I've only had mine since the start of this year. I've managed to meet a couple more guys since then (grey sedan & white wagon). True though - you don't see many Passats in Perth and I bought mine out of Townsville.
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Good to hear. Does it sound any different? It should definitely be getting a better supply of air, especially when you're moving. It's strange why they blocked that side off. I had a look at our Golf 1.4TSi and the airbox side is open from the factory. There is no air coming in from the other side at all. I was going to modify my Passat but ordered an an R600 from ECS yesterday. It looks like I got the last one as now they have no stock. Aus$760 delivered and tracking says here in 8 days.
Racingline - VWR12G7R601 - VWR R600 Intake Closed Airbox System - Cotton Filter