Cabin air filter (don't pay high prices!)

[NeWave]

Mods, admins: If this can go somewhere more helpful put it there, please.
I didn't find this elsewhere, so I thought I'd pitch in.

On a mission to not pay such silly prices for a cabin air filter from the dealer, I did a little experiment.
I took measurements from the cabin filter in the smart and came with these findings...

If your Wal-Mart has the Fram FreshBreeze cabin air filters, CF10132 is a perfect fit! A little less thick, but it definately works. For about $16, I'd say that's a deal.
I dunno about cross references.. but that's a start!
Beat that, stealership!!

[SmartJoeMN]

Looks like Lexus GX470,RX350, and RX400h
Mazda MPV (2003)
Mistubishi Galant (08-09)
Mitsubishi Endeavor (06-09)
Toyota Avalon, Camry, Solara, Sienna

And if you google that part number, you also get some Prius forums.

[Macaw]

just bought one last month...live and learn!

[mdfortwoguy]

Does this have a charcoal impregnation like the OEM filter?

[Smartfor2guy]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

Does this have a charcoal impregnation like the OEM filter?

You get the impregnated when you pay at the dealer

[mdfortwoguy]

Yes, but if it maintains the functionality of the vehicle as delivered and designed, I don't mind.

[SuperGeek]

For charcoal pre-filter, I use this in on my home furnace/air handler intake, on top of the normal filter. They do wonders to attract and capture cat hair and even some larger dust. I have 4 cats and the charcoal definitely helps reduce litterbox aroma. Plus, I can use a high end 20 dollar 3M furnace filter and only change it every 3 months, changing the pre-filter only every couple of weeks (5 bucks a month to save 40 bucks a month).

I'm not sure if this can be velcro-strapped to the air filter mentioned earlier, but it's worth a shot. I can imagine getting about 20 Smart size prefilters out of this, and the rest can go to your home air intake.

Amazon.com: Honeywell/Enviracaire Preflilter...

Even 16 bucks for an air filter is too much, IMHO. But if it's once a year... maybe not so bad.

[WhiteNBlack08]

If you go to frams web site, and check out the specs for these filters, they are an activated "carbon" filter. Which is the same as activiated charcoal. So it should work the same as OEM.

[babybenz]

I know the filter is over 100 dollars at advanced auto lol

[spdickey]

Amazon.com: FRAM CF10132 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air...
$14.59

Overview FRAM® Fresh Breeze™ Cabin Air Filters use ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to absorb odors passing through the filter. Baking soda and activated carbon are embedded in the filter to freshen the air before you breath it. Say goodbye to smelly, stale air and hello to a deep breath of baking soda freshness.

ARM & HAMMER™ and the ARM & HAMMER logo are registered trademarks of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and are used under license. Instructions
Once you determine your specific FRAM Fresh Breeze Air Filter model number, click on the appropriate installation instructions below.
http://www.fram.com/pdf/caf/IB48.pdf