Which air filter for 2005 LGT?

I have a 2005 Legacy GT Turbo, Limited Edition

 

I'm seeing 2 part numbers:

 

16546AA10

16546AA12

 

Best Reference I've found is here:

 

http://www.fredbeansparts.com/pdfs/tools/sub-airfilter.pdf

 

Legacy 2005+ 200311-20060630 16546AA10A 25# + 30D 2005MY-2006MY

200511-200904 16546AA10A 253

200511-200904 16546AA12A 255, 30D

200902- 16546AA12A 253 + 255 + 36

 

Does this mean that both models are compatible with my LGT?

On ebay the "10A" version says non-turbo only, but looks like that might only be for later model years?

You want the 16546AA12A. Reading the Fred Beans parts number, look at the notes column. The 253 stands for the EJ253 which is the 2.5L NA engine and is used on 2005 to 2009 models. The 255 and 30D stand for the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) and EZ30D (3.0L) engines which used the same air filter and is used on 2005 to 2009 models.

Oddly, I just spoke with 2 subaru reps at 2 different dealers (provided my VIN), and both told me to go with the 10A instead of the 12A.

 

(Notice that the 10A on that list also says 25#, which means 253 or 255 for those model years apparently)

Go to Wal mart and buy a Fram air filter. Or your local auto parts store and see what they have.

 

I havea Perrin Panel filter in my 05 that I use a K&N cleaning kit on once a year. I've had it in there since Aug 04.

Oddly, I just spoke with 2 subaru reps at 2 different dealers (provided my VIN), and both told me to go with the 10A instead of the 12A.

 

(Notice that the 10A on that list also says 25#, which means 253 or 255 for those model years apparently)

 

Sure enough. I missed that. I appears you can use the 10A in the 05/06 versions.

these are the ones ive been using for over a year now- great build construction and clean air box after the filter

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/STP-Air-Filter/2008-Subaru-Legacy-AWD/_/N-jrq2iZajdep?itemIdentifier=904257_0_0_

Yeah I use the STP as well, never had an issue with clogging like others claim. But I also change mine every other oil change. Also all the Legacy trims use the same filter so you cant go wrong but you can be roped into spending more money

Which is better, STP or Fram? Or are they about the same? NAPA also makes air and oil filters but I have no idea how good or bad they are.

 

I've always used Purolator air and oil filters but their air filters have gone down in quality lately. They look flimsier and cheaply made.

 

edit: just noticed that except for the first letter, STP and Fram are the same part number. Are they the same?

STP - SA9997 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-ajdep?itemIdentifier=904257_0_0

Fram - CA9997 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Fram-Air-Filter/2005-Subaru-Legacy-AWD/_/N-jngwlZajdep?itemIdentifier=178800_0_0_

I have tried the Fram and Wix air filters, and both of them allowed some dust past the filter gasket. On the clean side of the air filter box, I can see a thin film of fine dust. I don't remember seeing that previously, with the OE filter, but maybe I was not paying attention. I just changed back to the OE filter, and I will see how that performs.

All filters pass some dust, it's just a question of acceptable and not acceptable particle sizes.

 

And that's why you need to clean the MAF from time to time.