Used CTS Turbo intake question I purchased from An Audizine Memeber Is this common?

[B18b1ex]

First off let me say this I purchased a "used intake system" I knew was used as per the description it was supposed to be in good working order but just needed a little cleaning.

When I unboxed the item I noticed both filters have rust on the mesh and the cotton filter element had deteriorated badly in some places. I contacted the seller and his response to me was that everything is in good working order actually this is what he said "The filter itself is dirty not missing or damaged. It is a dry filter and all u need is a air hose to clean it. I only had it for a yr. it's a used part not brand new."

I'm going to post pictures you tell me what you think would happen if I were to hit this with an air hose to clean it. Let me know if these pictures show you an item that is usable in your opinion. Is this a common occurrence with this intake? The rest of it looks well though out and solid.












If he had told me I was just buying a used pipe and breather holder I would have offered a price commensurate with those items.
here is the listing: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...S5-Q5-SQ5-SOLD

Am I wrong for feeling deceived?
Thanks AZ

[jran76]

I'd try to clean it and see what happens. Doesn't look like what mine looked like after a year or so, but my conditions are pretty good (no snow, not much rain). Did you not get pics before you purchased? I don't like to buy anything without pics, and try to send very detailed pics and descriptions when I sell. I don't want any surprises either way....

[torinalth]

well, give it a shot to clean it first..... but looking at the pictures i don't have much hope. I personally wouldn't use it. but it's in your hands, not mine so who knows. give it a good clean and see how it turns out.

[fritze18]

Those filters have definitely seen better days. I wouldn't install that on my car without purchasing new filters.

On a side note, my buddy just finished parting out his Golf R, and he had a CTS intake. It was installed for about a year, and when we took it off, his filter looked exactly like the filter pictured above. Makes me wonder if CTS Turbo might be using low-quality filters.

[14S4GWM]

I would tap on something hard around the edges to get any loose dirt off and rinse from the inside out with some water that has some pressure behind it. If you rinse from the outside in you push the dirt inside where you don't want it. It does look pretty dirty. It amazes me that people sell stuff and don't clean it for decent pic. That always help the sale and may fetch a better price. I don't even look at dirty items for sale because that makes me think they don't take care of their shit.

edit: looking closer at the pics it does look like it's in pretty bad shape.

[B18b1ex]

I'd try to clean it and see what happens. Doesn't look like what mine looked like after a year or so, but my conditions are pretty good (no snow, not much rain). Did you not get pics before you purchased? I don't like to buy anything without pics, and try to send very detailed pics and descriptions when I sell. I don't want any surprises either way....

The pic in the Ad wasn't close up but I have made deals on this forum for years with no issue, so based on the description of being in good condition minus a little cleaning I purchased. Guess someone always has to mess things up. :(

well, give it a shot to clean it first..... but looking at the pictures i don't have much hope. I personally wouldn't use it. but it's in your hands, not mine so who knows. give it a good clean and see how it turns out.

Judging by the holes already in the filter material and the pink dust of the material falling a part I don't want to try to clean it with air hose, and certainly would not want the car breathing that.

[bhvrdr]

Hey Sean. Those filters are done. I wouldn't use them. It looks like the material is breaking down and would get sucked in over time. I just got another cts in the mail today to do testing on and I'm going to keep a close eye on it. I may just put a kn on there. I use the spulen breather filter.

Mike

[B18b1ex]

Hey Sean. Those filters are done. I wouldn't use them. It looks like the material is breaking down and would get sucked in over time. I just got another cts in the mail today to do testing on and I'm going to keep a close eye on it. I may just put a kn on there. I use the spulen breather filter.

Mike

Yeah Mike I had no intention of using the way they are the rest of the system seems solid I like its construction. I was hoping to see what would do with the track when we went back. Well my have to take another route. It's funny because we've been on this site along time you and I, damn near OG status. Never had any trust issues before.

[LINDW4LL]

Since the air filter material clearly has some deterioration issues, I wouldn't feel comfortable using it. I'd message the seller and request that he either take the system back, or issue a partial refund for a new filter. I'm guessing he'll issue the partial refund rather than deal with having to sell and ship it again.

If not, PayPal has your back and will solve it quickly.

[will13k7]

I guess dry filters don't take well to moisture and deteriorate like paper would?

[jran76]

One thing to point out.... The CTS filter just clears the headlight ballast. If you use a non-CTS replacement, make sure it's not any longer than the CTS. You literally have less than 1/4" of clearance.

I can't see the pics that great on my phone, but agree with the others that if it is really deteriorating, I'd replace it. It does seem like maybe it got wet, and then dried out. I did see a couple similar issues on CTS intake filters on VW's when doing a quick search....

[B18b1ex]

One thing to point out.... The CTS filter just clears the headlight ballast. If you use a non-CTS replacement, make sure it's not any longer than the CTS. You literally have less than 1/4" of clearance.

I can't see the pics that great on my phone, but agree with the others that if it is really deteriorating, I'd replace it. It does seem like maybe it got wet, and then dried out. I did see a couple similar issues on CTS intake filters on VW's when doing a quick search....

Thanks for the info.

Has anyone replaced their units with a K&N, Vibrant or an AEM filters? I'm trying to find a suitable replacement and cost to have a place to negotiate from. Thanks Sean

[S4 00 2.7]

+1 return to seller or get some money back.

[bhvrdr]

Looks like this KN will fit...

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?prod=RU-3550

I wish I could find something a larger in diameter but with the same height.

This one is almost identical in size to the CTS and it also uses a woven instead of layered system that supposedly doesnt break up into debris. I've used greens before and they are good quality..

https://www.greenfilterusa.com/store/2356

Mike

[the4siswickid]

Anyone have any bad luck with AFE dry filters? I here they are great, but now I worry they will suffer the same fate, although they are drop in air box replacement....


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[jran76]

Wow, seeing those pics on my computer they look a lot worse. Pretty ugly for sure....

[The Fat Kid]

They look really bad. I would expect "used" condition to be usable, but those filters are breaking down.

I recently removed my CTS intake to take the car in for its 5k service; it looks pretty much new after a few months and ~3k miles without being garaged.

I would return it and buy a new one from Emmanuel (great seller) since they are on sale.

[CTS Turbo]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

[bhvrdr]

Nice job cts!

[johnstah]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

Awesome customer service. You have my business for life

[spitefulcheerio]

Sean, your brother came up to my store today...super cool dude. Let me know if I can help you out with anything on the car!

-Chris @ Elite Roads

[switchedstance]

Wow. CTS

[Executive]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

Wow, nice!

[bhvrdr]

Sean, your brother came up to my store today...super cool dude. Let me know if I can help you out with anything on the car!

-Chris @ Elite Roads

I didnt know you were with elite roads. I was actually referred to your shop about a year ago by a civic forum member stating you are the shop to go to for suspension work. I ended up going another route but I still have your shop as a bookmark.

Mike

[JoshDub]

Those filters are done. The seller is a dbag for claiming those are good.

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

That is over the top community support.

[14S4GWM]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

Nice work CTS but I would still go after the seller for some cash back to at least cover the shipping cost if not more.

[BernanksBeard]

That's so cool of CTS, this one good deed will make a lasting impression on many members here.

[LINDW4LL]

Get money for filter back from seller.

Get free filter thanks to CTS' very kind offer.

#profit


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[AudBoost]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

[B18b1ex]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

WOW, that is awesome! I have had some really great customer service this week! Seriously, way to stand by your products ESPECIALLY when you have absolutely no obligation to do so.

Email sent,
Thank you, it is greatly appreciated.

Sean

[B18b1ex]

Sean, your brother came up to my store today...super cool dude. Let me know if I can help you out with anything on the car!

-Chris @ Elite Roads

He's okay, not really that cool. JK :) Would have met you yesterday, you had just closed as I came by in the Black S4 loaner :(, we will get together with Mike and head to PBIR when the temps drop. I do have a wheel issue you may be of some help with.

[B18b1ex]

Nice work CTS but I would still go after the seller for some cash back to at least cover the shipping cost if not more.

He was telling me it was my fault for not asking for better pics, I'm waiting for him to make good, and further restore my faith in this forum I have been on for a little while. :)

[14S4GWM]

^That's BS, easy way out for him. He should have provided better pics. He knew what it was like.

[spitefulcheerio]

I didnt know you were with elite roads. I was actually referred to your shop about a year ago by a civic forum member stating you are the shop to go to for suspension work. I ended up going another route but I still have your shop as a bookmark.

Mike

My guys do fantastic work and have tons of experience with Audis...just did some H&Rs on a B8 A4 in fact. We also installed an RS4 grille that got me so jealous I had to go and order one for myself lol

Text me if there's anything I can help you with, bud. Least I can do after you let me bother you about the Chipwerke!

He's okay, not really that cool. JK :) Would have met you yesterday, you had just closed as I came by in the Black S4 loaner :(, we will get together with Mike and head to PBIR when the temps drop. I do have a wheel issue you may be of some help with.

Yeah man, I look forward to it!

[B18b1ex]

^That's BS, easy way out for him. He should have provided better pics. He knew what it was like.

If he took the pics I did i would have offered about 2/3 of his asking price maybe. After he saw the pics he should have made the offer to refund without me asking. Karma will handle it if he doesn't.

[Fociracr]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

WoW bad-ass, definitely keep you guys in mind for some of my next purchases.

[JoshDub]

He was telling me it was my fault for not asking for better pics, I'm waiting for him to make good, and further restore my faith in this forum I have been on for a little while. :)

It's your fault that he misrepresented his item? Riiiight.

I have been burned like this as well, a few time. Very rarely do I buy items from other members whether it be used, new, or member created. It's sad really, too many shit heads out there.

[B18b1ex]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

Big shout out to CTS Turbo for very quickly following thru on the new filters. The gentleman on the phone was great and made this experience much better.

As for the seller, well he is still blaming me for not asking for more detailed pics, and offering $30 refund which would only replace the small filter with shipping. Props to CTS for saving me for a Paypal battle with this fool. I will see if he even sends the refund he promised. I swear at this point he would have sent me pics that would have been deceiving anyway.

I have had more good iterations than bad, so Audizine still wins for me and I will just post the rest of the conversation here and in the SQ5 forum so people are aware of his actions.

[markskyline]

To the original poster, please drop us an email to: [email protected] Although you are the second owner of this kit we will send you a replacement filter set for the cost of shipping to FL. That will be less of a headache for both you and the seller.

This is exactly why I bring my car to Clay at CTS. I had the intake and exhaust installed a week after picking up my S4. Couldn't be more happier. Best people period.