Air filter shelf life

[01_325ci]

Just got this filter from my local dealer and it looks very old... I couldn`t find any date on the box or filter itself, just a small code (B40312) that may relate to week and year? (week 03 year 2012?) just a wide guess I have no ideia... in fact it looks even older than that lol.

Paper feels a little hardened and darker than usual, that foam around feels like it could start to crumble at any moment... box has some spots/stains...

IDK, I am thinking in returning it and get from another brand/shop, should I bother? would you use it?

 

[Rand]

return..
foam might chunk off and get sucked in.
also looks very brittle.

 

[Hootbro]

Ditto on the return. I would want one with current fresh packaging.

 

[Hirev]

Wow I had air filters in vehicles more than 5 years that did not look that aged. Including a 10 year old motorcycle air filter. I would return it.

 

[Kira]

Describe your "local dealer".
Old LAPS, new LAPS, car dealership, thrift store, whatever.

 

[BaronHK]

That's a definite return. Just go to Walmart and get an air filter.

 

[01_325ci]

This is for an old car and I couldn`t find locally, I mean, I did but from some crap brand and I bet the dealer would be the best deal... I guess I was wrong lol.

Describe your "local dealer".
Old LAPS, new LAPS, car dealership, thrift store, whatever.

That's a definite return. Just go to Walmart and get an air filter.

Its a GM dealership, just updated my bio I am in SA -Brazil, no Walmarts around unfortunately.

Thanks everyone, I will return it and get online from MANN.

 

[Kira]

Be aware of the fact that storage in heat is hard on many plastics and foams.
Also, an ancient filter could've been OKed for a return.