mraines

I was wondering what the title would have been if you had bought an IS250 instead. ;-) Enjoy the car as it seems you already are.

There should be no need to press any buttons when it auto connects. You will see the top of the IS250 MM display show a bluetooth connected message scroll on and off. This has worked for me using a basic Nokia 2730 and a Sony Erisson Xperia Ray. Here is the Lexus bluetooth compatabilit check page if that helps but I think you know your phone is connecting: http://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/lexuscare/reference-library/bluetooth-compatibility-check.aspx Also, there is a video based "how to" on pairing your bluetooth phone at this link: http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/demos/IS/assets/interior/DVDNav_Gen5_IS/Lexus_nav.html Select the "How To" and scroll down to Pair a Bluetooth Phone. Thanks.

Well said SAD, beat me to that thought/post.

Wise move looking for an IS250. Make sure you get a nice long test drive in one (I suggest a weekend) you will be sold on it (especially if an auto). ;-)

Mine went on last week after waiting a few weeks to get them ordered. Thanks.

...another winter tyre write up on Autocar today...with a nice discussion item in the discussion forum. http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2011/10/18/winter-tyres-on-a-mini-my-six-month-test.aspx Thanks

And to get back on topic...another winter tyre write up on Autocar today... http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatthewheel/archive/2011/10/18/winter-tyres-on-a-mini-my-six-month-test.aspx Thanks

I would do a search on the forums since this topic seems to be recurring and often discussed. Have a read of http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/ for tyre info. By the way after I chatted with my local supplier/fitter stocks are down (Europe get the most stock) and the longer you leave it the prices will be going up. Also, I called my insurance company and they said it was nothing to worry about having winter tyres fitted and no price increase. There have been recent articles on-line in Autocar and Whatcar too. Google is your friend. Thanks

I will not be using my IS250 as a snow plough however I hope to benefit from the superior traction and stopping distances that winter tyres can offer. In the past even just a smattering of snow or slush on the road and the IS250 was stranded...and I live away and off from treated roads. Lets get real...they are not going to turn your IS250 into a 4x4 equivalent/snow plough but all the other benefits I really hope will be useful. Thanks

Some recent discussion on winter tyres on the Autocar forums too: http://www.autocar.co.uk/forums/t/20519.aspx And a recent Whatcar article too: http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/winter-tyres-could-save-your-life/259264 Thanks

Yes there are a lot of variables as to whether to go for winter tyres. I don't think it is just a snow issue though and the stopping distances are improved on softer winter tyres in the colder temperatures as well as wet weather grip. Everyone has a choice.

Argento, the Dunlop Winter Sport 4D don't do a size to fit the IS250 rears so I went for the 3D. Seems stocks in general are low and the later you leave it the higher the price will be as too many people chasing too few winter tyres. I looked at http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/ and I also had to consider price too. Thanks and good luck.

I wasn't aware of a specific Lexus dealer winter tyre package but took my own initiative and have just had a set of Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D fitted. These had to be but on a back order since it seems most winter tyres are allocated to Europe and few make their way to the UK. Will provide some feedback later when the weather turns. They replaced a set of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx which I was happy with and they covered over 20K miles and were still legal, just. Thanks.

I think Ford have the patent/rights to the full windscreen heater matrix so you won't see it used by other manufacturers. That's a shame since it's a very good thing to have as opposed to just warming up the windscreen where the wiper blades are parked. Cheers.

Skidpad, this has happened to me once and like you I was rather concerned. All I can think is that the unlock button on the electronic fob must have got pressed in my pocket for the 4-5 secs it takes to unlock and open the windows, if it is kept pressed. Hope that helps.

Just to add, if you have the gearbox selector displayed, and you try to select say 6th at 40 mph it will show a "." or period in the display despite showing that you have selected 6th gear. Note that the 5 will be displayed to the left of the "." or period to show you are still in 5th gear despite trying to select 6th. Up the speed to say 45-50mph and 6th gear will indeed now be selected and displayed in both fields. I suggest you use the gearbox selector display too to confirm what gear you "actually" are using. Thanks

As Tango says, so glad I have a petrol IS250. MPG figures will fluctuate according to many factors though. On my IS250 short commutes I get low 30's MPG, that will rise to mid 30's MPG for longer runs and any decent motorway mileage it will be nearer 40 MPG. Thanks.

Sorry I don't have the specific answer but this on line guide might help: http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/demos/IS/assets/interior/DVDNav_Gen5_IS/Lexus_nav.html Thanks

Oh dear, why are you using fog lights at night on clear summer evenings anyway? Turn them off and use your lights properly for the weather conditions instead of trying to "look nicer".

I have experienced the non starting issue with a few cars where if you start them up and either move them a very short distance or non at all and then turn them off they prove to be difficult to start. I think they get flooded and need some time for the fuel to evapourate or burn off. I think trying to restart on a full throttle was the cure bizarrely. As to your gearbox issue and diagnostics I cannot advise. Thanks.

Here is a link to a pic of the tool kit pack showing the pair of pin tools: http://clublexus.com/forums/2524943-post95.html Thanks

This has often been asked (and answered) so here is a thread with a video link to help you. Thanks http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=68389&st=0&p=728895&fromsearch=1entry728895

Just to add, if you have the gearbox selector displayed, and you try to select say 6th at 40 mph it will show a "." or period in the display despite showing that you have selected 6th gear. Note that the 5 will be displayed to the left of the "." or period to show you are still in 5th gear despite trying to select 6th. Up the speed to say 45-50mph and 6th gear will indeed now be selected and displayed in both fields. Thanks.

What you experience all sounds like normal behaviour. The auto box will not allow you to say select 6th if your speed is not high enough and the same coming down, if you fail to down shift the box will do it for you. Thanks.

Perhaps a a tyre pressure check is required given the cold temperatures for your light steering. Also 17" tyres may be prone to tramlining. The "loud knocking" has been covered on a number of posts so search around for wheel stepping out or knocking and you will read it appears to be normal behaviour, especially with cold tyres. Hope that helps.