Cabin filter Mann or OEM Honda

Btw some brands like Mann Filter include a short manual telling you the direction of the air flow.

This is my brand. Mann-Filter. Easy to replace.

FCP Euro has a lifetime replacement on parts from them, just buy from them and get free replacements of the currently available filters.

That's a cabin air filter from a Honda, probably a civic circa 2014-17. Having worked for Honda as a technician for several years, the pine needles are actually quite common since the filter sits horizontally above the blower motor, allowing things to fall on top of the filter and accumulate like this.

The air in my Arteon is starting to smell so I bought a new fancy Mann cabin filter from Pelican. All good so far.

With the special Castrol LL VW 50700 Diesel recommended oil and Mann filter, it costs me $35-40 myself. If you are in warranty though, it may be best to dealer service because despite legislation, it is worlds easier if you need warranty work and can prove you had it done at a franchised VW dealer.

Cabin Air Filters aka the Pollen filter they tried to sell you is remedial classes easy to change in most cars. My MK6 JSW was maybe 5 minutes with no tools? Cost was $10ish dollars for a Charcoal filter too.

Cabin filter I swapped out for a MANN filter so I could enable Air Care.

As for the smell, I would replace your cabin air filter. Your old one might have picked up moisture or some organic material. And if you get an option for it I would spend the few extra dollars and get a charcoal lined one. I should help with future smells.

In contract, I just bought a Mann filter for the cabin - and yes I know the difference between the engine and cabin filter - but the Mann did not have any such warning.

I couldn’t find a similar sized non-OEM filter, so I went OEM there too. But also, before you buy the cabin filter, try vacuuming the one that is in there. If you can get it pretty clean then don’t worry about a new one for another few thousand miles.