TunedRX300

Pictures are great!
I can see an OEM oil filter made in Japan has steel tabs to reinforce 4 inlet holes. Other 4 have claws to grab sealing gasket so it does not separate from the oil fitler.
Buy OEM filter made in Japan or buy aftermarket filters, just my two cents.

Lextranny

Thanks! Yeah.....the original filter Made in Japan is better built. But...the problem is you can't find any OEM oil filters made in Japan!!! Perhaps, someone here knows?

TunedRX300

Monarch posted in Lexus Club Forum, apparently Toyota uses two suppliers and three designs:

"The 2001 RX300 shares the same Toyota 1MZ-FE engine with several other Toyota models. All 1993-2005 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE engines use the same Toyota oil filters. Toyota dealers price them lower than Lexus dealers do. There are 3 Toyota oil filters that are Toyota approved for use with the 1993-2005 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE engines.

1. Toyota 90915-20003 filter. This is the filter brand new 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE engines come with. It's designed by Nippondenso and made in Japan. Very few dealers carry it, but they can sometimes special order them and it's the most expensive filter.

2. Toyota 90915-08922 filter. It's made by Purolator here in the USA to Toyota's specifications. It's the least expensive filter ($3.87 each at 1sttoyotaparts.com) All dealers carry it.

3. Toyota 90915-YZZD1 filter. It's designed by Nippondenso and made in Thailand. All dealers carry it. Priced midway between the 90915-20003 and the 90915-08922"

MR_RX300

Well the place where I get my oil change..who is also a good friend...suggested to stick with the Lexus/Toyota brand....so I gave in and bought me a Toyota Air Filer..came to 26 bucks...boy was that baby dirty......
I will probably stick with the OEM brands in future..atleast I know if can't do harm....and concerning those that buy the Filters that are lifetime.........isn't it a pain to clean??? I thought you had to buy a separate cleaning solution and everything??? too much of a hassle..just buy a new one and throw it in!!!