dmc911

Seems like it is not possible to disable after all... I've also been waiting for the dealer to get the software upgrade afer being told by them that it was possible. I called Lexus GB customer service this week and got the following information back on the warning beep and why details of disabling it are in the UK owners manual: "I have done further investigation into this issue with our technical department, and they have indicated that the RX300 does have an adjustment for the beeping signal of the RX300 tailgate. However, the sound volume is automtically defaulted to the lowest set volume. If you are, however, referring to the sound from the interior cabin that can easily be de-activated at your Lexus centre. Unfortunately, the beeping sound when the RX300 tailgate is closing cannot be de-activated as this is standard feature on all U.K. specification models. It has been decided to be a safety feature that is required for this region, U.K. models are thus assembled as such so that it is incapable of de-activating. However, other foreign models do allow for this feature to be de-activated. It follows, that we use a standard set of manuals that incorporate all models world-wide, and this means that all features are included for every RX model. However, some features are region specific based on the safety requirements and the like. I hope this clarifies the issue, but please be assured that our technical department are looking into this issue with our management team and will look to include this note in future manuals." Oh well, would have been nice though.

RxMike, yes I have the same problem with a 2004 SE. Actually my wife mentioned it to me when we had a test car overnight but I assumed it was just a case of her not being used to the car. You describe the occurance and sensation perfectly- the car lurches instead of taking away smoothly. Awareness is required to prevent it happening at roundabouts where you haven't quite needed to stop before taking off again. As Colin says, hopefully something that a software upgrade would fix. My other surprise with the RX transmision was my first stop on a hill- when the car started creeping backwards. Other automatics and semi automatics I've had do not do that on the same hill stops. It also rolls forward when reverse gear is selected and you want to reverse up a hill for example to get out of a parking space.... I bought an automatic to avoid these hassles. Is it possible that this is a software issue too?

Right on javaboss, I've been told by a manager in the business that Lexus actually have one of the highest margins he'd seen but he didn't mention a figure. Anyway, I got £1,500 off an SE without nav at the dealers. Go for it.