It could be original since the car looked to be neglected. I forgot to look for a manufactre date but it was almost completely black with dirt so I doubt it would still be visible. This filter was nasty there was more dirt on it but when I removed the access panel and as I had to pull the filter since it was stuck a bunch of dirt got lose and fell on top of me since the brilliant minds at vw decided to put it facing down under the dash. I have way more appreciation now for my toyotas with their easy filter changes