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A few have asked about these. I am sure there was another thread about these a while ago but here is some pics of mine fitted for anyone that is considering them. I’m delighted with mine. Half hour job to fit them, takes 10 years off the car! Enjoy!!

The 12V battery powers the entry/exit system and also boots up the computers to bring the hybrid system into the READY state. Once READY, the 288V traction battery provides the power to charge the 12V battery via a DC/DC inverter/converter. As you rightly say, there is no alternator because they are belt-driven from the engine and in a hybrid, the petrol engine doesn't run all the time. This is also why the power steering is electric rather than a belt-driven hydraulic steering pump and why the aircon is also electric rather than a belt-driven compressor. I'm not sure but I think MG1 (Motor Generator No.1) runs the petrol engine up to a certain speed when needed and then the ignition circuits are energised, eliminating the need for a starter motor. I'm sure you'll find a few videos on YouTube and/or better explanations via Google but I think I'm 'in the ballpark' with those explanations as far as I understand the system.

I do not classify anyone as a "duffer". We all have an area of expertise, and that is what makes us all different. Hopefully being able to pass knowledge on to help others is what the forum is about. I have been helped enormously by others on this forum, some that I have met, and others that I am unlikely to meet. I am also overwhelmed by the generosity of members with offers of physical help, and of passing on items at no cost that they have surplus to requirements. John.

Going to a view a 2015 F-Sport tomorrow (serious enough about it that I paid a holding deposit), and giving myself time to look at one or two others including the white 2014 Premier at Cambridge on the way home if it doesn't work out.

Haha same here but mainly about the other main man thing and that's ended up costing me a lot more😂 defo will let you know pal.

Just a note to advise I'm due to take delivery on my 2009 RX shortly. I've read the majority of recent posts and it looks likely my usage profile means I'll be borderline in terms of warranting a hybrid, certainly next year when I fully retire. Having said that, I find the style endearing, build quality unbeatable and driving position excellent. Plus my wife likes to comfort too. Looking at prices, high mileages and age appear to mean little to the marque and they'll happily give enjoyment so long as they're well maintained. I guess. My Jaguar XE has given great service and 100% reliable but it's a long way down for my wife post "back op" and has to go. Maybe I was "fishing in the wrong pool" when looking for alternatives but I'd got bogged down in with Ford Kuga's and Honda CRV's ( petrol auto's - not good apparently ) or diesel auto's. Anyhow, I've bought it now and the cars in great condition - I'll probably get the cambelt / water pump looked at soonest having found a local specialist as opposed to main dealers who seem a little excessive for a 10 year old car.. My ultimate concern is perhaps the odd weeks where I go to the station and back - 2 miles, 4 or 5 times a week and other weeks where its 120 miles there - 120 back. Anyhow, first up I'm looking forward to learning how to drive it, space, parking, hill starts etc. Thanks for earlier posts, what some may feel is trivia is really helpful for those of us looking out for data and knowledge.

I use one too, prevention being better than detection.

Spent too long dreaming as a boy mate. Couldn’t help figuring out how it all worked 😎 Good luck with trip down mate. Let me know how you get on!!

See http://eahart.com/prius/psd/ for a simulation and explanation. There is no clutch either. John

I cannot really see the sense in buying new when you look at the massive depreciation hit they take in the first 2 years. I bought a 2 year old dealer approved Jaguar with 13,400 mls and saved over £20k on it. It came with 2 years full factory warranty and I purchased another 2 years which gives me 4 years trouble free usage plus Jaguar breakdown cover and MOT failure insurance The same with our Lexus CT200h, low mileage, Lexus 12month warranty and they had a special on 2 year full waranty for the price of one for £450 which included full breakdown cover. When you look at what AA and RAC are charging for their top cover, that would cost close on £300 for 2 years. It's nice to buy the New and latest models but when I think I have saved over £35k on these 2 which are both in top condition, it's a no brainer for me 🙂

Found this mate. There are a lot of potential options 😩 You’d need to figure out which ones he has to get the right spacers but ultimately they should all fit as even the highest front one (ET45), is just the same as a standard ISF front wheel (albeit an inch wider, so you’d need to factor that in as if it’s that one then without a spacer it would probably rub inboard and be pretty flush outboard). Chances are they are all 22 offsets but I wouldn’t bet my mortgage on it.

Very valued comment's I have spent many years in the motor trade and am aware of most of the failings in it.lol! I have done many ground up renovations on higher end classic cars in my time. This is my Australian 1992 MB V8 500sl Convertible, pictured being the most recent. Having retired now and spending most of my time back here in the UK and leaving others to do the bulk of the work I still have a habit of checking the work that's been done afterwards 😉☺️

It’s gone already. Sold within 24 hrs to some lucky sod! They might be on here as not many people know about these special cars.

Lol very true, I am fortunate to know the owner and his garage is one of the last honest places I know of thus they are not the cheapest. I looked at the discs earlier today and found them to be ventilated see pic attached (unless I am mistaken) Thank you for your help guys

Trouble is, you really never know whether an account is hijacked until you pay but at least they sort refunds out in that event.

1. New to me. Never had any form of electric vehicle. So, yes, new fangled. 2. Diesel vehicles are imho, spawn of the devil. I have no interest in them and am only vaguely aware of what a DPF is, so not really a reference point for me. 3. I'm good on crystal sets.

Without the rear fog lights, and reversing lights your car is likely to fail the MOT since these are fitted under the construction, and use regulations for the UK and Europe. The US rear lights will not have the correct markings, and this alone is enough for a fail. John.

That's what I use Herbs. The only problem with them is that tyre life is very short by comparison with most other premium makes. Expect between 6 to 10K miles from ZX7s on the 450h (and I drive carefully!)

Vented Discs are 18mm thick & solid are 10mm thick, and consequently there are two different size calipers to allow for this, so you should be able to tell, like mentioned above, by looking through your rear wheels. I would question your 'independent' and ask are they able to be removed and clean/refurbished? They like Lexus might just wanna play with new parts for an easy life, instead of putting in some old fashioned time and effort. The squealing could be the result of a stuck caliper slide pin(s) which is a known weak point on the 250 for some reason, and this does not allow the pads to fall away from the disc after a breaking event and you get the squealing. paul m.

Yes it will, for a while, until it clogs again and it will! Only save and grace will be that you can clean one at your leisure while using the other on the car. From my college days I remember a lecturer stating that Diesel engines were idea for heavy loads ie heavy plant/machinery( not a car), long run durations (hours/days/weeks) ie Ships/generators ( not exactly cars) and were most efficient when under a constant load, again not in a 'small' car. So when not used under these ideal conditions problems are going to occur and any ancillary equipment to reduce the levels of solids in the emissions is going to need maintainance at some level no matter what Gucci type of 'Re-Gen' system you employ. Paul m.

Hi everyone, and a happy new year to all, I have been getting a load drown and vibration in the front end of my rx300 , it came in at 45 and got worst upto 60 , I was thinking all sorts worst case scenarios, final drive , engine mounts etc . Then I thought I’d better get some of the advisories done from last mot, so off I went and ordered up lower ball joints, inner outer track rods and rack ends discs and pads ,after fitting the ballpoints took it out for a spin and hey presto no more drowning and vibration , just a slight wheel bearing grumble on turning left , so all I can think is that the joint was a lot worse than it was and was amplifying the grumbling wheel bearing

Here’s a fitment calculator; https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator# see how much different the wheels you want are from standard ISF wheels with the spacers fitted. It’ll tell you how much more poke and inbound space you have ( or don’t have! And you can also mess around to see what size spacers you might need. Don’t forget to factor in another £250ish for a refurb and about £300 for spacers and fitting..... plus new tyres......time to remortgage the house!

OK. So, standsard isf wheels are 8j x ET45 at the front and 9j x ET55 at the rear. I'm running 15mm spacers all round but I know others have run 20mm spacers with no issues so the effective offset of Standard wheels with 15mm spacers would be 30 front and 40 rear. With 20mm spacers you'd be 25 front and 35 rear. Find a decent offset calculator online and stick in those specs versus what you think the other wheels are and see if you'd get any rubbing. Given the rears are 10.5 you'll need to be careful and you'll no doubt need a bit of arch rolling. Good luck!!

If the faults arose within 6 months of purchase,then the gesture of goodwill and any paperwork they produce are both irrelevant. The faults should be addressed at the cost to the Dealer.

From the AutoExpress review So they compare the performance and drive train to a diesel equivalent and 2 other hybrid models/brands which are significantly more expensive, a different architecture and completely different performance envelopes, then mark down the ES because it is different. I don't get it. I'd love to know who are these people who buy BMW 5 series for the driving dynamics and back road thrills. Most I see are driven up and down motorways or filled with children. Surely outright refinement and long distance cruising is what these kind of vehicles should excel at.

Check the second half of this thread - we have discussed it recently.

Just find a touch up that is a close match. I have a box full of touch up pencils collected over the years so usually find something to match. It is surprising how with a bit of patience you can lose the repair using a fine artists brush. A cheap set of artists brushes from somewhere like 'The Works' is a good shout.

How come they're allowed to advertise on this forum?

I picked up my fsport a week ago, came from an is300h fsport and have to say very happy with the es

Lexus Chester wanted to charge me approx £340 for a battery for my 450h and tried to justify it by referring to the temperature "thingy" that was attached to it. I did not take up their offer and recharged it myself. It is now working as it has always worked.