Hi all,
I decide to change the engine air filter for the first time for my 2012 LS 460. Did a quick search on the web but there are so many choices....a bit overwhelm, I appreciate if someone can offer suggestions, especially if you did it recently.

 

Check your local dealer, here they cost about the same as aftermarket. If you must do the online thing Denso or Mahle (rhymes with Wall-E)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ir+filter,6192

 

The amount of filtering power on a genuine Lexus/Toyota filter is far superior to most aftermarket brands. Denso is the manufacturer for Toyota. Remember to get two filters.

 

I can vouch for VIC brand filters. They do match OEM specs. It's a Japanese premium brand. I also used their oil filters with good results.
Oh and they produce enhanced hepa-x cabin filters.

 

I would just buy the OEM filters, don’t overthink it.

 

Of course, oem is first choice. But nowadays markets are flooded with counterfeit toy/lex parts and filters especially. I have some samples here and if you don't know what to look for it's not distinguishable from the real thing, even if I lay them side by side. So some clients opt for dealer network sourced parts (on an expensive side at times) and some buy trusted replacements. There's obviously an 'ebay squad' but I've been burned more than twice buying ebay parts posing as oems.

 

Interesting strategy to minimize the risk of fake. Probably few/no VIC fakes. Popular brands are a likely target.

 

I would buy from a Lexus dealer online, then you can be sure they are OEM.

 

I push people to buy OEM as much as possible unfortunately I am seeing more and more OEM parts made in China and Mexico. Will quality suffer? I'd say realistically yes. Example: bought an OE transmission filter for my ES it's made in Mexico used to be a made in Japan part.

 

Thank you very much for all the replies. So OEM is the way to go!

 

I just go to o rilys or advance auto, They have wix air filter, One of the biggest

 

I (as well as a good number of others here) often use Bell Lexus in AZ for OEM parts. https://www.ebay.com/itm/23381016616...UAAOSw7aBVKFTa

And I like Discount Parts Monster too, as they're part of the South Florida Lexus dealer network and are local to me. https://www.discountpartsmonster.com...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

 

The three I feel are safe are OE from a dealer or Lexus parts now, or Denso/Mahle from Rockauto.

I've been using Denso from them across my Japanese cars air filters and Mahle/Mann/Hengst on my Germans air filters and oil filters in general since I like how Mann/Mahle makes cartridge filters.

However I've not seen issues with any brand on any car yet as long as it's something name brand....even just a store name brand generally won't cause an issue during normal service interval. If you go past it....well that's on you.

 

Quality air filters have a large number of pleats, this equals a large surface area to do the filtering. Lesser filters have less than half, they also feel flimsy, sometimes fit poorly and the media material allows more dirt through. If you live in a dry and or dusty climate or drive dirt roads, this will absolutely make a difference in engine life, power and efficiency. Even a cabin filter matters. I and others have found that wiper blade refills (rubber part only) from Toyota are inexpensive, last and work better. You just need to take a few minutes to dismantle the wiper blade. We love members asking newbie questions, and participating here.
On a home note, if you use high filtration filters in your home's HVAC system, be warned that you must check and change the filter multiple times in a year. Sometimes monthly. Especially with pet hair present. High filtration will clog quickly. It can become very expensive but if you want to reduce pet hair and dander, it works.

 

I’ve purchased some parts from Bell Lexus off EBay recently as well. They are one of few dealers that sell online for decent prices. I needed a rear cabin air filter for my 460L model and the OEM quality cabin filter is top notch. Made in Japan too.

I recently installed K&N air filters for my car, and so far the car has slightly more pick up and go. The accelerator pedal is even more sensitive to touch, and the car feels a little more snappy. It hasn’t done anything for improved MPG’s so far but I average around 19-20 MPG for both city/highway driving.

I am sure I would get even better gas mileage if I didn’t live in hilly San Diego because we have a lot of hills and steep canyons that ruin fuel economy and put added strain on the engine and trans. They’re barely any completely flat streets where I live unless it’s in the South Bay area like National City.