I live in Sweden and I ordered a IS250 some weeks ago - delivery in April!

I asked the sales person about the "overhead console" described in the Owner's Guide (section 3-4 "Using the Storage Features") , i.e. the compartment above your head where you can store sunglasses etc.

He said that it was not possible to order it for the Swedish market unfortunately.

Then I sent an e-mail to Lexus of Sweden and got the reply that it is [b]not possible[/b] to order this with an IS250 for the [b]European[/b] market yet.

Is this true also for UK, are you guys also missing out on this convenient compartment?

I'm currently overseas in the US and went to a Lexus dealer here to see that the overhead console seemed to be installed as standard (on a IS350, though). I asked if it was possible to buy it as a spare part/accessory, but the sales person said that it wasn't possible

I find it really annoying, it seems that the cavity in the roof already exists and that you would be able to replace the plastic "mock" thingy with the real thing, has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks for any input.

/Daniel

I saw the console in the US Manual and it is also in the UK manual but alas no console in my car, which as you say is a shame as they would be v. handy for sunglasses.

[quote name='saracen' date='Jan 5 2006, 07:25 PM']I saw the console in the US Manual and it is also in the UK manual but alas no console in my car, which as you say is a shame as they would be v. handy for sunglasses.
[right][snapback]318925[/snapback][/right][/quote]

It would be interesting to hear what the UK dealers say about this.
I just can't imagine why this seemingly "easy to install" option would be left out...

Oh well, I guess time will give us the option to order it sooner or later

if the part exists it can be ordered, all you need is the part number

In the Dutch manual it say (if fitted), and in picture with sunroof.

[quote name='Monster-Mat' date='Jan 5 2006, 08:07 PM']if the part exists it can be ordered, all you need is the part number
[right][snapback]318947[/snapback][/right][/quote]

How would I go about finding the part number?
Is there a Lexus web site for locating parts for ordering?

I took a picture of the "part" with my mobile phone, here it is:

[img]http://www.lexusclub.se/phpBB2/files/is350_sunglass_compartment_open_133.jpg[/img]

[quote name='gadgetfreak' date='Jan 6 2006, 01:31 PM'][quote name='Monster-Mat' date='Jan 5 2006, 08:07 PM']if the part exists it can be ordered, all you need is the part number
[right][snapback]318947[/snapback][/right][/quote]

How would I go about finding the part number?
Is there a Lexus web site for locating parts for ordering?

I took a picture of the "part" with my mobile phone, here it is:

[img]http://www.lexusclub.se/phpBB2/files/is350_sunglass_compartment_open_133.jpg[/img]
[right][snapback]319059[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

Do you have a picture of what is in its' place when the sunglass holder is not fitted?

[quote name='TonyDownunder' date='Jan 6 2006, 03:04 AM']Do you have a picture of what is in its' place when the sunglass holder is not fitted?
[right][snapback]319061[/snapback][/right][/quote]
From what I remember of Koshimi's is .... that there is just a blank plastic cover thing there.

[quote name='ScarFace' date='Jan 6 2006, 04:42 PM']From what I remember of Koshimi's is .... that there is just a blank plastic cover thing there.
[right][snapback]319065[/snapback][/right][/quote]
It would be good to know if just the blank plastic cover can be replaced or the whole light and moonroof control section has to be replaced. I will take a look next time I am in the dealer. I only take delivery at end of Feb so will probably take a couple of trips to vist one of my car's cousins before mine arrives.

They probably decided there are enough rattles built in to the model for europe so there was no need to add another

Gotta admit its the first Ive heard of the overheard console. I remember looking at the showroom and not seeing one. Not really a big miss for me!


D

[/quote]

Do you have a picture of what is in its' place when the sunglass holder is not fitted?
[right][snapback]319061[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

No, sorry I don't...but here it is with the compartment closed...

[img]http://www.lexusclub.se/phpBB2/files/is350_sunglass_compartment_closed_114.jpg[/img]

And thanks for helping out...

/Daniel

are you still in the states?

have you tried contacting a dealer here or Lexus parts distributor? I'm sure they can look up the part for you. For example:

[url="http://www.lexus-parts.com/prodlist.asp?ModelID=150"]http://www.lexus-parts.com/prodlist.asp?ModelID=150[/url]

Maybe you can have it shipped back home to you.

[quote name='knox_sportx' post='319440' date='Jan 7 2006, 06:31 AM']are you still in the states?

have you tried contacting a dealer here or Lexus parts distributor? I'm sure they can look up the part for you. For example:

[url="http://www.lexus-parts.com/prodlist.asp?ModelID=150"]http://www.lexus-parts.com/prodlist.asp?ModelID=150[/url]

Maybe you can have it shipped back home to you.[/quote]

Thanks for the advice.

I did go to the "Lexus of Charleston" dealer but they said there were no parts/accessories to order until later, March/April, something like that. They didn't unfortunately seem to be too interested in helping me more with the issue, they just stated "different markes have different options"

But if anyone knows or could find out the part number I would be very happy

/Daniel

Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help

[quote name='Monster-Mat' post='319941' date='Jan 9 2006, 01:09 AM']Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help[/quote]

I'm in Texas at the mo, I'll call in to Lexus and have a look/get part number/check availability.

Hello everyone.

The sunglass holder looks the same as the one in my 99 Aristo V300.
Have they fitted these in other models?

Would it be the same part?

Regards

Paul

[quote name='Tango' post='320075' date='Jan 9 2006, 05:20 PM'][quote name='Monster-Mat' post='319941' date='Jan 9 2006, 01:09 AM']
Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help[/quote]

I'm in Texas at the mo, I'll call in to Lexus and have a look/get part number/check availability.
[/quote]

Hey, that sounds great!
Let us know what you find out...

My UK model just has a blank panel where that compartment is shown. I have no sunroof so the panel is completely different with no dial control, just buttons for the reading lights and the maid door light.


Shown here:
[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=28182&st=0#"]http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...pic=28182&st=0#[/url]

Cross posting what I put on the USA forum.

You can go to this site and for $10 download and browse for 24 hrs. They have the service manuals and should have the part numbers.

[url="http://techinfo.lexus.com/"]http://techinfo.lexus.com/[/url]

[quote name='its_a_doozy' post='320317' date='Jan 11 2006, 02:51 AM']My UK model just has a blank panel where that compartment is shown. I have no sunroof so the panel is completely different with no dial control, just buttons for the reading lights and the maid door light.
Shown here:
[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=28182&st=0#"]http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...pic=28182&st=0#[/url][/quote]
Hopefully I have got to the bottom of this issue .

My Lexus dealer has advised that the sunglass holder has been pulled out of many markets to prevent possible litigation. The holder is great for a pair of Ray Ban aviators, but some of the larger styles such as D&G, Gucci and Dior are too big to fit easily. Naturally, at US$600.00 plus per pair, Lexus is scared of people damaging them trying to squeeze them into a small holder.

Seems to be a logical reason, else Lexus would offer it as an option which they are refusing to do. I can buy and install one myself, but Lexus won't have anything to do with it.

The plot thickens

Browsing the Lexus Japan website came across this IS250 sunglass holder. It is under the dealer fitted options.



Being a non-smoker am happy to lose the ashtray and lighter. In fact surprised to find a lighter at all.

Have a business associate in Japan so will try to find out more about it.

Other nice stuff as well at [url="http://lexus.jp/models/is/spec/accessory/interior.html"]http://lexus.jp/models/is/spec/accessory/interior.html[/url] although the descriptions don't make sense

There are clear disclaimers in the owners manual about the sunglass holder. One in particular is that the glasses might melt if the car is parked in the sun.

[quote name='TonyDownunder' post='321006' date='Jan 12 2006, 05:59 PM']The plot thickens

Browsing the Lexus Japan website came across this IS250 sunglass holder. It is under the dealer fitted options.



Being a non-smoker am happy to lose the ashtray and lighter. In fact surprised to find a lighter at all.

Have a business associate in Japan so will try to find out more about it.

Other nice stuff as well at [url="http://lexus.jp/models/is/spec/accessory/interior.html"]http://lexus.jp/models/is/spec/accessory/interior.html[/url] although the descriptions don't make sense [/quote]

Just translated the Sunglass Holder description from Japanese to English online at Babel Fish.

"You replace with the ashtray section which includes the cigar socket, it is the case of this leather specification. When the depth adjustment is possible with main leather make parition plate of attachment, sets to sublevel the inside of the tray dividing into the top and bottom, 2 sunglasses and the like it is possible to supply. In addition, if you spread in the tray base, it becomes the receipt space of bigger capacity."

[quote]Just translated the Sunglass Holder description from Japanese to English online at Babel Fish.

"You replace with the ashtray section which includes the cigar socket, it is the case of this leather specification. When the depth adjustment is possible with main leather make parition plate of attachment, sets to sublevel the inside of the tray dividing into the top and bottom, 2 sunglasses and the like it is possible to supply. In addition, if you spread in the tray base, it becomes the receipt space of bigger capacity."

[/quote]

Not sure id be able to spread myself in the tray base, but hey, I'll take two please

[quote name='scott' post='321045' date='Jan 12 2006, 12:26 PM'][quote]
Just translated the Sunglass Holder description from Japanese to English online at Babel Fish.

"You replace with the ashtray section which includes the cigar socket, it is the case of this leather specification. When the depth adjustment is possible with main leather make parition plate of attachment, sets to sublevel the inside of the tray dividing into the top and bottom, 2 sunglasses and the like it is possible to supply. In addition, if you spread in the tray base, it becomes the receipt space of bigger capacity."

[/quote]

Not sure id be able to spread myself in the tray base, but hey, I'll take two please
[/quote]

This is just hilarious!

Thank you so much for info, Bartkat and TonyDownUnder!
Well..hmm I have a couple of RayBans actually, that did not fit into a similar compartment in a Hyundai Sonata, so maybe my search for the overhead compartment is in vain

I tried localizing the part with the TIS web page, but couldn't find it

I have no need for an ashtray, so replacing that with a compartment of some kind - sunglass or not - sounds great!

/Daniel

[quote name='gadgetfreak' post='320193' date='Jan 10 2006, 04:37 AM'][quote name='Tango' post='320075' date='Jan 9 2006, 05:20 PM']
[quote name='Monster-Mat' post='319941' date='Jan 9 2006, 01:09 AM']
Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help[/quote]

I'm in Texas at the mo, I'll call in to Lexus and have a look/get part number/check availability.
[/quote]

Hey, that sounds great!
Let us know what you find out...
[/quote]

Sorry to have taken so long...called into the Westside Lexus dealership here in Houston today, but the salesman wasn't too helpful re. part numbers of the sunglasses compartment. If the UK IS250 has the hinge slots under that blanking plate it should be an easy retrofit, if not then it's not going to be worth changing the whole top unit!! Is anyone brave enough to look under their blanking plate or do I have to wait until I get home next week-end?

[quote name='Tango' post='323712' date='Jan 21 2006, 09:14 PM'][quote name='gadgetfreak' post='320193' date='Jan 10 2006, 04:37 AM']
[quote name='Tango' post='320075' date='Jan 9 2006, 05:20 PM']
[quote name='Monster-Mat' post='319941' date='Jan 9 2006, 01:09 AM']
Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help[/quote]

I'm in Texas at the mo, I'll call in to Lexus and have a look/get part number/check availability.
[/quote]

Hey, that sounds great!
Let us know what you find out...
[/quote]

Sorry to have taken so long...called into the Westside Lexus dealership here in Houston today, but the salesman wasn't too helpful re. part numbers of the sunglasses compartment. If the UK IS250 has the hinge slots under that blanking plate it should be an easy retrofit, if not then it's not going to be worth changing the whole top unit!! Is anyone brave enough to look under their blanking plate or do I have to wait until I get home next week-end?
[/quote]

Apparently no one wanted to look under the panel then?? I returned to the Houston dealer (Westside Lexus) and visited their rather plush spares department. Richard, the guy behind the desk was very helpful and gave me access their on-line parts catalogue. End result? The sunglass console can be changed but only with the lighting unit and the downside is the unit cost is over 800 bucks (around £470)! Think I'll leave mine as it is... Also explored the suggested replacement of the ashtray and cig lighter with a deeper storage compartment, but although it's featured on other models we couldn't find it for the IS

[quote name='Tango' post='325057' date='Jan 26 2006, 01:07 AM'][quote name='Tango' post='323712' date='Jan 21 2006, 09:14 PM']
[quote name='gadgetfreak' post='320193' date='Jan 10 2006, 04:37 AM']
[quote name='Tango' post='320075' date='Jan 9 2006, 05:20 PM']
[quote name='Monster-Mat' post='319941' date='Jan 9 2006, 01:09 AM']
Contact Lexus Sewell in texas, there always willing to help[/quote]

I'm in Texas at the mo, I'll call in to Lexus and have a look/get part number/check availability.
[/quote]

Hey, that sounds great!
Let us know what you find out...
[/quote]

Sorry to have taken so long...called into the Westside Lexus dealership here in Houston today, but the salesman wasn't too helpful re. part numbers of the sunglasses compartment. If the UK IS250 has the hinge slots under that blanking plate it should be an easy retrofit, if not then it's not going to be worth changing the whole top unit!! Is anyone brave enough to look under their blanking plate or do I have to wait until I get home next week-end?
[/quote]

Apparently no one wanted to look under the panel then?? I returned to the Houston dealer (Westside Lexus) and visited their rather plush spares department. Richard, the guy behind the desk was very helpful and gave me access their on-line parts catalogue. End result? The sunglass console can be changed but only with the lighting unit and the downside is the unit cost is over 800 bucks (around £470)! Think I'll leave mine as it is... Also explored the suggested replacement of the ashtray and cig lighter with a deeper storage compartment, but although it's featured on other models we couldn't find it for the IS
[/quote]

Tango, thanks for doing the investigation. It's a shame we cant just pop open the blanking plate and install the overhead console.

Wonder why they left it out in the first place ... they probably though we don't get enough sun for sun glasses in the uk

My dealer explained that the problem is that the console is too small for the bulkier and very expensive sunglasses, so Lexus decided not to include it in other markets such as UK and Australia.

I am investigating the Japanese version which fits in the ash tray. If it is possible to get some I will start a topic.

[quote name='TonyDownunder' post='325114' date='Jan 26 2006, 12:35 PM']My dealer explained that the problem is that the console is too small for the bulkier and very expensive sunglasses, so Lexus decided not to include it in other markets such as UK and Australia.

I am investigating the Japanese version which fits in the ash tray. If it is possible to get some I will start a topic.[/quote]
Good luck..I know it doesn't feature in the US parts catalogue...yet! Don't know why they fit a cigar lighter and ash tray anymore on a new car. Must be a falling demand and I would have thought smoking whilst driving was more of a hazard than holding a mobile

Well peeps I returned home and had a fiddle with the so called blanking plate, and guess what...it's hinged from the front-just like the glasses holder . However, it's got a large lump of electronics screwed to the hinge down bit. Looks like it may be something to do with the Satnav? Anyone know? This rules out a retro fit of a sunglasses hold in that position unless the gizmo can be fitted elsewhere, may also explain why the holder was not fitted, but then where does the gizmo fit in the models that do have it?

Will post a photograph tomorrow when I can take a shot in daylight.

Well peeps I returned home and had a fiddle with the so called blanking plate, and guess what...it's hinged from the front-just like the glasses holder . However, it's got a large lump of electronics screwed to the hinge down bit. Looks like it may be something to do with the Satnav? Anyone know? This rules out a retro fit of a sunglasses hold in that position unless the gizmo can be fitted elsewhere, may also explain why the holder was not fitted, but then where does the gizmo fit in the models that do have it?

Will post a photograph tomorrow when I can take a shot in daylight.
[/quote]




Nothing to do with the satnav then....but all to do with anti-theft??

Interior Radar.

I want to try and ressurect this topic - I've just bought an IS220 and I can't beleive it's not got a sunglass compartment as standard. Has anyone in the UK successfully replaced the blanking panel in the overhead console for a sunglass holder, or is there some electronics buried behind the blanking plate?

[quote name='evilweasel' post='362918' date='Jun 30 2006, 06:28 AM']I want to try and ressurect this topic - I've just bought an IS220 and I can't beleive it's not got a sunglass compartment as standard. Has anyone in the UK successfully replaced the blanking panel in the overhead console for a sunglass holder, or is there some electronics buried behind the blanking plate?[/quote]



Has previously explained (and I did photograph it but have since deleted from the server) my SE-L has a sensor screwed to the flip down panel. If you lever down the back edge it will rotate around the front edge, just like the USA sunglasses compartment.



I also posted the retro fit storage compartment conversion for the ash tray, which is available, but no-one seemed interested.

Now that I have a car like this I'm interested...

Sounds like a good thing, as I'm constantly shoving my sunglasses in the arm rest, really fiddly!!

The GPS aerial could be like the one in some cars now - wired into the top of the front screen (unless as usual I'm talking cac and the aerial is somewhere else...)

[quote name='Jamboo' post='362980' date='Jun 30 2006, 12:18 PM']Now that I have a car like this I'm interested...

Sounds like a good thing, as I'm constantly shoving my sunglasses in the arm rest, really fiddly!!

The GPS aerial could be like the one in some cars now - wired into the top of the front screen (unless as usual I'm talking cac and the aerial is somewhere else...)[/quote]



It says very specifically 'Theft warning sensor' and takes up most of the unit.



I would post the piccies back up but I'm still getting the 'no uploads permission' or similar...Scarface/Steve, I thought this was tempoary while some security issues were being sorted???

We will probably find there is some nanny state european law regarding overhead storage!!

[quote name='Tango' post='363044' date='Jun 30 2006, 04:08 PM'][quote name='Jamboo' post='362980' date='Jun 30 2006, 12:18 PM'] Now that I have a car like this I'm interested...

Sounds like a good thing, as I'm constantly shoving my sunglasses in the arm rest, really fiddly!!

The GPS aerial could be like the one in some cars now - wired into the top of the front screen (unless as usual I'm talking cac and the aerial is somewhere else...)[/quote]



It says very specifically 'Theft warning sensor' and takes up most of the unit.



I would post the piccies back up but I'm still getting the 'no uploads permission' or similar...Scarface/Steve, I thought this was tempoary while some security issues were being sorted???
[/quote]

If the flip down console has a bit of anti theft kit in it, the ashtray thingy sounds useful. I wonder if sunglasses would fit there???? Photos and part number might be useful...

My old car had loads of little storage places and you really miss them when you don't have them!

I wonder if anyone will release an aftermarket sunglass holder to replace the drivers side grab handle. After all it's a bit pointless grabbing it when going round corners!

I asked my dealer about the ashtray replacement sunglass holder yesterday - he said that he couldn't order that part - it's for the US market. He would however fit it if I could get my hands on one. Is this normal? Can anyone tell me the part number? I would probably fit it myself....

[quote name='evilweasel' post='364285' date='Jul 6 2006, 12:42 PM']I asked my dealer about the ashtray replacement sunglass holder yesterday - he said that he couldn't order that part - it's for the US market. He would however fit it if I could get my hands on one. Is this normal? Can anyone tell me the part number? I would probably fit it myself....[/quote]





It's $185 ...that's £103 in real money....go look in [url="http://www.L-TUNEDPARTS.com"]www.L-TUNEDPARTS.com[/url]



Think I'd sooner sit on my Raybans....and have a look at the price of the GS LED replacement bulbs,,are they taking the pi$$ or what?

[quote name='Tango' post='325162' date='Jan 26 2006, 04:15 PM']Good luck..I know it doesn't feature in the US parts catalogue...yet! Don't know why they fit a cigar lighter and ash tray anymore on a new car. Must be a falling demand and I would have thought smoking whilst driving was more of a hazard than holding a mobile [/quote]

The ashtray is a bit pointless, all the smokers I know usually open the window to flick ash outside. But the lighter is essentual - phone chargers, standalone sat-navs (eg TomTom) plus a vast array of other accessories all need the power socket.

Mike

[quote]But the lighter is essentual - phone chargers, standalone sat-navs (eg TomTom) plus a vast array of other accessories all need the power socket.[/quote]

In the new IS there's a socket under the armrest as well, although it won't allow some plugs to close the armrest down. So the one in the ashtray can be disposed of ( if required ).

[quote name='Tango' post='364321' date='Jul 6 2006, 04:11 PM'][quote name='evilweasel' post='364285' date='Jul 6 2006, 12:42 PM'] I asked my dealer about the ashtray replacement sunglass holder yesterday - he said that he couldn't order that part - it's for the US market. He would however fit it if I could get my hands on one. Is this normal? Can anyone tell me the part number? I would probably fit it myself....[/quote]





It's $185 ...that's £103 in real money....go look in [url="http://www.L-TUNEDPARTS.com"]www.L-TUNEDPARTS.com[/url]



Think I'd sooner sit on my Raybans....and have a look at the price of the GS LED replacement bulbs,,are they taking the pi$$ or what?
[/quote]
...and as fashion changes and more and more people are going for the "Bug eyed" aviator glasses would they even fit?

Totally pointless at that price!!

Anyway, I have resorted to leaving my shades in the armrest, which is now full. It's a shame the IS doesn't have that much storage space in the front.

[quote name='Jamboo' post='364458' date='Jul 7 2006, 09:31 AM']Anyway, I have resorted to leaving my shades in the armrest, which is now full. It's a shame the IS doesn't have that much storage space in the front.[/quote]

Speaking of storage space ... does anyones owner manual fit in the glove box in the designated manual slot ? My protrudes about half an inch over the edge of the glovebox.

The reason I ask is that I have a new rattle . This one goes away if I open the glovebox, and what I've found if that the owners manual forces the glovebox lid away from its natural close position - the glovebox closes but there is force on the latch caused by the owners manual which is larger than the storage space. I haven't yet investigated which part of the glovebox is rattling.

[quote]...and as fashion changes and more and more people are going for the "Bug eyed" aviator glasses would they even fit?[/quote]




You mean my original Rayban Aviators are back in fashion!! Guess it was only a matter of time..now where's that kipper tie

[quote name='Tango' post='364477' date='Jul 7 2006, 10:27 AM'][quote]...and as fashion changes and more and more people are going for the "Bug eyed" aviator glasses would they even fit?[/quote]




You mean my original Rayban Aviators are back in fashion!! Guess it was only a matter of time..now where's that kipper tie
[/quote]
[url="http://imageshack.us"][img]http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5889/aviator0cg.jpg[/img][/url]
I used to look like that in the Eightees with my Afro! It's not me, honest

[quote name='Jamboo' post='364493' date='Jul 7 2006, 12:00 PM'][quote name='Tango' post='364477' date='Jul 7 2006, 10:27 AM']
[quote]...and as fashion changes and more and more people are going for the "Bug eyed" aviator glasses would they even fit?[/quote]




You mean my original Rayban Aviators are back in fashion!! Guess it was only a matter of time..now where's that kipper tie
[/quote]
[url="http://imageshack.us"][img]http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5889/aviator0cg.jpg[/img][/url]
I used to look like that in the Eightees with my Afro! It's not me, honest
[/quote]

Never mind the eighties I look like that now ! Keep a style long enough and like Tango says they always come back!