I feel embarrased asking about something so simple but today was my first time changing the air filter on my 2008 is350 with 48k miles. I bought a cheap air filter from autozone and got the filter in smoothly... The only problem now is I can't get the latches to snap back on it easily. I managed to get 3 out of 4 back on but the last one just won't budge. I'm applying quite a bit of pressure and force and i'm worried breaking the darn thing.

Any tips? Am I missing some sort of technique here?

Also question about the air filter... Does it really matter what brand to get?

 

I had the same issue, First just make sure the filter is seated correctly and that the filter box lid is on evenly. If thats all good than do as I did and latch down the clips in a different sequence. I can't remember what sequence I used but switching the order I was latching them down worked for me.

Good luck.