Help With A Question Regarding A 500 I HD2 Air Filter

[StihlsawuserMS361]

I know there is much discussion here about the "fines" getting into the combustion chamber on the 500I's and many posts about aftermarket air filters that reduce this intrusion.
My question is this:
I had recently surfed the Stihl USA website (not the one which directs to you a local dealer) and compared the "features" of the "500I" to the "500I W." The 500 I W mentions "The new HD2 air filter , made from PET material , featuring a radial seal which prevents the intake of fine particles", whereas in the 500I section of features there is no mention of this new filter. The illustration in the 500I W features appears to show the filter pleating with a darker / charcoal color of the filter. My 500I has the standard white color pleating.
Am I overthinking this, or are they one in the same or?
My limited parts manual lists the filter as 1144 140 4402. I tried, but found nothing on the 'net regarding differences or pictures. Is this just Stihl's marketing? Maybe Stihl's admission of a problem with fines?
Thanks to all for any insight and help.

 

[DND 9000]

The HD2 air filter was changed some years ago. Filter material went from black colour to white, to see dirt better. Your filter is white, that means you have the current version. The black one is nla.

 

[StihlsawuserMS361]

Thanks for your help DND.

Did they change any filtering capability, or just the color? Same filter, different color I take it

 

[johnwalt]

Thanks for your help DND.

Did they change any filtering capability, or just the color? Same filter, different color I take it

Pretty sure it’s the same material just different colour

 

[gggGary]

Just a got a 462 with that filter so looking into the cleaning drill.

Per Stihl:
Rinse away coarse dirt from the outside of the filter (3)
under running water.
► If the air filter (3) is damaged. Install a new air filter (3).
WARNING
Cleaning agent may cause irritation if it contacts the skin or
eyes.
► Observe the information supplied with the cleaning agent.
► Avoid contact with cleaning agents.
► In case of contact with the skin: Wash affected areas with
plenty of water and soap.
► In case of contact with the eyes: Rinse eyes with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
► Spray the outside and inside of the air filter (3) with STIHL
special cleaner or a cleaning agent with a pH value higher
than 12.
► Allow STIHL special cleaner or cleaning agent to act for 10
minutes.
► Use a soft brush to clean the outside of the air filter (3).
► Rinse the outside and inside of the air filter (3) under
running water.
► Allow air filter (3) to dry in the air.

WOW PH greater than 12 is really caustic. Straight ammonia, oven cleaner, tub and tile cleaner are all about PH 11-13
Thinking a buy a bottle of the stihl vario cleaner do a sniff test to see what it is...
Anyone got alternatives?