timcunnell

Oh yeah - and another thing. AA Winscreens in Ipswich are absolutely hopeless. If you are in Ipswich and your insurance company propose using them to change yur glass, you should insist they use someone else! They made an absolute mess of my windscreen replacement, and completely botched a work colleague's too!

Just to add my 10p worth on this one - my IS220d has this exact problem too. It is going tomorrow so I guess I don't really mind any more! But it has been really annoying because I do mostly listen to the radio. I just wanted to let you know that I had my car serviced a little while ago at Lexus Ipswich, and told them about it. They were extremely helpful, and the service manage came out to have a look. He told me (as others have mentioned) that the antenna is built in to the rear glass. Hence it happens when you turn on the mirros/rear windscreen de-mister. Note that if you have an SE-L (or other model with the heated windscreen - the Ford-style little wires integrated in the front windscreen, but only covering the bottom few inches to de-ice the wiper blades) then there is a separate button for activating this front windscreen heating, and therefore I really don't think that the windscreen replacement is connected to your radio reception problems. But then as others have commented, if the radio was definitely fine before, and instantly not right immediately after the replacement then maybe there is a link. But my guess is that it must be a coincidence. ANYWAY - I digress! I just wanted to say that the advice from the service manager at my local dealers was to really (REALLY) polish the rear windscreen inside and out and get it as shiny as you can. He said this was a common problem on the IS, and that it was caused by muck on the heated elements. To be honest, I never really gave mine a thorough clean to the extent that he suggested, so I never did get it resolved! But I hope this helps you. Good luck!

Thanks Normski! Yeah I know what you mean about the wheels - they were what swung it for me really! I was really pleased cos the car is literally 3 years a 5 days old, and the wheels were showing very early signs of the dreaded corrosion! So they eventually agreed to replace with all new wheels! Happy days! I literally won't sleep a wink tomorrow night!!

Thanks very much Chris. Gotta wait until Wednesday now to get it - can't wait!! :)

Haha thanks Rick! Will keep that in mind! Though I must say that Lexus drivers do tend to be a cut above in my experience! :)

Hello again Gents! Just wanted to update this page for anyone who might have been interested, to say that I've now heard back from the dealer and they're going to fit new Bridgstones for me at their expense :) I didn't even have to get angry with them or anything! I guess I under-estimated/forgot about Lexus' legendary customer service! Collecting the car on Wednesday now (pic of actual car as my avatar now) so really can't wait!!

Wow guys thanks so much for all the responses! Didn't expect so many quick replies on a Sunday morning! Thanks Normski for all the info on the MM system. The car is a 59 plate so facelift SE-L model. So hopefully it'll have newer features a that'll be good! And the tyre I believe is a Nexen. Don't get me wrong, I've had these on my 220 and I think they're okay. But not sure they're up to the Bridgestone standard, and I am concerned that cornering would be affected if the fronts don't match? Thanks again for all the helpful responses!

Haha thanks Geoff! It's great to hear that you've made the switch from the 220d to the 250 and that you're very happy. I'm gonna give the dealers a bit of stick tomorrow then about this tyre issue and hopefully get it sorted. Thanks very much for the advice :)

Hi guys. Just saw this topic some thought I'd pitch in with my experiences. I've owned a 220d for 3.5 years and it's been great. But I've had the dreaded Check VSC error twice now and have been able to fix it both times. For me it was the EGR valve that was blocked and needed cleaning. Early warning signs tend to be poor performance at low revs and reduced MPG. This is a very important tip - the error can be cleared temporarily by disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery for 10 secs or so. If you're trying to get home and you're experiencing loss of power this can be extremely useful to know. Also - I fund that cleaning the EGR valve with a strong oven cleaner that contains 5% or so sodium hydroxide does an amazing job with very little effort. When cleaning the EGR though you should separate the valve part from the electrical bit it is attached to - allowing you to free up the spring-loaded pin. I've also found that Redex Advance additive every 3 months does an amazing job for making the car so much smoother while also improving mpg and performance at low revs. Hope this helps!

Thanks very much Chris. I guess this is what I wanted to hear! I had thought that fitting a cheaper tyre was a bit cheeky! I will speak to them tomorrow and report back with the outcome.

Hey guys I've just this week paid a deposit and agreed to buy a used IS250 from my local Lexus dealer - trading in my much-loved IS220d which I will be sad to say goodbye to. Anyway - the 250 is a great car. I'm really excited, but got a small issue. When I test-drove the car it was fitted with 4 Bridgestone Turanza tyres - which I believe are a good tyre. I just found out from the dealer that one of the tyres has been replaced (because it had a nail in it). But they've replaced the Bridgestone with a much cheaper tyre! My view is that I bought a car with 4 Bridgestones on it - not 3, and one cheapo! But I'm really interested in what oh guys think. Is it reasonable for me to insist they fit another Bridgestone? It am I making a big deal about nothing? Also - any tips, hints, points of interest about the 250 (it indeed the Mark Levinson system for a newbie) would be much appreciated!

Hi Guys I've had my used (26k on the clock) IS220d for about a month now. i LOVE it!! But I am noticing some problems starting the car - particularly when the engine is warm. Often I am finding that the engine turns over/cranks, but doesn't fire. The other day I was at the petrol station and the damn thing took 5-6 attempts to start. I was really embarassed as you wouldn't expect a quality car to have these problems! Now - this is my first diesel, and I have to say that I know nothing really about the eccentricities of diesel motors - so I don't know what's normal, or if there is anything specific I am missing. Basically - is there anything I am not doing? Or is there an issue with the car? Do you need to depress the accelerator while cranking for example? Has anyone else had a similar experience/got any thoughts on what might be wrong? Any advice gratefully received! Tim

Thanks Gunther. To be honest I don't know what "pinking" noise is (sorry!) but it definately seems to occur at the same time the turbo cuts in. This is my first ever diesel, so I don't know if these things are normal. I'd take it back to the dealership but I am worried I'll embarass myself when they tell me that its totally normal!! However, I had a 24-hour loan of a different IS220d a few weeks ago and don't remember hearing this noise.

Hey guys! I've used this forum as a great reference for ages having owned a couple of Lexi over the years. I must say that I've never had the need to post anything really.....until now! I hope you can help me out. I have just picked up a 2nd hand IS220d SE-L with 27k on it, and have to say that I am really pleased with it (I have only had it a day mind you!!). Anyway - there's one thing that I don't know is normal, and while I have the warranty and the 30-day peace of mind thing I guess I should check it out. Basically, when accelerating over around 3000rpm the engine makes a distinct rattly, scratchy buzzing noise. I am just wondering if this is normal? Is it the turbo maybe? I should also say that this is my first ever diesel so I don't really know what to expect. Any comments would be greatfully received!

Indeed these wheels are the standard issue on the IS220d Sport. Don't think Lexus offer them as an option or aftermarket accessory. They do offer two other 18" wheels though - have a look at the "Hoshi" and "Baransu" - both really nice. I especially like the multi-spoke Baransu wheels myself.

Hi Guys I have recently started to hear a very disturbing grating noise when cornering. I only really notice it when taking right-handers quite quick. It is noticeable going round roundabouts quickly-ish, and also at slower speeds on full lock. My '03 IS200 has done 70k. I guess I really should take it in and get it looked at. Does anyone know what it might be and how expensive it might be to fix??