I haven't looked at mine yet because I have less than 10K miles, but I'm not surprised by the dark gray color of the filter. Air is terribly polluted; outdoor refrigeration units at work get clogged with cottonwood seed that goes from white to dark gray in just a few days. Be glad the filter is catching the stuff so your nose hairs and mucus don't have to.

 

At least we know the filters are working! lol

Since having my air filter changed at the 2-year service, I haven't smelled any gasoline or other fumes inside the iX. Is it possible they installed a better filter without me asking? lol