could the topic title fuel filter replace the 0 450 901 053 filter?
for fuel injection.

Depending on the manufacturer the replacement for that p/n could be a round metal, square plastic or a round metal/plastic filter. The filter doesn't see pump pressure so sufficient flow is the main consideration. This compatibility chart is from TheSamba. I would go to flaps and get a Wix 33198 which is square plastic.

Click to view attachment

Ray, I have been using this Mahle filter (311133511D) for a year without issue

NONE of the replacement filters lock into the slot other than Bosch and VW . They have a rib but they are useless. You have to strap the filter down with zip tie

It's a T3 filter, IIRC they used a type of Djet much like a 1.7

Jon, where did you pick one up? or have to buy online?

Picked mine up online at Rockauto. Most of my orders from there ship out of NJ so parts come in a day or two. BTW, the filter is Mahle KL11 OF. Here is the link, it is about half the price of other places online:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/mahle/cle...uel+filter,6200

Filter specs: https://catalog.mahle-aftermarket.com/eu/product.xhtml?eid=3

the mahle is round however, not cubical

I ordered from AutohausAZ. doesn't say OF, just KL11

The fuel press reg is built in to the filter?

on which one? OF or non-OF?

There is only one KL11 filter (some vendors leave out the OF suffix) and it does not have a pressure regulator built-in; it is a simple filter.