Cabin filter Fram or OEM Volkswagen

No, your MKIII probably never came with a cabin air filter from the VW Factory. The MKIII Owner's Manual shows the cabin air filter, but it had to be an option that nobody took. Some people have retrofitted their MKIIIs with cabin air filter parts from MKIVs (part look exactly like the parts pictured in the MKIII Owner's Manual. Very simple upgrade, you just have to remove the right side cowl from under the hood, take off the two plastic nuts that hold the MKIII ventilation system plastic screen in place, replace with the MKIV filter base, place a filter on top, had secure the filter in place with the snap on plastic filter retainer/holder.

There should be a mesh screen on the passenger side of the car, under the raintray. Other than catching leaves, it's pretty worthless. I installed a mk4 cabin filter in mine. It's a direct swap and the filter catches any dust, pollen, etc.

lol i did the cabin air filter, and i also threw in a dryer sheet and now my car smells like fresh dried laundry... HAHA!!!! seriously though it smells really good.. and i only gotta change the sheet about once every other week.....

I change my cabin filter every 20k or so. Otherwise it'll start to smell like feet/white chadder popcorn/eggs.

Note that changing your cabin air filter could help too.

Mk7 GTI, currently at 5k miles but strong mildew smell coming from the vents.. I know the cabin air filters will last at least 15-20k miles. Anyone have a similar issue?