Just put one of these in a 06 S and noticed the filter had two silicone like beads going down across the pleats . Anyone else notice the same with napa gold air filter? Man that clamp was a pain to put back on, but managed with needle nose vise grips.

 

Still running the stock airbox?!
Most folks run a CAI with an aftermarket filter of some-type....usually a lifetime fabric/foam one....
Extra SC whine, a bit of free HP, and maybe even a bit of a MPG boost!

 

MOST

I doubt that .... many here OK

but I doubt 1 in 100 owners even care this site exists or what a CAI is

and those difficult clamps? Be smart next time and just replace with a common 'screw' type hose clamp

or even

since we're talking the air side where the pressures and temps are comparatively low, just use a heavy duty "zip tie" - newer models do.

Those 'beads' are intended to be a reinforcement tool .... on a paper pool filter you find similar with a paper band glued down to lessen 'pleat collapse'

 

stock air box for now
thanks for info on filter