^^

its ghetto, but this is what i've done in the past 6 oil changes:

the oil filter casing has notches on it. place a towel around it, I get a thick flathead and place it against the notch and hit it with a hammer, it will break loose and start spinning. Never had a reason to buy that special tool

 

Take your pick......http://www.google.com/search?q=oil+filter+wrench

 

You never need any "special" tools. Our filters ARE spin-on filters lol, no cartridge inside like SOME vehicles.

Stop being ghetto and pay 2-5$ at the autoparts store for your filter opener, you might end up cracking the case that holds the filter to the engine and it will be more of a headache LOL! The thing that holds the filter to the engine is strong but not as strong as the ones built into the engines. (at least that's how it is on my 3uz).

hahaha boron, you're the man! I was just about to post this up.

 

amazon has the assenmacher one for around $20

 

And Opentip.com have it for $15.23 inc free delivery.
Or there's the Neiko one for $12 from Amazon

Plenty of options for wallet-friendly prices.

 

I first used RP back when i had a Turbo MR2 (SW20)
There was a CLEAR DIFFERENCE in performance. RP does wonders for turbo engines. I was very pleased. After the MR2 I got a BMW then a NA Porsche. The RP made no diff in them so I went to Amsoil / castrol Edge for the cleaning agents they provide.

I read some bashing a few post back. Not sure if they speak from experience or just hating. But i know quite a few who compete and they will tell you that oil is not oil. However there is no one oil thats right for every car.

Castrol works well in the Porsche. Tried M1, RP and amsoil w no performance dif. At least by feel. put in the edge and the car reved a bit better. still looking for the right oil on this Lex. I just changed w Quaker state full synthetic. Will give it a spin 2mro

 

I used to work for a distributor of RP oil and got to talk to their National sales manager, RP is basically Mobile 1 with their friction modifier (synerlec) added to it. Been using it in my 2002 Tacoma changing the oil once a year (90K), no leaks and runs great! ( In fact the engine block is rusting since it doesn't have any leaks! )

 

"You never need any "special" tools. Our filters ARE spin-on filters lol, no cartridge inside like SOME vehicles."

Actually the GS350 does have a cartridge inside the oil filter housing. I paid approx. $10 for the wrench at AutoZone.

 

Really? Interesting Bavaria. On the 430's there's no cartridge, I wonder why they do this on the 350's.

My apologies for the assumptions.

 

My dealer uses synthetic blend. For the price they charge, I think they should be using a fully synthetic. I'm also curious as to why a 5000 mile interval is required here in the U.S. as today's oils with synthetic technology seem to suggest longer intervals between changes. This 5000 mile interval seems like a waste of natural resources. Since i am under a CPO warranty, I dare not extend the intervals but i wish we could go at least 7500 miles. Even though our used oil is recycled, there is still an ecological impact associated with it. I think our government should mandate that auto manufacturers increase the interverval.

 

Keeps the money flowing - be political suicide to have the consumers spending less due to governmental diktat.
Auto industry would be up in arms unless there was some other benefit to offset the loss of revenue.

 

5000 miles is SAFE to be honest, some people let their car sit idle, you also don't factor in the sit-time in traffic, so 5000 miles is as safe as safe can get, you don't put miles while you're idle

Also, synthetic blend is garbage. That stuff's only like 2-3$ a quart i believe

 

3 years ago i saw that have RP 5 quart + RP oil filter at pepboys for $49.99, it was crazy deal.. used it in my G35, the car jump smoother

 

For my wifes RX, i did her first oil change with Mobil 1 synthetic, then after 5000 miles i sent a sample to Blackstone labs where they tested it. They told me i could go another 1500 miles miles so i changed her oil and next change i did at 6500 miles and sent another sample off. They came back again and said i could go another 1500 miles. So now it seems as 8000 miles is the target. I've been using toyota filter. For my GS, i've only done 1 oil change so far, but plan to change at 5000 and send a sample off.

 

I found this one that was made specifically for Lexus/Toyota. It's 64.25mm instead of the generic one labeled Type F, which is really a 65/67mm. The best part is it only costs a fraction of the OEM one from the stealers.