I popped the Air Filter Cover off, and now it just won't fit back on worth a damn.
If I clasp it over the front end of the Filter, the back is exposed, yet I cannot clasp the cover over the back, and it's just not fitting correctly.

What is the correct way to fit the cover?

 

a picture would help but first the filter should have the hump facing to the hood , if the filter has been install with the hump to the intake then leave it that way so the dirt it has captured wont be sucked into the engine.
then put all of the clamps to on top of the cowl cover fit the filter to the lower housing then fit the cover to the filter and the side EGR hose then fit the clamps to secure the filter

 

Ah-I bet the EGR hose is missing on my car...I saw tape over a hole on the intake cover...bet it was for the EGR ('89 S4)...

 

Sometimes they need a little jiggling to get it all aligned. As with everything on this car, take your time and have a gentle hand.

 

To me,silly questions are those whose subject doesnt give me ANY idea as to whether I could contribute anything or learn anything by looking at them. Mention superchargers, competition etc, Not for me. Mention CIS, 3 speeds, and a few other topics I have experience of or interest in, will read with interest.
Please tell us something of the issue at hand in the subject.
Apart from that gripe there are no silly questions, only silly answers.
jp 83 Euro S AT 52k