Argento

That's nice of you to say so. I'm sorry to be moving on too. But I'm not trading down to the 4 cylinder 2 litre job that's in the latest IS (I hope Lexus UK see this!) We don't need two cars now. So I'm going to share my wife's MINI Coumtryman Cooper. I love driving it. Argento

Normski2!, thanks again. I remember studying these before. I believe you're right The facility is not available on my car. But I'll enjoy looking through these options again. Thanks. Argento

Normsnki2, thanks. < Customizable Functions menu.> Yes, I'm on reasonable terms with my dealer at the moment (they're trying to get me to buy a RC!) I'll ask them to have a quick look. Argento

Sorry for confusing you. I understand you re. the freezyee stuff I'm looking for the function that causes my mirrors to open/close when turning the ignition on/off. Does that make sense? Does that exist on my car? Argento

Normski, great to hear from you again. I can't get to the car right now, so I can't have a look/test. But I have a button where you say. I use it a lot. When I put the car in the garage, I press and the mirrors retract. Once I've got the car out of the garage, I press it again and they fold out. Works great. Unlike a Golf GTI MkV I had 6 years ago; they never worked properly. Now, are you saying that there is _another_ button somewhere near there? Argento

I didn't know I had this feature on my MY11 F-Sport, after five years of ownership! I don't really need it as the car is always garaged and I need all the clearance I can get to get the car out of the garage :-) However, do I need to change something in "settings" to activate the function? Argento

I just thought I'd let others know that I'm planning to put my IS 250 F-Sport MY2011 Argento Ice on PistonHeads soon. FSH and 30k Owned by me from new. Garaged and immaculate. PM me if you would like me to tell you when I put it on PH Argento

ChumpusRex, johnatg & toffee_pie, thanks for this input. "They show that Argento's caster angle is marginally less than minimum specification on both sides, and pretty well balanced. Nothing really to worry about." "And I would say Argento's figures are fine - pretty similar each side - ... ..." I'm mightIly relieved. Thanks. toffee_pie Thanks for sharing that data with us. I'll study it and try to increase my understanding. ChumpusRex, re. "The Hunter machines usually show ........." Are you saying that from the info I've posted, my alignment was done on Hunter machine? Argento

johnatg, thanks for that. I'll read it again, slowly. And inwardly digest <_< I must admit I noticed no difference after the work was carried out. It continues to run straight with hands of the wheel. It definitely doesn't or has ever, pulled to one side. My print-out readings for Caster were: 8.49' 7.02' 7.19' 7.19' 7.10' 8.49' Sorry, I don't know how to format "degrees" I've used "." e.g. 8.49 (8 degrees 49 minutes) The figures in bold are printed in red on my print-out. I don't know why, of course. But is it maybe because they are close to the 7.19' tolerance? A warning/alert? I have no idea. But I'm sure these figures will mean something to you, and the other experts. Argento

ChumpusRex, thanks. That's of great comfort to me. I've just started using this Indie. I'm really pleased with them, and trust them. <Camber and caster need to be adjusted by replacing the bent parts, by installing shims on the suspension components or by replacing OEM components by adjustable ones.> Ouch! Either of these three things looks expensive. They gave me a print-out of the camber and caster readings. Presumably, they were within tolerance so they decided not to install shims, right? If you have the time, could I send you the print out via Personal Message/email ? I've got a big "red" reading caster. Should I be worried? It's not clear to a non-techie like me! Argento

Is it right that the castor and camber is not adjustable on my MY2011 IS250 F-Sport ? A little bit of wear on the inside of tyres that have done 28k Still 5mm all round (I know, not driving it hard enough!) So I took it to my trusted Indie - using "Hawkeye" 4 wheel alignment kit. He reports that toe-in was adjusted to within spec But unable to adjust castor and camber? Is that right? If so, why do Lexus not allow adjustment? Argento

Thanks blackcts, johnatg and Derek870, I've just ordered x2 5l GM (General Motors) 5w30 FS Dexos 2 via the link John just posted. Looks good. Thanks That's saved me a lot of time. Argento

Now that would worry me! Argento

blackcts, "Off the top of my head, 4yr service for an IS250 is oil, oil filter, air filter and brake fluid change. Use the GM 5w30 as recommended on here or Millers. I'm nearly sure the brake fluid needed is DOT3, but check in the handbook. Buy a genuine oil filter from eBay and a decent brand air filter, such as Mann or Blueprint they don't matter as much." Thanks. Noted. That's very helpful. Re. GM 5w30. That's GM as in General Motors, right? If the brake fluid is DOT3, that would be great. I'll check. Would help to keep costs down, as the indie would have plenty of that. I've seen Blueprint products online, alongside BOLK products. I'd never heard of them until now. I'll go for the genuine oil filter and get Blueprint air and cabin filters. Argento

Thanks very much to all that have commented. That's helped me a lot to make a decision. I'm going to try the indie route. I hope I'm going to save a lot of money. I'm also going to enjoy buying the filters, brake fluid and top spec oil for the car. I can play my Lexus Owners Club card to get a 10% discount too, right? "I thought the 250 was chain driven not belt ...." Ha-ha Steve. Nice to know that you've still got that sense of humour. Chain of course. That's why I can rev it to 6750, in Sport mode! Diesels eat your hearts out ... :-) "Sounds like time to find a good indie near you and start taking it there." Yes, I've got one in mind already. The one that looks after my wife's MINI Cooper Countryman. Oil change and full inspection report for £25 (I supplied the oil and filter though). You can tell I'm lucky enough to live 'up North' can't you? "Genuine Lexus parts can be bought on ebay from dealers at fairly reasonable prices. The right grade of oil and brake fluid can be purchased from any motor factors." Yup. That's what I'm going to do. "Most of the regular services are just inspections anyway - and most of them are done at MoT time. There's not actually much that needs doing apart from oil changes (including diff) apart from MoT inspections." Yes indeed. I've thought this for a long time now. It's basically oil changes I'm getting, for a very high price. "I can understand the extra costs involved, I mean someone has to pay for coffee, toilet rolls, light bulbs and attitude training." But you've forgotten about the "complimentary wi-fi" haven't you? :-) How dare they mention that ..... Cheap stunt. "Guessing Lexus will have similar/same servicing procedures as Toyota ...." That's a good point. You can see the similarity in many of the parts. I'm pretty sure the "trained technicians" flit between the Toyota and Lexus services bays when they are on the same site or near each other. If the workload demands it, I suppose you can't blame them. BTW slightly off-topic. The Lexus Roadside Assistance package is still good value at £115, don't you think? I've just re-newed. Same price as last year. Argento

The car (IS 250 F-Sport MY2011, so 4 years old) is due its annual service next month. We've done 27k since new. One owner. Running fine, of course. The dealer wants just over £400 for a MOT and service. Can this be right ... .... ? Argento

Ok, thanks. I just assumed they all had protective shields nowadays. I'd better have a look underneath! Argento

Is that protective cover/panel underneath the engine easy to remove and refit? Presumably that gives us access to the sump drain plug (IS 250 F-Sport) ? Sorry if this is a bit off-topic. That info on the filter removal tool was very useful. Argento

"... .. at least changing the oil gives the main benefit." I'm pleased that you've said that. But you're right, the "proper" way is to drain via the sump plug and fit a new filter. I'm afraid I'm not brave enough to try to get that plastic cover off that shields the underside of the engine. I also recall that you need a special tool to get the filter off. Is that right? Argento

normski2, "If you mean the lexus ebay store...it's here." Thanks. I was unaware of that site. Very useful. I'm still wiping away the tears at the sight of some of the prices though ! :-) Argento

<No they don't.> Ok. I'll keep out of this discussion then. Argento

johnatg, re. "Every 5000 miles (Note - half Lexus' recommendation!) Replace: Engine Oil 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Oil Filter " Ok, agreed. But do we really need to change the oil filter? On the Honda bikes I've had over the years, I've looked inside the oil filter after changing the oil, nothing there? Admittedly, nothing like the mileage our cars do. Can we get away with just siphoning the old engine oil out - like they do in the States? Argento

Before I put my foot in it. Do your cars have a "ECT PWR mode" switch like my IS250 F-Sport MY11 ? Argento

Go for the genuine Lexus ones. Quality product. <Takes 2 mins to fit :)> Hmm ... Not so sure about that! For a start, you must make sure you've got the right length fitted to each side. 550mm and 500mm The last time I got them, the dealer supplied me with 2 500mm ones. Clumsy. < It looks hard at first - but dead easy when you've worked it out!> I agree. I've done them twice. I'm looking forward to the third time. Argento

normski2, "Yeah ya can....just turn the wheel as far as you can (can't recall, left or right) until there is a gentle click.......and hey presto...its CLOSED. " Yup, you're dead right again, of course :-) Got it. Thanks. I'm pretty sure that little trick is not shown in the Owner's Manual. Maybe they thought it was intuitve? Argento