kamlex

Base of mine come on first too.

The latest BMW M3 does not have a spare - only an electric pump and some foam.

There is only one thing that i don't like about the IS200 and that is the lack of memory on the electric seats!!

The best stuff i have ever used is the Autogylm Gold, followed on from the standard Autoglym Red. I use the Autoglym gold on the wheels and painted calipers also. The recent Autoexpress review really rated the Autoglym gold, although they felt it was let down by the 'high' price £8.99.

I didn't get these with mine ???

Hi Mate

You will only get refurbished alloys, its 'THE POLICY'. I even took it up with Lexus HQ and they would not budge. I am sure the legal position should be new alloys, but i am not sure. I was going to stick out for new alloys recently, but when i saw the latest bunch of refurbished alloys, i accpeted these.

The latest bunch of refurbished alloys look exactly the same as the original wheels other than the fact that they have a clear lacquer over the painted bits on the inner edges and the bare metal mill finish on the edge of the rim and front of the spokes. As these look identical to the original alloys, and appear to be far far easier to clean, i opted for these.

Help

Steve, your calipers look great. How do you get your photos to display on a thread?

I have driven both and must admit that the manual does feel quicker, but that is probably because you are actually 'driving' it!!! I would not change back to manual now though - too used to the cruise control!

Have a look at the Autoexpress website. They had a review of wheel cleaning products recently, with Wonderwheels coming out tops.

Keep the calipers black!! lokks far classier, especially with chrome stickers. If someone can tell me how to upload a picture, i'll show you my black calipers.

I passed my advanced driving test last year. There are two ways to join, the first is direct membership of your local group, the second is called the 'skills for life' package. This costs £75.00 and includes your test fee. They also send you a good book entailed 'pass your adnaced driving test'. The subscription for this second option is paid directly to the head office in chiswick.

Good luck if you take the IAM route- it was well worth it for me.

My IS 200 was new in March 2002 and the wheels are corroding. Lexus have confirmed that they will only offer refurbished alloys. I am not satisfied with this response as the refurbished alloys do not have the bright 'milled' finish on the rim or front edge of spokes. If Lexus can sell new IS 200's with the 'two tone' wheels then i do not see why i should accpet refurbished alloys that are painted all over. I'll keep you posted.

Having mostly driven manual cars, i decided to go for a new Automatic IS 200 SE, and i can honestly say i would never go back to a manual. The sheer effortless drive, the lack of any noticeable gear changes, and the general smoothness have convinced me that auto is the way to go.

The auto is slower off the light, but when using the 'ECT power' button on the auto gearbox, i don't think there is any noticeable difference in acceleration once you are moving.

As mentioned above, drive both and see which suits you.

Good luck

I got mine new in March 2002.

IS 200 SE Automatic, in Granite Sky, with 4 Lexus mats for £21,000 - But it was hard going!!

Good luck

I have an 11month IS 200 SE which has the same type of corrosion as shown in the photographs. I spoke to the purchasing dealer who has asked me to send in some photos (as they are some distance from where i live). I'll let you know the outcome in a few days. I must say though that i will be expecting new alloys with the original milled finish on the edges. If they still sell new IS 200's with the milled finish then they must have fixed the problem.

It seems strange that Lexus are still selling new IS 200's with the 'bare' metal edge and spokes, if the fully laquered replacements are fully pained and therefore do not have the bare edges.

Can anyone tell me how to post a picture of my wheels?

Thanks

I purchased the car new in March 2002, although i have read on another thread that the 'new' wheels came out in April 2002!

I will post a pic later today, but my wheels have a highly polished 'bare' metal edge which continues on the front of the spokes. the remainder of the wheel has a silver paint finish with lacquer over it.

When i visited the dealer yesterday, i noticed that some of the used models on display had their alloys completeley covered with the silver paint and laquer, and therefore no polished 'bare' metal edge. I assumed that these were the refurbished alloys. The new IS200's in the showroom had the 'bare' metal polished edges like mine.

The 'bare' metal polished ege looks far better than the all over coating!

Some members have stated that their replacement wheels are coated on 'both sides' so i have assumed this means no more 'bare' meatal polished edge????

Hi all

After 10 months, the dreaded corrosion on the alloys has started!

From previous posts, i get the impression that Lexus change corroded alloys for refurbished alloys as opposed to new alloys.

Can anybody tell me if the refurbished alloys retain the polished adge and spoke detail, or are they completley laquered?

I note that all new IS 200's still have the polished edge detail.

Just filled it in, mainly 5's

:hohoho: Mine is a March 2002 IS 200 SE and i must agree that the heated seats are terrible. They come on and get warm and then go off to get cold before coming back on aarrgghh!!

Also can anyone confirm whether it is just the seat base that is heated or is the backrest aslo supposed to be heated - mine isn't.

I have just been in a BMW 318 with heated seats which are much better than the Lexus ones as they:

Are heated in the base and backrest

They maintain the heat constantly

They have 3 stage heat adjustment

Please take note Lexus!!

With reference to the small ring of remaining rust, i have found the only way to get rid of this is to paint it, as i did when i painted the calipers.

Foreign to me too mate !

Good luck, you'll sure have your work cut out for you in keeping that black clean!!

All done , you should have the money!!

Kam