BillNick

Yeh I would normally agree as we all know the upselling goes on. But on this occasion they didn’t. They took the tyre measurement on the video so I saw it was def 2mm on the extreme edge. They didn’t up sell the alignment neither as I asked and they said it’s normal for my car RCF. I’m still going to get it put on the ramp at WIM Chesham and no point doing that without brand new tyres fitted. Might drag it out till end of the year though just before my MOT.

Cheers both

Did you do anything about it or just accept the fact that you will need new tyres even if most of the tyre is ok?

I installed this kit from China: Apple CarPlay RCxx I think they do it for most Lexus models. You are correct, I had CarPlay running Google Maps and/or Waze in both my last Lexus IS250 and also my wife's Mercedes. Yet to come across an OEM Nav which is up to their standards.....

Oh yeh of course, though my post might seem otherwise, I am not surprised. I guess using CarPlay via Wifi for so long, I 'forgot' how good the ML is........

After a few weeks of use I thought I would provide an update on the user experience of this retrofit. I have found the wireless to be somewhat unreliable. It is very responsive on initial startup, takes a few seconds then cuts into CarPlay from OEM screen - which at first I thought was great, but it soon started to annoy me if I didn't want CarPlay. Also, the signal would drop out, then come back (disconnect then reconnect) which is VERY annoying if you are following directions at the time lol. Third but final, the response to the touch pad is rubbish and jumpy/clunky.... So I decided to try out the good old fashioned hard connection via the USB. WOW, what a difference a cable makes 🙂 Having turned off Bluetooth/WIFI the car will only go over to CarPlay IF the phone gets connected to the USB - which is great coz it will stay in OEM until then. NO signal drop out whatsoever, and things like Google Maps are far smoother, responsive and reliable. Things like directional changes took time to catch up in Wifi mode. Its not spot on. As is the touchpad. Via USB, the touchpad works just as well as it does in OEM! Oh yes and the music output is much much better via USB. Back up to the excellent standards of the OEM ML system. So I will be looking to remove the centre consol again and route the USB port permanently somewhere - hopefully close to the OEM USBs. Advice for buyers, don't worry if the one you go for doesn't give wireless, USB is much much better anyway.

After a few weeks of use I thought I would provide an update on the user experience of this retrofit. I have found the wireless to be somewhat unreliable. It is very responsive on initial startup, takes a few seconds then cuts into CarPlay from OEM screen - which at first I thought was great, but it soon started to annoy me if I didn't want CarPlay. Also, the signal would drop out, then come back (disconnect then reconnect) which is VERY annoying if you are following directions at the time lol. Third but final, the response to the touch pad is rubbish and jumpy/clunky.... So I decided to try out the good old fashioned hard connection via the USB. WOW, what a difference a cable makes 🙂 Having turned off Bluetooth/WIFI the car will only go over to CarPlay IF the phone gets connected to the USB - which is great coz it will stay in OEM until then. NO signal drop out whatsoever, and things like Google Maps are far smoother, responsive and reliable. Things like directional changes took time to catch up in Wifi mode. Its not spot on. As is the touchpad. Via USB, the touchpad works just as well as it does in OEM! Oh yes and the music output is much much better via USB. Back up to the excellent standards of the OEM ML system. So I will be looking to remove the centre consol again and route the USB port permanently somewhere - hopefully close to the OEM USBs. Advice for buyers, don't worry if the one you go for doesn't give wireless, USB is much much better anyway.

I am def going to go for Michelin PS4 S And think I will take the risk on the TPMS. After all, do not need them to drive my car if/when they fail...will do them then. If they were a crucial component I would of course apply "prevention over cure"

Interesting RE those speed humps....we do have 1 road closeby which I use SOMETIMES, but def not enough to wear the inner edges. Think I will get a quote from Lexus, I know what tyres I want to it's all on price match - or not as they case may be. How much are OEM TPMS does anyone know?

Potentially a silly question: Are TPMS reused? Am I better going to Lexus for tyres because of the TPMS or absolutely not? Never had them before that's all....

Thanks mate Hi-ho, Hi-ho, its off to WIM I go....

Hi all, Just had the 6yr service on my 15 RCF. All green down the sheet with the exception of front tyres which came with an advisory for inner wear. Tyre measurements taken at 4 points across the tyre starting at the inner edge measured 2,5,5,5 on both front tyres. Lexus tech said this is normal for the F and alignment is fine - it had 4 wheel laser done at Lexus Stockport last Aug. I just wondered what other owners experience of this was? I took both of my previous Lexus to WIM and had Tony's GEO settings applied which eliminated inner tyre wear. Wondering whether to do the same with the F, but being an F, perhaps its a characteristic of the performance setup anyway? Would eliminating inner tyre wear with a small camber adjustment compromise the handling performance? Still, got the perfect excuse I have been waiting for to replace the Bridgestones with Michelin's now.

Was thinking the same thing...

Looks great. Do you know the exact product they used for the bonnet?

No problem. Might mean a new rear section altogether looking online. Interesting Swindon bought it, I noticed it was sold on AT. Well done, saves you plenty of agg I guess. I do like my Quicksilver, but can't help but feel like I have compromised the Lexus build quality.....doubt you got the same feeling from the Invidia??

Hi mate, See your car regularly whenever I go over to my mums in Blackfen. Do you know if the tips of the exhaust are interchangeable? I have been looking into an nvidia system but prefer all chrome tips. Did you notice any performance improvements?

Sounds awesome. Let me check with the boss (wife). Renovating our house and baby arriving 12th Oct so might get an icy stare if I suggest anything other than DIY on a bank holiday weekend....

I was keeping an eye out when I had my IS250. They came up on ebay once or twice but always with broken mountings or something. New from Toyota I believe they are around £700-900 a piece. Then there might be some wiring to modify but its all doable. As with everything else, this upgrade is very easy and very common in the US 😞

And I’ve just been sent a job opebing by one of my agents for Management Accountant @ Cazoo. How strange. (I’m a freelance accountant) Not for me though, happy where I am. congrats on the car! I’m starting to wish I bought a carbon in blue....

Perhaps it’s £143 NET profit? In which case not bad at all with those volumes.

Shame about the timing, Grace wouldn't allow it. Baby arriving Oct 12th....

I'd love to do this. How long you planning on taking to do it?

Same, even had 2 mates in the car the other day, 1 in the back (70kg) and the rear still slipped a bit in straight line. But as you have no doubt found out the car looks after you very well 🙂

Mine came with Bridgestones all round. Got about 5 maybe 4mm left. Really want PS4S so looking forward to these wearing out 😉

They will end up passing that on for sure. Unless a lottery winner decides to try an RCF for a few days lol