joeb427

Unlike the 3.5L in the IS350,GS350..the RX350 doesn't have direct injection.Nor does the ES 350. I had the same knocking,rapping problem on my '09 RX350 that started at about 20K miles and only in cold weather till engine warmed up.. Dealer service pulled the the noise won't cause any damage to the engine Where did you get that info? I've had two dealers state (in the process of trying to get them to fix it) that they are direct injected. I've not been able to find any other source, but if you're right I'd like to know where the noise is coming from. Like the others, mine started after 10k or so, and initially it totally went away after a mile or so. Now it is significantly louder (33k miles now) and never totally goes away, and it does it in any temperature, after the car sits for an hour or so. If I knew this would happen (or if the demo car I drove had the noise), I certainly wouldn't have bought it. Likewise, it's loud enough that I'm sure I'll never be able to sell it. "The 3.5 uses hydraulic valve lifters that continously adjust valve lash. Further if you look at the schematics for the 2GR-FE engine, the pistons are minimally skirted allowing them to rock within the cylinder, this would especially be true at cold start as the pistons have not expanded to match the cylinder sleeve... The tolerance is tight given the fact the pistons are coated to minimize scuffing and also to try and combat cold start knock... It is minimized, but not completely eradicated, therefore Toyota/Lexus will keep telling you it is normal... The noise is not the injectors nor is it the valves, but these are instead simple explainations for simple people." http://www.clublexus.com/forums/2251338-post5.html 2GR-FSE The 2GR-FSE engine used in the Lexus IS, and GS 350, incorporate Toyota's latest D4-S twin injection fuel system. This system combines direct injection with traditional port injection. Using direct injection and port injection simultaneously facilitates more precise mixing of air and fuel under low and medium load conditions for greater efficiency, while high load conditions dictate the use of direct injection alone for maximum power. The 2GR-FSE engine is rated at 315 PS (232 kW; 311 hp) at 6,400 RPM and 38.4 kg·m (377 N·m; 278 ft·lbf) at 4,800 RPM. The engine's service weight is 174 kg. 2GR-FE 2GR-FE engine in the Lexus RX 350 The 2GR-FE is a 3.5 L (3456 cc) version for transverse FWD mounting. Bore remains at 94 mm but stroke is reduced to 83 mm. Reported output varies depending on the vehicle application, but is approximately 266 hp (198 kW) to 275 hp (205 kW) at 6200 rpm with 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) to 257 lb·ft (348 N·m)of torque at 4700 rpm on 87 octane (R+M/2). This version features Toyota's Dual VVT-i, variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Valves are driven by roller-follower rocker arms with low friction roller bearings, and a unique, concave cam lobe design to increase valve lift over the traditional shimless lifter type system of the 1GR-FE. This increases overall cylinder head height to accommodate the slightly taller roller rocker system. Moreover, the cylinder head is segmented into 3 parts: valve cover, camshaft sub-assembly housing, and cylinder head sub-assembly. As such, this valvetrain is used across all other GR engines with Dual VVT-i. Its service weight is 163 kg.

Unlike the 3.5L in the IS350,GS350..the RX350 doesn't have direct injection.Nor does the ES 350. I had the same knocking,rapping problem on my '09 RX350 that started at about 20K miles and only in cold weather till engine warmed up.. Dealer service pulled the the noise won't cause any damage to the engine.

For peak performance and MPGs stay with the recommended premium.

The Buick is bigger and more bubble shaped. I found the interior to be too busy and gaudy. Not really a bad car but not for me.

I feel the part looks aftermarket add on and doesn't seem to have that real chrome look.

Man! I think I didn't took out the drain bolt and tried to drain the oil from filter housing. That was the problem. How stupid!!! Here is another question. Since I already put a new filter and 5 gallon new oil in, should I do another oil change or it is ok for me to drive another 3-4k miles. I change oil every 5k miles. My ES is on 24K mile right now. Thank you so much! Nice try! I'm just not buying! There's no way anyone would even think of doing what you just described! :chairshot: I mean, this is taking "thinking ouside the box" to a whole new level ... nice writing Great entertainment! ;) If somehow true,the OP should not do ANY maintenance himself on the ES.

Steve,don't tell LowNslow that I don't like the red painted caliper. ;) :D

Great points.

You're a good sport and class act.

Here's my 225's for a .4 wider look.Didn't want to go wider than that. Can't really tell by the pics but the tires do look nicer in person in my opinion.

I have the Michelin Primacy MXV4 which is a Grand Touring All Season tire. 225/55-17 are .21" of more sidewall height and .4" wider. Slightly more sidewall height for a bit better ride quality and .4" wider for better look. Speedometer reads 65 but actual speed is 66 MPH. Jim's 235/50/17's are very,very close to stock size tires when it comes to speedometer reading. At 65,he's actually going 64.85 MPH. His tires are .39" wider than mine and .79" wider than the stock size. Both our larger tire sizes work well.

I appreciate the replies but don't feel the sport wheel is a good look for the ES.

I just had a set installed a couple of weeks ago too. Went with 225/55-17.Just missed the $70 rebate. :cries: These tires are fantastic.Quiet and so smooth.

Steve,my dealer gets $65 for just an oil change. :)

The base maps on the current Garmin Nuvis are stored internally, but I don't think it is on a hard drive. If you need to store more maps locally that are not on the base map, i.e., maps of Europe or maps of Mexico, they are stored on an SD card slot on the side of the unit (actually a micro card in a SD adapter). The extra maps cost about $90.00. The maps on my Nuvis load in about 30 seconds, depending on the view of the sky. Many Nuvis have a 4.3 inch screen, one of mine has a 5 inch screen, which is nice. I recently bought the update micro card for the wife's Garmin 660's for the RX.The micro card can be used on my son's Garmin 350 too.Very convenient.