[DALAMT]

Genius fix rwmcm! I’m doing this on my ‘14 TDI asap.

 

[DALAMT]

I commend you on an awesome mod and write-up.
I am in the market for a diesel SUV, and the Touareg seems to fit the bill - performance, German, and towing. I was initially looking at 2016 models and stumbled on the issue w/ the intake water issue. Still interested in the vehicle I kept on looking for someone that may have found a solution - which some of you seem to have found.
I am certainly not uninterested in spending the time for a mod but wondering if perhaps I should look at an earlier model as an alternative.
It seems that this issue affects model years 2015-2017.
When I looked up parts for the 2014, it seems that the 2014 model shares the same intake as the models that have the issue. If it is the case, should they not also have this same issue? If not, what is different? Perhaps it's the difference in the shape of the light lens that is sufficient to change the hydrodynamics - whereby the water is deflected away from the intake.
I would be interested in any relevant insight you may have.
I have also looked into aftermarket intake and/or snorkel but have yet to find anything.

please advise.

My ‘14 has the same issue.

 

[DALAMT]

Remove the drain bung. Make a deflector to stop water running off the headlight. I did and no further problem.

I cut a "deflector" from a rubber floor mat (similar to a Weathertech) and mounted it between the headlight and the intake horn. Although I did not remove the drain bung, I did thoroughly clean it with Purple Power and boiling water to clear out any clogs. Many months later, I no longer have the issue of soggy filter.