This information is for the AWD transmission only, sorry RWD guys. I changed the transmission filter on my 2007 GS350 AWD at 62k miles. Took some pictures to share with the forum. This is not a how-to for dummies kind of post.
I used a shop rag to compare new fluid to old. After completely draining the fluid I found 600ml still in the pan! The AWD model has a much bigger oil pan and more magnets to collect the metal shavings. You can see all the metal bits stuck to the 6 magnets. Clean up the pan real good, wipe off all the gray metal bits. You can see chunks of metal in the old filter! The transmission fill hole is circled in red on the last pic.

 

I used the MityVac tool to collect all the old transmission fluid. It was 4 quarts (946Ml each) and 900Ml. Almost 5 quarts. The fill plug socket was 15/16" on a 1/2 breaker bar. I used the fluid pump tool, real pain in the azz under the car. I used duct tape to tape the filler hose to the driveshaft so it wouldn't come out during refill. Put just about all 5 quarts in, minus some left in the hose. Transmission shifts quicker and feels great now!
Part numbers:
3533030080 automatic transmission, filter GS350 w/AWD
3516860010 automatic transmission, pan gasket GS350

 

i have read/heard so much contradictory information regarding whether this needs changed/flushed. does anyone have any definitive knowledge here? thanks!

...and thanks serverTech, for the post and pictures!

 

Thanks for the pics!
There was a recent thread about filter change over here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...iy-w-pics.html

The conscious is if you want your transmission to last, change the fluid. But don't flush it unless if your having major transmission trouble and are facing an expensive rebuild. Canadian models specify changing the fluid every 96,000km.

 

That is very interesting! My car had 100,000Km (62K miles) on it. I assume all Canadian models have AWD. The AWD has a different transmission as a whole than the RWD model. Picture below shows the transfer case bolted on the back of the transmission which uses the transmissions fluid as well, its not separate fluid. The transfer case clutch pack has a pan under it with a magnet to clean too. I would say looking at how dirty mine was, and I had already done a fluid drain/refill about 11k miles ago. All AWD cars should drop the pan at 60k miles if you want to keep the car a long time. Or not and trade it in on a new one later, after the dealer tells you its "lifetime fluid". LOL