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If you're stood in traffic idling at 1200 revs switch OFF the fan for internal air circulation the revs drop by a substantial amount. Reset to ON as soon as you get going again...not ideal but it does work!

YES.... I should have been more specific re: weight 2000 kgs...this would be the typical work load...it would be 2075 kgs fully occupied and shopping in the boot and tank full of fuel. I know its less economic to fill up the tank because you're carrying the extra weight but stopping to put in 4 gallons etc is too much hassle...but thinking about it...it is another fuel saving measure...maybe just maybe...some of our owners/drivers are pretty hefty and this is another contributory factor. (I jest) Jamboo you said last week you were going to try something like...no cruise...-60 mph...1500 revs...6th gear where possible ie down hill or level (won't work at all on any gradient uphill) How did you get on?

The point is, they have bought a product that doesn't do what it says on the box. The driver is the most fuel efficient component in the car or as the case may be the most fuel inefficient...anyone who believes that driving style is unimportant is I believe making a fundamental mistake. I firmly believe if any variable in an equation changes...then...so does the answer. To make sweeping statements is a little misguided...I'm doing way BETTER than what it says on the box...I'm pleased...not disapointed. This car is 2200cc over 2000 kg weight and 177bhp...complaints without a full understanding of all the variables is in my view unjust. I do not agree with the gearing of the car...I could stay forever disagreeing with this variable...I could sell the car...I could never buy diesel again...I could never buy Lexus again...I could be stubborn...I could be misinformed. OR....I could CHANGE and see is it me that's been at fault all along...IF NOT CHOOSE 1 OF THE ABOVE IMEDIATELY...and get back to driving and ordinary everyday car that appear all around you in their 1000s. Its like watching B&W television when you're used to colour...persist give it a try...don't give in...there'll only be one victim and it won't be Lexus. *** loves those who try...good luck everyone!

The whole thing is a puzzle...this week i.e. first three days I drove 219 klm each day on a specific trip (there and back) a great test for economy. Each day within speed limits max 100klm per hour ...trunk roads 62 mph. (657 klm) 5.4 litre per 100 klm economy traffic nicely spaced out no weaving in and out constant 95-100 kph ...60 mph etc For 80-90% of the journey. Was able to drive no bother whatever in 6th at 1500 revs constant without vibrations...however if I need to suddenly accelerate I'd have to come straight down to 4th (no cruise on I don't get to use it much here in Ireland). My fifth gear allows me to drive at any speed once the engine is warm...pick up is fine (more often though I use the rule change down when slowed down blah blah). I don't use AC often ...when I do... the dash will let out a few 'cracks'...has to be expansion and contraction of the plastic materials. I get my economy by driving this conservative style. I'm not a techie...even the jargon confounds me at times but I am a stickler for detail keeping spreadsheets on economy since the start of ownership. I'm focusing continually on how best to get the best from the car. If I drove it like I drove the E200's I've owned, especially around town type journeys, my average would be at least be down to high 30's mpg (if not worse) instead of the high 40's mpg I achieve by changing the habits of a lifetime (I'm mid 50's). The boot is the big enemy with the 220D engine ...I would agree with anyone saying its over refined but not that it's uneconomical. What a challenge!...lovely jubbly!!

Because of the gearing and power band of the NEW (totally different) IS the car does not necessarily fit the golden rules like HIGH &LOW rev driving that normally apply to engines that nearly all comply to common enough powerbands, torques revs, gearing, turbos etc. I found this tip on the Greener Driving site and thought it might be useful as it explains that engine standards and norms are changing due to emission regulations etc...Don't forget Lexus have made the change...see what you think! For me driving at 2000+ revs doesn't make sense at all...the noise you hear is the engine gulping fuel. By all means if you want to get ahead of the Articulated lorry blasting you with spray etc give it the squirt on the pedal and get by...but back off on the revs when you've done so. As for BMW, Audi etc they have not yet introduced engines to the same emission standards in this category of vehicle...when they do the powerbands and likely the gearing may well have to change...then we'll be all singing from the same hymn sheet. All of these cars are excellent, good quality, well engineered but performing to different standards and meeting differing criteria in an engineered way. TRUE going from A to B as economically as possible is what you and I are talking about in this topic but the engineers in the industry have their hands tied and are seeking to achieve goals and objectives in totally different ways. Seeking the competitive edge through different technology. So let's give up knocking lumps out of each other over such things in a fashion that resembles the old style of...my dad's bigger than your dad. I've detected frustration that's leading to many negatives on the BB...we're all on the same side!...niggles develop!...let's get back to sharing and focus what the possible solutions might be and not the ever continuing what the problems are. YES the topic should introduce the identity of the problem and yes you clearly state how you see it. When the topic is up and running contributors should be all working towards the solution and contibute as positively as possible. http://www.greener-driving.net/site/tip3.html THIS IS ONLY ONE LINK...it may help!...it may not!... it is hopefully leading towards a solution by sharing qualitative information. Somewhere in the back of my mind I can see a graph that showed the powerband, torque, revs etc for the moment I've forgotten where? I have my doubts its in the catalogue...it too may shed some light on the way forward. re: Revs...gear selection.

I like Jamboo, Matus and others have contributed to this topic on numerous occassions. I have done 26,000 klm and currently have an overall return of 6.0 litres to 100/klm that is 47.1 average since January 27th 2007. Due to its gearing this car is different....what you did before in other cars does not count. Its like learning to drive again...to get the best from this car you must drive it optimally. My current tank is 6.3litre per 100klm = 44.8mpg for me this is bad!!! Usually 5.8 to 6.1 = 48.7 to 46.3 mpg. I do believe, but he can speak for himself...that Jamboo changed his habits of a life time and experimented how he might get the best from the car and I believe he is now satisfied that there's something to be learnt and his only gripes (justified) appear to relate to the creaks & groans of the car chasis and cockpit etc. The 220D for me is the best car I've ever owned..I have owned Mercedes E200 x 2 before and they are not any where in comparison. So whats to be done??? TRY A FEW DIFFERENT driving styles...just because it looks like the Starship Enterprise doesn't mean warp factor 6 Mr. Zulu all the time. Things change...Lexus are spearheading a new breed of cars, technology and legislation limit the possibilities...ALL manufacturers are chasing after Lexus in this respect...when they catch up we can then start to compare like with like...and you'll see that we've moved on a Tad...give the car a break...calm down...relieve the stress levels...sit back and enjoy. I dont proclaim to know it all, I dont want to be condescending in any way in any of my comments. You're all great guys'n'gals with a new breed of car that's the envy of many because its different. If that means you have to change ...accept it...change...see what happens.

Gold ...Biege Leather

Here in Ireland Petrol E1.19 litre ...Diesel E1.10 litre My last car was E200 Merc Petrol average 30 mpg my current consumption and price differential in fuel Petrol vs Diesel means the IS220D is 38% more economical in fuel alone. COST PETROL PER MILE E0.18 COST DIESEL PER MILE E0.11 62% of the cost 38% cheaper

At Last!!! Jamboo I think you hit the nail on-the-head...the car has as you put it a comfort zone...it is a high powered (torque wise) saloon car...if driven to its spec it achieves economy. The sports car version of the 220D as you would expect is a sports car, even higher performance and less economical...nothing new here. This forum has great contributions some comparisons I feel are are valid but not all...the Lexus in my view looks better than anything in its class...there is perhaps a little in the handling...but the economy matches what it says in the book...probably achieved based on a test bed running at approx 55 mph. It follows therefore that the economy is there if you drive at this speed and don't drive at 75-80 mph. Yes the opposition (don't like the phrase) are sometimes better in what has to said very small amounts...but mostly the cars compared are not to Euro IV or V they are not as heavy they often are not 2.2 litre able to deliver bhp figures comparable to the IS220 D. I have mentioned before that I have driven merc's for the past 12 years ...great cars...BUT no better than Lexus. This is without doubt the best looking, most economic (2.2), most comfortable, best finished car I ever owned...I love it. I hasten to add I would love it a lot less if I had the problems some of you have had. I still believe, Lexus have fixed something but kept it quiet...it would be interesting if some of the late 2005 and early 2006 owners could avail of a drive in the circa 2007 model that has loosened out. Its my belief a few of you would think and know you had a different machine under you. I believe this car will go on from a bad start to be a winner...in the 4 months I've owned mine I did not see many here in Ireland...but now the car is all over the place...many colours ...great to see.

Yes there is an extensive thread but most of the inputs are of the "unsatisfied" type. I like Matus idea of the signature showing current performance. Me ...11000 klms 6.2 litres per 100 klms since the outset (45.6 mpg) last 5 tanks (47.06mpg)...I am obviously a "satisfied type" and as such would argue strongly that the car is economical. If members include such data in their signature it would also be interesting to see the car year to compare experiences across the models released. its my view that either something has been fixed...Lexus have not annouced it so as to avoid a recall or some of us do not thrash the car going from A to B. Jamboo is correct when he has described the car as tight and freeing up to give better economy...I'm averaging 400 miles a week...all moderate roads...no dual-carriageway...no motorway...40 to 100 klm per hour limits. :) :) :D

I too have driven both...did not fancy the stiffer suspension on undulating country roads in the West of Ireland. Horses for courses...The gearing is admittedly different but once used to it...no problems you have a gear to meet all driving conditions... just a different gear to the one you're used to using. I read with interest that the mpg or ltr/100klm is less when you have the 18" wheel ...I'm not a techie so someone else might comment on the pros and cons of the 18" wheel. The car has in my view been superb from day one ...Jan 2007...I do believe the grievences others experienced have given this car a negative standing amongst the competition...in reality this car will shine yet! :)

The link worked for me on 15th May...you're quite correct in saying it's a USA review. Many variations in spec vs Europe. Interesting reading.

Did you fill up at Shell? Oh yes. I should also add that some stretches of the journey were on A roads, with a 50mph limit and the car was very comfortable at 50 in 5th, and that's where the majority of the improvement was. In the past the car has exceeded this, but for some reason it's all gone downhill since the 5th Injector changout/ECU remap. Hi Jamboo I hope you're not saying what I think your saying...that is that you now think you had a fix for something that might not have been broken in the first place??

...... is they are lying and prob work for lexus! I don't work for Lexus but find their customer care to be the best. My dealer can't help enough. My 220D is now on 8,500 miles and has freed up a lot - 6th gear is fine from 60-ish, provided it's not uphill. Also same experience as above on fuel consumption, was struggling to get 38 at first, has now freed up to between 40 and 42 over a tankful. Similar to you...Jan 2007 8000klms...could not use 6th much without the expected labouring ...BUT now no problems even cruising at 62 mph (100klms per hour) :)...litres/100 klms ...mpg what it says in the brochure, actually now the engine has eased out its better than advertised.

Tank by Tank since 27th Jan 2007 LEXUS Economy Litres........Klms.........Litres/100km........Gallons........Mpg........Distance Miles 52.21........813...........6.42.....................11.48.........44.14........505 45.88........604...........7.60.....................10.09.........37.67........375 34.07........502...........6.79.......................7.49.........42.16........312 38.07........600...........6.35.......................8.37.........44.84........373 45.46........684...........6.65.....................10.00.........42.80........425 36.04........578...........6.24.......................7.93.........45.56........359 46.23........700...........6.60.....................10.17.........42.80........435 43.99........681...........6.46.......................9.68.........44.14........423 26.20........420...........6.24.......................5.76.........45.56........261 41.70........658...........6.34.......................9.17.........44.84........409 43.10........761...........5.66.......................9.48.........50.45........473 Average 41.00........636...........6.48.....................9.06...........44.09.......395 Total 452.95.....7001.........................................................................4350

Sorry to hear about the prang...it's a shame to see the car adorned with dents etc. May I ask what your mpg was that made you so disconsolate in the first place...how low is low?? Hope everything gets sorted out.

Hi Jamboo The fuel I've always used whether I had petrol or diesel cars is always ESSO...like I said recently the current tank has done average 51.4 mpg for the last 250 miles

60?! How on earth have you managed to achieve that sort of figure? Best I've achieved was 4.8 litres per 100klms = 58.9 mpg...YEP! it can be done...regularly. You're probably correct it appears to be SOME of the earlier models I based my assumption on the posts here...Most early model owners on this forum seem to have a valid gripe when you read about their IS220Ds performance.

HI Matus Like you...I do a fair amount of mixed driving as in Town & Country (No Motorway) I've currently got 6700klms on the clock and overall since the beginning I have now 6.4 litres per 100klm performance or 44.1 mpg for the last 4000+ miles. My current tank was filled to the top and at halfway usage I'm on 5.5 litres per 100 klm or 51.4 mpg... This is beyond the expectation of many but clearly achievable in the 2007 model...NEW 27th Jan 2007. On the downside it clearly shows that the earlier models have something that is not quite right whether it's Hardware or Software is yet to be found out. Injectors or ECU remapping appear to be making a difference to some owners but when mine goes in for service I'll be saying loud and clear don't try to fix anything that is clearly not broken.

However the functionality of autolock appears to be in the system...so that leaves me like others wondering what's going on? Of course nobody's that stupid...30 secs then drive off etc...it is a throw away satirical comment, the line above from the first appearance of this discussion raises the point that autolocking is already in the system as clearly shown by wait 30 secs autolock kicks in and drive off with the doors locked...maybe...just maybe...a change of software might be able to be implemented to work around this contencious issue. Lexus are quite capable people even though on this issue they manifestly are not showing it. P.S. Great response to the trade Jamboo...loads of facts and figures (non-fiction non sales pitch). I know like others here you're not taking it out on the person you're targeting the trade. However when someone from the trade tries to defend the indefensible ...blood can boil!

If you had the patience you can sit in the car ...do nothing for 30 seconds... all the doors will then lock automatically...now startup and drive off with all doors locked.

Masters of ALL we DON'T control... Keep us posted as to its usefulness, I would be interested in a setting that is appropriate...a bit surprised they haven't done the Volvo trick of lights always ON.

In that case I must have deactivated the 'beeper'...somehow??

About 30 seconds

If I open my IS220D and sit inside complete with key-in-pocket and do nothing, just sit there....the car will suddenly lock all doors. I've seen this discussed on a few threads. I'm confused when I read them and I have to say I'm confused by some owners claiming NO autolock and mine appears to autolock...admittedly I do realise that if I start the car and drive this does not happen. However the functionality of autolock appears to be in the system...so that leaves me like others wondering what's going on? I would also seek advice on whether or not a lights left ON warning beeper can be activated or deactivated because presently I can turn off the engine...lock the car...and if I've left any lights on ...TOO BAD!...NO BEEPER. I would have thought there would have been some protection for the battery...maybe I've inadvertently deactivated a warning...not sure...would appreciate comment or advice...thanks in advance