just changed OEM with Fram and I can see why some have reported "less" air flow. Fram filter has about 50% less "surface" [folds] which causes less air flow. I just used the Fram for tonight but for those planning to do the cabin filter change, I would recommend using OEM. i will be sticking with all OEM filters since price differences is minimal but quality is much greater. This is also the easiest cabin filter change I have done. it literally took less than a minute [empty glove box]. three filter numbers as a references for future doers. with 20k on ODO, Air filter was dirty but cabin filter wasn't as dirty and probably could have use another 10k before changing. with OEM oil filter comes with two rubber ring gasket and one plastic plug. after i spill oil over the oil filter casing, i learned that it is use for draining oil out of the metal casing before removal to minimize oil spill [should have read the instruction beforehand]. clearly OEM oil filter is the recommendation I will make for DIY folks.

-- air --
17801-0P050

-- oil --
04152-YZZA1

-- cabin --
EL 1B

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I think Sewell probably has the best price for the cabin filters, as well as engine air filters and oil filters.

Thanks for the info and definitely going to stick with OEM for filters.

 

mine is always at circ mode but after I did the change and started the ignition to test, it faulted to recirc. not sure if removing the cover triggered recirc or not but I have always set the mode in circ. I didn't see anything inside that may interfere and the filter is placed about an inch above the fan so nothing else will "touch/interfere" the filter placement. all works find but I do notice little weaker air flow. I will probably go back to OEM next spring time.

 

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/pdf/ac_filter-2.pdf

 

attached is the pic of inside. there is absolutely nothing inside that may come into contact with cabin filter. Pic is with vehicle in CIRC mode and filter removed. attached PDF reference from Sewell are for non RX models. I use to have 05LS and dealer changed one time but I don't remember changing cabin filter whole 6 years I had the vehicle but I think it was similar setup as the RX. seems like all vehicles now days come with cabin filter system but MB and few other luxury vehicles I had were more work than current RX.

 

Yup, did mine over the weekend. Super simple and cheap. Got the cabin filter from Sewell too. I tried Fram once but didn't like how thick it was compared to OEM. Air does not flow through as easily.

Lil tip, after removing the shelf inside the glove compartment there will be an L-shaped black cover (removed in sightdev's picture above along with white cover keeping the filter in). Push the black cover up to release the tabs on the bottom. The first time is the worst because it seems like everything is stuck a little.

 

A while ago I bought the Fram filter. I was surprised/disappointed to see how flimsy it was. As someone else mentioned, the difference in the number of pleats is huge--16vs35. The Fram was black-ish so I assume that's the "charcoal" and it supposedly has arm and hammer baking soda, but I can't help but believe that the more pleats the better the filtering. Anyone know for sure?

 

So, why has the Fram gotten so many rave reviews?

 

I would stick with OEM filters, especially they are going for a special price as a Clublexus member with Sewell Lexus. OEM filters have much high quality standards compared to aftermarket replacements.

 

Last time I bought an OEM cabin filter, it was one of the cheaper edition ones. Have they gone back to the quality stuff?

 

For air and cabin filters, there are many aftermarket selections out there. Mann, Beck Arnley, Fram, Wix, Purolator etc. Mann, Beck Arnley and Purolator are one of the best ones out there. They have comparable quality to OEM Toyota quality. I've used air filters from Mann, Beck Arnley and TYC and there are pretty good quality. However, I went with Toyota OEM parts for both of my Lexus vehicles because of the Sewell CL special pricing. With the special pricing, it was even cheaper to get it from Sewell than getting aftermarket filters from Amazon and Ebay. Anyhow, I think for the same or similar price, I would stick with OEM. OEM always have better quality control than aftermarket. This is pretty much given. A quick comparison of Philips HID equipment is definitely better than aftermarket ballasts and bulbs. Philips actually put more time and money in QC and test runs.

For the RX350, I am going with the K&N engine air filter for more airflow as a performance upgrade. I actually have the Blitz LM engine air filter for my IS350.
But for cabin filters, I don't really need more airflow for performance, so I will just stick with OEM for best filtration.

Kind of off-topic, but for oil filters, I always went with OEM. I don't to run the risk of saving a few dollars and going with aftermarket. The engine is a critical component and Sewell sells oil filters for less than $4.00 each. Perhaps upgrading to a high quality engine oil will yield performance gains. An aftermarket oil filter won't really give you much advantage over the OEM oil filter.

Just my 2 cents =)

 

I put the Fram Fresh cabin filters in my 2007 RX. You can get them on Amazon. Buy a couple and the shipping is free.

The FRAM Fresh Breeze® Cabin air filter is the only cabin air filter that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of ARM & HAMMER® baking soda. These two powerhouse brands have joined forces to help absorb odors and freshen the air.

Premium Efficiency - Filters 98% of road dust and road pollen.

Odor Absorption - Arm & Hammer® baking soda combined with carbon embedded into the filter assist in cleaning outside air flowing through the vehicle's ventilation system.

FRAM Fresh Breeze ® Cabin Air Filters can filter 98% of these contaminants from the air passing through the filter to improve your driving comfort.

 

Fram nor Purolator make engine air filter for 10-11RX350 as of last month. Its the same filter use in 2011 Sienna so I assume these filters will eventually make it to after market makers. price if purchase from Toyota dealer is about same for both OEM and after market so I am planning on staying with OEM. sometimes both of my Lexus dealers give me discount on parts because I have purchased my current and past Lexus from them so I pickup a touch-up paint for $10[price at Toyota dealer] which is normally $13.

 

OK, here's a heads-up for you folks regarding the cabin air filters. Hopefully the pics I took will work, but in case they don't here's a description: I had ordered a Fram arm and hammer filter and didn't like what it looked like compared to my oem--1/2 the number of pleats. So, like many here, I ordered from Sewell for $15 each. The Sewell looked much like the Fram and maybe a little flimsier. I called Sewell and he double checked the part # 87139YZZ08 and assured me that that's what they put in all their cars. I called my local dealer (Northboro) described my original and he said that's what he has also and gave me a part #8713907010. Their price was $37. I called another dealer(Watertown) was given the same part # and a price of $48.
I'll let you all decide for yourselves. I'm going to stick with my Northboro filter and send the Sewell filter back--the build quality is just so much better.
I do find it Very strange though, given that they are all 'real' Lexus dealers. Maybe it's a regional thing?? Sewell in TX and I'm in New England. I don't know.
So, if the pictures work: the upper left is Sewell, the upper right is Fram, and the bottom one is my oem. The next 3 are closeups in the same order.