Cabin filter Mann or OEM Volkswagen

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.

Engine/Cabin filter; DIY with mann filters, should be like $50 for both

I went with the Mann filter to get Polyphenol for mold and bacteria protection along with the carbon.

This Mann cabin air filter is probably the best one I’ve ever used. I could be behind a diesel truck and smell nothing but clean air.

Approaching 7k miles on 2018 GSW S 4motion 6mt, loving the car. -Warranty work to clean musty smell out of HVAC system, and replace cabin filter. This was performed free during first oil change. Dealership was excellent throughout the process and told me to not run recirc before shutting the car off.

Go on amazon and look for a Mann Frecious Plus filter, its as good as it gets

I switched over to Mann biofilter and had positive results esp w/ smells.

I thought the real issue was the fact that the Atlas cabin filter is just paper, whereas they used to use carbon filter in other, older models. Thus, all outside smells can easily be entered into the cabin.

I replaced the cabin filter and it is still there.