nexus6

Following on from original posting I finally got the cheap key blade and shell which wasn't as described as I couldn't use the original key blade as I expected so contacted the Chinese vendor and got a refund on eBay. I then decided to opt for the above service and have been absolutely delighted with both product and service from this seller. I was even supplied with the keycode which I didn't previously have and just used photos of the blade as required. After telling the seller how pleased I was, he explained why the cheap versions which only offered blank blades were so unsuitable and told me that he had once tried to cut one of these cheap blades using his tungsten carbide cutter and it had broken it. The blades which he cuts are made by Silca which as most people know are a leading key manufacturer and the quality is obvious when you see it, so I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this chap wholeheartedly. It costs under £15 including signed for delivery which is a very good price so don't waste money on any other cheap offerings. End of thread I think!

I have been using V-Power on all my cars for years so that has obviously already made the difference and bears out what I said about the improved MPG I achieved in just less than a week of using the new filter without really trying. My son-in-law has an air line which he used to blow out the detritus from the performance filter on my Alpina last year and the same on my Boxster two years before that and I similarly decided not to re-oil the filters like you - didn't seem to affect things in anyway, but it's only recommended every 50k miles according to K & N so perhaps that's why it didn't matter? Anyway with a quoted life of 1 million miles you'd have to own the same car for a very long time to get your full moneys worth :D

Hi Colin, Have done a few short to medium runs with the K & N performance filter and I humbly concur with your comment about the additional noise under hard acceleration. This was rather more than I had anticipated so I would certainly advise anyone considering these filters to be aware of this since it's not to everyone's taste of course. However, although I was a little surprised by it, I do actually like the more powerful engine sound it provides compared to the slightly harsh revvy sound that it makes normally with the standard filter under hard acceleration - so it is down to personal taste and in normal driving it is not noticeable so to me the best of both worlds. I calculate that fuel consumption has decreased ever so slightly (despite using more hard acceleration to assess the increased sound and any power improvement and definitely not a "placebo effect" as you suggested) - I'd calculate about 1 mpg better on short runs and nearer 2-3 on a longer run, plus a very slight improvement in acceleration, but most noticeable was an improved throttle response instead of the slight hesitation and delay that usually occurs throughout the rev range. So all in all it was what I had hoped for and anticipated, with the exception of the aforementioned increased sound under hard acceleration which I do actually prefer. I will let you know if I do get any issues with the "MAF sensor getting coated with oil" as you put it - but again I find it hard to imagine that these filters are designed to cause such an issue and decrease engine efficiency - but I'll keep an open mind nonetheless and hope you're proved wrong about that aspect. It would be interesting to hear from anyone else who fits one of these in the meantime and/ or has experiences with either positive, negative or neutral results. Tony

Yes, but if you read the description you can use your existing blade, but it does also come with a blank blade as well if you need it. I've read it again, and can't see that Tony.Which bit makes you think you can use your existing blade? Sorry for the delay in replying but LOC stuff gas been going into my junk mail folder so only just saw it. The bit that I was referring to is where it says "alternatively take the blank blade to have it cut" ( haven't copied that exactly but words to that effect) which infers that you only need to cut the supplied blade if required and therefore are able to use your existing blade. Of course that may be a misunderstanding on my part due to the sellers translation. If so then clearly no different o all the other vendors of that type of product. I'll know once it arrives of course and if so then at least I've only wasted a couple of quid and I'll try one of the alternatives suggested above.

Yes, but if you read the description you can use your existing blade, but it does also come with a blank blade as well if you need it.

Not sure what you are reading but I didn't say anything of the sort. I said the stock filter isn't that restrictive so there is little to be gained by using a different filter on an unmodified engine. Never said K&N filters restrict airflow, what they don't do is filter the dirt particles as well as the OEM filter - because they are less restrictive. The drop-in filters do add a bit of noise, certainly not as much as a cone filter but they do add a little bit compared to the OEM filter. My apologies as I misread that first bit about restricting air intake. Nonetheless I can't quite understand why you are so against these K & N performance filters (marketed as "The World's Best Air Filter" by the way which may be a bit of a bold statement but can't just be ignored or pooh-poohed!) Anyway, I just received and fitted it today and the first thing I noticed was that it was actually a little quieter on tickover and I know I wasn't imagining it. I haven't been out in it yet to see whether it adds noise as you suggest but from past experience I wouldn't expect (or want) it to be noticeable especially on a quiet smooth running car like the Lexus. If I'm wrong I'll happily admit it once I've driven it tomorrow but I seriously doubt it will be noticeable from past experience on my previous cars.

Bought my 2005 RX300 SE a couple of weeks ago and just thought it was me being ham-fisted when I turned the key to start and the plastic fob broke off with the key blade still in the lock Fortunately I managed to get it out without too much hassle since I had my tools handy, but I imagine it must be nigh on impossible without having pliers or anything similar to hand! So it might be a good idea to keep some pliers in the car in case this happens to you! Anyway, having searched these forums and eBay it is obviously a very common problem (shame on Lexus to skimp on something this and then not admit it was poorly designed and then not providing a reasonably priced solution after all these years) Almost equally annoying, most of the aftermarket replacements come with uncut key blades (which can cause other issues not to mention additional cost) when all that's really needed for most it appears is a replacement plastic shell case. I nearly ordered one of these type, but luckily I came across the following on eBay so I've just ordered 2 ( in case the other one breaks in the future - and at this price it's daft not to) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOB-REMOTE-3-BUTTON-KEY-SHELL-CASES-FOR-LEXUS-GX470-IS300-RX300-GS300-RX330-/231743859089?hash=item35f502a991:g:U6MAAOSwgNRV7okk - I believe these links expire on eBay after 30days (?) but am sure these will become more popular in due course. I'll report back once they arrive as to suitability and quality, although it will be a while since delivery is about 2-3 weeks (supposed to be UK based but obviously drop-shipped from China in reality) but as its not urgent it should be worth the wait....hopefully. Meanwhile hope this may help anybody else in the meantime if it happens to them.

Well first you said that it restricted air flow and then you said that the 30%increase in air flow was debatable compared to a dirty OEM one, then you talk about more noise from this type of filter which is incorrect as it is the cone type that do that. You also say independent tests have proven that these filters don't filter air as well (unlike dirty OEM ones perhaps?) and then go on to say that any engine wear "caused by these filters" is not enough to worry about. Forgive my lack of confidence in the information you've provided but from past experience these filters do improve both economy and performance albeit by a small amount, but the point is that it is a discernible difference and simply that it elongates the life of the filter by a significant amount. So it's an improvement in efficiency, economy and servicing costs long term, end of story. Anyway after finding the information I originally requested about the filter fitting data, I ordered one before your last post and so will report back here with my own conclusions based on fact and experience in due course.

A very useful website and now added to my favourites! For others info, the site confirms that the Lexus part no. is 17801-20040 and fits the later RX300 plus the RX 350 and also the other market RX330

Will do having just been advised that the filter is the same size as the RX330 Will do having just been advised that the filter is the same size as the RX350

The K & N filter and others surely provide more air not less - approx 30% from what I've read so I can't understand why you are saying that? The question I'm asking is mainly about finding one that fits my car since none are listed for the later RX300 - I just really want to know if it is the same size filter as on the RX350?

Just bought my car and thought I'd change the air filter to one of the more breathable types like Pipercross and K & N but there are no listings for this model, only for the early pre-2003 RX300 and the later RX330. I tried calling the above two companies but they were unable to confirm if there is one that fits. Does anybody know if it's the same size for the RX330 or has anyone fitted a performance air filter of any kind please? I'm not expecting huge improvement in performance or economy but do know that it will make a slight difference, plus make for more efficient engine breathing, and also last much longer than standard paper filters, so I would really like to buy one if possible.