Thanks! Yeah, I read up on the filter element discussions while researching the best parts for this car, and was rather concerned that this car had the paper element for about a year with 8,000 miles with a broken airbox for who knows how long.

But based on my personal inspection of that element, including a tear down and the oil analysis results, I have to say I'm rather impressed with the Wix paper element. Which is rated for up to 10,000 miles and is actually owned by Mann to begin with. I think if you avoid the very cheap paper elements and stick with a quality part, you should be fine even with a paper filter.

That being said, I replaced it with a Mann Fleece filter because they are essentially the same price anyways. Also, I bought both Wix and Mann branded engine air filters, and I found that the Wix branded one seemed to be better built. With a even better outside seal and no flashing on top of the filter which can get loose and enter the engine. The Mann air filter actually had some excessive flashing on the top which makes me worried it could break apart over time and get into the engine. Again, on the Wix air filter box, it also shows Mann labeling.