Removing engine cover for pre facelift RS?

[Gti Dave]

I had a quick read on this link I found prior to attempting to remove the engine cover to change the air filter but got stuck and don't want to go tugging it any harder in case I crack the darn thing.

Removing cover 2.0T FSI - VW GTI GLI JETTA AUDI A3 - 2006 VW Jetta GLI 2.0T FSI

How hard do you need to pull exactly and is there any specific technique or extra screws that I don't know about that is not outlined int he guide from the link above?

It should be as easy as undoing one or two things and then a tug but its stuck on or something? Won't budge. Any experiences?

[dodgey]

If it's anything like the engine cover for the MkV GTI, it's a PITA. I found it easier pulling it up from the back first, then wiggling it from left to right. There'll be some sounds like plastic cracking. In most cases, you'll be fine. There's a requirement for quite a large amount of force to pull it off. Basically, there are 4 holes in the plastic engine cover, and big rubber conical grommets attached to the engine block via plastic screws. Sometimes the grommets stay with the cover, and sometimes it stays on the engine block. I was lucky and didn't break my cover in the number of times I have pulled it off my old car.

After the first time, I greased the rubber grommets and it was much easier to remove after that.

Good luck