The K&N E-1996 is a reusable, round straight High-Flow engine air filter with oiled cotton gauze media, sized as a drop-in for the 4.2-liter V8 in the Audi A8 D4 generation. The manufacturer cross-references it to Audi part 4H0129620F, so it replaces the paper element in the factory airbox without modification. It suits buyers searching for a washable Audi A8 4.2 V8 intake filter or a reusable 4H0129620F replacement.
The case for paying more than a disposable filter rests on lifespan and airflow. The manufacturer says the element needs cleaning about every 75,000 miles under normal highway driving, and it carries K&N's lifetime limited warranty, subject to limitations. The manufacturer rates filtration efficiency at up to 99% and says its media is designed to support added horsepower and acceleration. Expect a modest change rather than a dramatic one. Owners on enthusiast forums describe sharper low-rpm throttle response, while one member's data logging showed little difference against a basic replacement filter.
Check fitment before ordering. The manufacturer's application line covers the 2011–2012 Audi A8 V8-4.2L fuel-injected model, and year coverage published elsewhere differs, so confirm your model year with the manufacturer. Two filters are required per vehicle. Owners on user forums describe the D4 job as roughly 20 minutes: remove the plastic shrouds and metal braces, loosen the clamps to swing the intake hose aside, remove the housing with a Torx bit, and vacuum out debris before installing the new elements.
Owners on user forums report that the A8 4.2 V8 uses two filter elements, and the product is required in a quantity of two per vehicle. Per the manufacturer, each package contains one filter.
Per the manufacturer, the filter generally needs cleaning about every 75,000 miles under normal highway driving. After cleaning, it is re-oiled at roughly 1.8 oz (53 ml), per the manufacturer's specification.
The manufacturer offers a lifetime limited warranty on its replacement filters, and limitations apply. Confirm the terms with the manufacturer before relying on coverage.
The manufacturer's application line lists the 2011–2012 Audi A8 V8-4.2L fuel-injected model. Published year ranges vary, so confirm coverage for your specific model year with the manufacturer before purchase.
This is a moderate-effort, tool-light job. Owners on user forums report about 20 minutes per car with a Torx bit and basic hand tools, after removing the plastic shrouds, the metal braces, and the intake hose clamps. Clean the airbox sealing surfaces and vacuum out debris first. Seat each filter against its airbox rail and center it left to right before refitting the lid and tightening its screws. The manufacturer warns that the filter may not seal if the procedure is skipped, which can lead to engine damage, so take care to fully reseat the intake hoses and clamps.
