GreyArea

I've just bought a pair of Osram Silverstar bulbs, which claim to be 50% brighter than standard halogens. They seem brighter to me and they do produce a much whiter light than standard bulbs. However, most LOC members will probably recommend you go for an HID upgrade kit. I'll be getting one in the New Year, once I can afford it, as they are £230. Simon

It's worth checking out this company eTyres, as they do the Lexus specific Dunlop, and it's much cheaper than anywhere else I've seen. The price is fully fitted, although I've never used them, so can't say what the service is like. Simon

I've got a different problem with mine. The socket works, but when you try to extract anything that's plugged into it, the whole assembely pulls out of the console. Is there anyway to fix this?

It was a bit of an impulse buy - saw it on the forecourt and fell in love with it. However, what I've saved in knocking the dealer down in price, I've already spent on fixing problems I've got a knock coming from the front-left wheel as well, so I'm hoping I haven't bought a lemon! I love the car, but at the moment I'm kind of regretting the decision to buy it...

Thanks, might well investigate after Christmas when I've got a bit more cash to spare!

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are HIDs direct replacements? Or do you need to change the headlamp assembly? I'm really happy with my lights on full beam, but they could be better of dipped. If HIDs are direct replacements, where's a good place to get them? Thanks Simon Actually, I've found the relevant thread now!

I picked up my IS200 on Thursday and drove to London on Friday. Just after Reading services, the front left tyre started making a strange noise, so I pulled over to discover a huge bulge in the sidewall. Yesterday I went to get the tyre replaced at National Tyre, only for them to discover that all four tyres are retreads. The tyre fitter said they are supposed to say retread or remould on the tyre and have a BS Kitemark, both of which are missing. So, I've had to buy four new tyres (the spare is Dunlop SP9000 and in good nick). As I bought the car from an independent dealer, do you think I'm covered under the sale of goods act? The tyre fitter didn't actually say the tyres were illegal, and it looks like they passed the last MOT, but I'm pretty annoyed at buying a car with such pieces of C*** fitted! Any advice appreciated! Simon

if the car recognises the imobalizer the alarm will sound for 10seconds after the key is put in the ignition if the car doesn't recognise it, it wont even start. Craig That's useful to know. Well, I'm meeting him on Saturday, and he seems to know what he's talking about, so hopefully he can provide me with something that works in an emergency.

Got hold of the locksmith, he said he can do me the cheap, or the expensive option! The cheap option is to get a non-remote key cut, which will unlock the keys and disable the immobiliser, but it won't disable the alarm. So the alarm will presumably be going off while driving, but at least it's a get out of jail free card if I lose my key. The expensive option is for me to buy new remote blanks, and he will then reflash the ECU for £500, then program the new keys to the ECU. I gather the remote blanks are about £85. As I've just had to fork out for new tyres as well, looks like I'll be going the cheap route! Simon

Can't trace the previous owner - no one listed at the address on the V5 (which in itself is a little worrying). I spoke to Lexus Bristol who told me that they don't have the technology to do it, but gave me the name of a Locksmith who they send people in a similar situation to. He apparently has all the gear to clone they keys, and the parts bloke reckoned it could be done off the sub key. He said that if not, it would cost £2000 for a new ECU, lock set, keys and labour! The locksmith is closed until Monday, but if he can do it, I'll post back here with his details, so anyone else with the same problem can get it sorted. Simon (Oh, and sorry for repeating the topic, I did three different keyword searches on "key" and turned up nothing, then found a load of posts by just trawling through the board!)

I've done a forum search but not found anything on this, so I'm hoping someone can help. I've just bought a second hand IS200 SE, from an independant garage, and it only came with one key, which I've found out is the sub key. I don't like only having one key, so is there anyway to get a replacement for the missing master key(s)? The owners book says you need to have the immobiliser replaced if you loose all your keys, which I'm sure will cost me an arm and a leg, so any ideas appreciated. Thanks Simon