with a smooth, wide-diameter induction path, this system ensures a higher volume of cooler, oxygen-rich air reaches your turbo. This isn’t just about sound; it’s about optimizing combustion, sharpening throttle response, improving turbo spool, and unlocking the true potential of your EA888 Gen 3 TSI across the entire RPM range.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Turbocharged Power Enhancement: You’ll feel a noticeable bump in both horsepower and torque — often up to 10% on these EA888 Gen 3 TSIs — thanks to better breathing. This translates to faster acceleration and a turbo that spools up quicker than stock. It’s the kind of seat-of-the-pants difference you can actually feel.
  • Optimized Air Charge & Response: By delivering a higher volume of cooler, denser air, your EA888 Gen 3 TSI can operate more efficiently. What does that mean for you? Less lag, more immediate throttle feedback, and a car that responds precisely when you ask it to. The hesitant feeling of the stock intake is gone.
  • Premium Build & Seamless Fitment: This isn’t some universal kit. It’s designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a direct bolt-on installation with all the necessary couplers, clamps, and hardware included. The high-flow performance filter is built to last, protecting your engine while maximizing airflow.
  • Aggressive Induction Note: Beyond the performance gains, you’ll get an awesome auditory upgrade. This intake lets you hear the distinct, aggressive growl of your turbocharged EA888 Gen 3 TSI, complete with those satisfying bypass valve sounds under load. It makes every drive more engaging.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2015-2017 Audi A3, VW GTI, Golf, Golf R
Engine Family EA888 Gen 3 TSI (1.8L & 2.0L Turbocharged)
Factory Ratings Ranging from ~170 HP / 184 lb-ft (1.8L) to ~292 HP / 280 lb-ft (2.0L Golf R)
Part Numbers

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • Audi A3 2015-2016 (1.8L L4 Turbocharged engine)
  • Volkswagen GTI 2015-2017 (2.0L L4 Turbocharged engine)
  • Volkswagen Golf R 2015-2017 (2.0L L4 Turbocharged engine)
  • Volkswagen Golf 2015-2017 (1.8L L4 Turbocharged engine)

Interchange Part Numbers:

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Audi

Engine Size
  • 1.8L

Year
  • 2015
  • 2016

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Basic hand tools, but requires patience with fragile factory plastics.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm Wrench or Socket (For battery terminals)
  • 8mm and 7mm Sockets with a short extension (For hose clamps)
  • T25 Torx Bit (For factory sensor and inlet housing screws)
  • Small Flathead Screwdriver or Panel Popper (For coaxing stubborn clips)
  • Silicone Spray Lubricant (To help release rubber mounting grommets)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The MQB platform and EA888.3 engine are notorious for a brittle hard-plastic coolant return line that runs directly over the top of the intake routing. If you lean your forearm on this line while wrestling the factory airbox out, it will snap, and you will be spraying G13 coolant all over your driveway. Route your arms around it, and be incredibly gentle when releasing the secondary air injection (SAI) plastic retaining rings, as heat cycles make them snap easily.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal on your 2015-2016 Audi A3 1.8L using a 10mm wrench. This prevents accidental short circuits and stops the ECU from throwing hard check engine codes when you disconnect vacuum or sensor lines.
  2. Disconnect the SAI and Vacuum Lines: Locate the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) hose attached to the factory airbox. Squeeze the ribbed plastic tabs at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions and carefully wiggle it off. If it is stuck, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the plastic retaining tabs—do not force it.
  3. Loosen Intake Clamps: Using an 8mm socket, loosen the factory hose clamp securing the flexible, accordion-style rubber intake tube to the turbo inlet pipe near the firewall.
  4. Extract the Factory Airbox: Grab the OEM airbox firmly with both hands. It is held down by three rubber friction grommets. Pull straight up with a swift motion. If it fights you, hit the base of the rubber grommets with a quick blast of silicone spray lubricant.
  5. Remove the Turbo Inlet Pipe (If required by your kit): Unplug any factory routing sensors attached to the inlet. Use a T25 Torx to remove the single screw holding the plastic inlet elbow to the turbocharger housing. Twist the elbow counter-clockwise and pull it away from the turbo.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air intake for Audi A3 (2015-2016) 1.8L L4 Engine

  1. Transfer the Factory Hardware: Pull the rubber mounting grommets off the bottom of the OEM airbox you just removed. Push them onto the mounting pegs of your new aftermarket heat shield. Drop the heat shield into the engine bay, pressing down firmly so the grommets seat onto the factory chassis posts.
  2. Mount the Silicone Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the turbo inlet. Slide two worm-gear hose clamps over the coupler. Position the turbo-side clamp so it is easy to reach, and tighten it down securely using an 8mm socket.
  3. Install the Intake Tube and Transfer Sensors: Guide the new aluminum or roto-molded intake pipe through the heat shield and into the silicone coupler. Carefully plug your factory SAI hose into the machined port on the new pipe—push until you hear an audible "click" to ensure a leak-free seal. Tighten down the remaining hose clamps with your 8mm socket.
  4. Mount the High-Flow Filter: Slide the new cold air filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the heat shield enclosure. Ensure it has clearance from the sidewalls to prevent rubbing, then lock it down tightly with an 8mm socket.
  5. Initialize the ECU: Reconnect your negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Start the vehicle, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. The ECU needs this idle time to read the new airflow dynamics and adjust the fuel trims accordingly.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2015-2016 Audi A3 1.8L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]
Cold Air intake for Audi A3 (2015-2016) 1.8L L4 Engine

$189.99