lex-mike

The problem you are having with the headlights is common to most new cars. The beam pattern has altered from a few years ago when some light from the passenger side unit would be directed up to the left - picking out hedgerows and signs well into the distance - my previous BMW 5 had superb HIDs that I still miss today. The HIDs on my SE-L have such a dramatic cut-off with no light going up that you cannot see any distance at all, the area just ahead is perfectly lit with good width, but above the cut-off its simply black. The only advantage of the present lights is that you don't need to alter them when driving on the continent (I think thats correct). The HIDs are probably worse than the Halogens in this respect as the beam control is tighter, and the lit area is brighter. You get used to it over time, but may need to moderate your speed at night on unlit roads.

If the Bridgestone is known to be noisy, can you suggest some better alternatives? Are the standard fit Dunlops any quieter, or how about the newly specified TOYOs (R32A ? designed for the IS250) Also, does anyone have any views on the Yokohama AVS dB S2? The car really is spoilt by the road noise with most roads in the South being coarse surface, high grip? types. When you do hit a patch of smooth quiet tarmac the difference is amazing - and then you can hear that the rest of the car is silent.

Can anyone help? My Sat Nav manual says that to remove the DVD you will need the 'picks' from the in-vehicle tool kit to allow the clock panel to be removed, that sounds okay, but I do not have any 'picks' in my tool kit. Am I missing something, or is this another case of UK customers not getting all the parts listed? Are the 'picks' stored somewhere else?

Have you noticed if the revs rise when this 'braking' occurs, I notice that the auto gearbox changes down in similar situations and what you are feeling may be slight engine braking. I expected this to occur with the box in Power mode, but was suprised to find that it also happens in Normal mode. This may not be anything to do with your comments, if so, just ignore :)

My IS250 does the same. From a cold start the engine revs at approx 1500rpm, consequently when you engage drive or reverse the transmission will 'shunt' and the car will lurch slightly unless you have your foot firmly on the brake. The increased revs slowly reduce until the engine reaches working temp at which point the idle rpm is about 600. It has taken a bit of getting used to as my previous car (BMW 5) did not increase the revs regardless of engine temp.

Mine still has an issue with WMA...it reads the folders, and then skips one track to the next...until all tracks have been "skipped" then goes to the next CD in the stacker! I use 96k compression on some old music which I have converted from LP's and tapes, but I'm used the quality issue. The 192k is very very good!! I reckon I've missed a hidden file somewhere in copying over!! I've also just bought Roxio 8 and will try to see if a DVD Music (not DVD Audio) disc will work...though others have failed!! I reckon it's a combination of the DVD Nanny features and Driver/OS that stops DVD MP3's from a working... The MM system will not read any type of recordable or rewritable DVD media, it says as much in the manual for the Sat Nav. With regards to MP3 and WMA on various types of CD media, you must keep to the bit-rate limits in the manual, this is especially true when using variable bit-rate where you must specify the maximum rate allowed. I have successfully created a disc full of WMA within folders using Windows Media Codec 9, but only the files created using a script to control the bit-rates actually worked. When I added some new files using the Windows front end the MM system just skipped over them. The full disc has now been processed using a command line script and every file and folder works fine. The burning software appears to have little effect, I still use an old copy of Nero 5.

I've had my IS250 SEL + MM for about a month and a half :D and generally things are going well. No rattles, no stuck seat-belts, no parkings dents - yet :P On the road the car has proved to have good traction in the wet, when pulling out of junctions where my previous car (BMW 525) would easily spin an inside wheel the Lexus has no problems - the Bridgestones must be better than the old Pirellis in that respect. But, in carparks the front tyres squeal and feel as if they are scrubing sideways when going dead slow round tight corners, especially when the painted roadways are wet. Has anyone else noticed this? Does it only affect the Bridgestones? What are the Dunlops like? Also, I found the Lexus is more sensitive to cross winds than my old car. During one particularly windy day things actually got quite scary on the motorway unless I reduced the speed to about 60mph, anything faster needed constant corrections and lead to an uncomfortable ride for my passengers

I had tried the instructions a number of times, but as per previous post - nothing happens Does it only work in certain circumstances

A previous post mentioned the "service menu" that is accessed by the following sequence:- press and hold INFO button switch side lights on and off three times release the INFO button This menu allows access to numerous settings and information, but does anyone know what all the settings mean, and if you make a change are they automatically saved when you power down (this seems to be the only way to exit the main menu). Also, does anyone have a full list of all the special sequences that have been mentioned in various posts? One for the Sat Nav destination while driving, and one to disable the passenger seat belt alarm?

Welcome to the club. All IS250 with automatic transmission have a foot operated parking brake. Makes for a nice clean centre console, and you get used to it very quickly. As per previous post, heater elements along bottom of windscreen to defrost wipers.

All being well I should collect my IS250 SE-L + MM tomorrow :D :D . I have already seen the car in the dealers compound when I dropped insurance details. It has the Bridgestone tyres fitted. Have you noticed any difference in road noise between demonstrator and your own car? Has anyone else got views on the two versions of tyres fitted, Dunlops and Bridgestone?

I have mentioned LPS to Lexus Reading on many occasions, and even gave them a copy of settings obtained from the US site. They seem to be unaware of the facility, but said they would talk to the service technicians. I am supposed to be picking up my car later this week, but still do not know if they have been able to adjust any of the settings. Lexus GB in general are simply not on the ball with the new IS range. Can any owners of other models (GS, LS) let us know if they were given LPS options to select prior to collecting thier cars?

Hi Marcus, I think you are already on the right track, a more powerful light will not affect the pattern that is controlled by the shaping of the reflector and the various shutters contained within the assembly, it will simply increase the brightness of the lit area. This may even make the unlit areas appear to be darker. I wonder if a sympathetic mechanic would be able to set the headlight aim to the top of its limits while still keeping it within the specification and regulations, after all everything has a tolerance.

Are you referring to the intensity of the headlights or the 'aim'. I have found that new cars appear to have healights set lower, less dazzling to other drivers, but less illumination for us. The AFS systems are great on twisty roads, but with the very sharp cut-off of HIDs it can give that all or nothing impression to the pattern of light produced.

Thanks for the reply. The AFS was turned on and visible functioned as far as turning the appropriate headlight into a corner, but that was not my point. I was trying to refer to the lack of illumination at higher levels on the passenger side, but I think I know the reason for it. My BMW headlights conform to the ECE standard that attempts to throw light up towards road signs, but can lead to dazzle for other drivers. The Lexus headlights are referred to as 'harmonised' meaning they can legally be used on the continent without modification as the sharp HID cutoff extends across both sides, but therefore does not throw any light upwards on the passenger side. I think more and more cars will adopt the Lexus system, so its just that I will have to get used to it, if I decide to purchase an IS250

I have borrowed an IS250SE-L with MM for an overnight test drive so that I can really get to know the car and its systems. To try out the adaptive headlights I drove out to some local villages where there are some twisty unlit minor roads. I immediately noticed a difference to the light patterns I get from my present BMW 525 (also fitted with HID). The IS250 did not throw any light up into the hedgerows on the passenger side. It was as if both headlights were setup for the drivers side, minimising glare to oncoming cars, but consequently not giving much 'throw'. My BMW headlights can be adjusted for continental driving by setting a small lever in the top of each headlight that modifies the beam pattern accordingly. The effect I witnessed in the IS250 was as if the passenger headlight was set for driving on the right, not the left. (I hope this makes sense to those reading). Do the IS250 headlights have this adjustment system, and if so could it have been set incorrectly?

My first test drive was 2 hours, unaccompanied. I still regard that as just an initial spin to see if there is anything that you don't like. I then booked an overnight loan (Fri-Sat) after the official launch so that I could use the car as if it was my own, and really get to know the car, read the manual, try out all the toys. :D Unfortunately someone at Lexus Reading did not check the appointment book and gave the car I was going to have to someone else I will be making a fresh booking in due course. At this price, if it's your own money, an extended test drive is essential. If a make or dealer can't arrange that, go some where else.

That's a lot of wheels Are you really going to need that many :D What width are the rims, and what tyres are you planning on fitting?

Reading through the recent posts there still seems to be a difference between the subjective thoughts about the steering and ride. Some say it's perfectly stable, while others comments on a slight nervous feel and a somewhat bouncy ride. I suppose it all comes down to what you're used to, or could it be variations in the actual cars, tyres, tracking, etc. Does anyone have any views on how much difference would be noticed if the wheels went from 17" to 18" rims (available from Jan 2006), or would it still depend more on which tyres were fitted? Thanks for the comments about the Sat Nav traffic avoidance, very helpful. Last questions, has anyone actually got a car in Mesa Red yet? How does it look in the cold light of day (it looks fantastic under the showroom lights)? Has anyone used the Radar Cruise on a British road? Would you recommend it, or rather stick with the normal system?

A question to those lucky people who are already around in shiny new IS250s with the Sat Nav option:- Does the traffic avoidance feature work? Do you get notified of hold-ups on the screen, or does the system just guide you around it (if your using the Nav system)? Can you zoom out from your location and see problems highlighted on a larger map? Now to anyone with new a IS250:- I have seen Bridgestone and Dunlop tyres fitted to the 17" rims of SE-L spec cars, does anyone have any opinions as to which ones are better for ride comfort and low tyre noise? It seems a pity to spoil such a quiet cabin with intrusive tyre roar. Is there a NON smoker option? What is fitted in the place of the front and rear ash-trays instead?

The speedo has a ring just inside the number ring that can be set illuminate when you exceed a set speed. The demo model I drove had been set to 50mph, so it was on most of the time The tacho has a similar feature I believe. Maybe it will indicate max continuous revs and max intermittent revs

Come on then, lets have some more test drive impressions. The demo model from Lexus Reading hasn't stood still all week, but very few people have posted comments. I assume its the same situation all over the country. Don't be shy, we want to know what you all think of the car.

Borrowed an IS250SE-L from Lexus Reading this afternoon for approx. 2 hours :D First impressions:- Those door mirrors are BIG. The underbonnet paint work really is as good as The Mole said it was. The fuel filler is on the wrong side, damn it, I'll just have to try to remember at the petrol station. Pulling at the rear view camera does not open the boot The car looks fantastic. Twin exhausts look great. Love those rear light clusters. Satisfying clunk to the doors, no loose trim, good texturing to the dash top. Very comfortable seats, very fine adjustments possible, hope they look and feel this good after a couple of years use. Had to stop and start the engine a number of times just to see the dials spring to life :D No problems with visibility, rear view is smaller than I'm used to but I didn't have any problems during the drive. Did not get the impression of being inside peering out that I got with the GS300 a couple of months ago, the sides did not appear as high once you're in the car. Driving:- Engine all but inaudible, except under hard acceleration when the note was pleasing to the ears. Road/tyre noise is the only real annoyance, but even that was slightly lower than in my BMW 525. Auto box changes very slick, virtually undetectable. I did not play with the paddles as I wanted to concentrate of other aspects of the drive. Steering is still too light but even I was able to adapt quickly. I found the car a bit nervous at high speed, almost as if the tyres were way over pressure, my BMW by comparison feels as if its on rails at any speed. Maybe I just need more time to adjust to the lightness. The ride is subjectively more compliant than my car, but not as much as the GS, which really soaked up the road imperfections beautifully. I'm no racing driver so cannot comment on extremes of handling, but anyone should be able to have a bit of fun in this car on roads they know. Equipment:- What can you say? Its got the lot - and it works like a dream. I would start listening to my music collection again if it sounded this good. The Auto Sound Leveling system does an amazing job of combating road noise when you hit the more and more common rough surfaces present on our roads. Will I buy one? I have arranged an overnight loan for the weekend after the official launch, when I can use the car as if its my own and get a real feel for it. The chassis I reserved a couple of months ago is due for delivery on the 5th of December, so I may be getting an early Christmas present :D Can anyone suggest which make of tyre is best for low road noise, I may get rid of the standard Bridgestones sooner rather than later.

I am hopeful that UK dealers will soon be able to answer our questions with more authority once they have attended the launch/test drives in Monaco. Lexus Reading is due to send some of its people on the 22 Oct. It seems that wheels are an area where Lexus could learn something from the Germans. At least they offer variations in style, and they don't always cost a pack to specify, unless you want the ultra-low profile versions.

Just got a reply to some questions I asked Lexus GB via the website:- 18" rims are not an option, yet, but may be available in January when the Sport is released. Option cost would then be £1500. They will not be fitted as standard to the SE-L. The website will not be updated with right-hand drive vehicles until the car is actually launched. Still no plans to introduce the IS350 in the UK, but they left the option open. Also asked what make and model of tyres would be fitted, but they only gave the sizes that we all already know, must have been too difficult a question !!!