willpatt

Mine had started smoking when the engine was first started for the day. Yes, they took the head off and basically took the engine apart and cleaned every thing. They put new rings, bearings on the crank, replaced the valve seals, and all of the gaskets. They cleaned the entire oil system, pan, etc. The block was not damaged. It took about a week at the Lexus dealership.

I purchased a 2001 rx300 about a month ago with no service records for oil changes (only 15 and 30m services), found out it had engine sludge, and had to have the engine taken apart and thoroughly cleaned. It has 35m miles on it. Lexus totally covered the engine clean without an argument. I think they are really trying to stand behind this problem and do the right (??) thing. I have done a lot of research on sludge and have not come across any one who had this problem who Lexus did not cover, except a few who had 100+ miles on them and/or were 10+ year old cars. Has anyone out there had this problem and had any problem getting Lexus to cover it? It would be interesting to hear any responses to that.

I have searched the forum and not been able to find this specific problem. I have water spots on the black plastic piece of frame between the front and rear windows (exterior) on my RX300. I have tried several cleaners and not been able to remove them. They look make it look really old and awful. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. Thanks, William

Thanks for the help, William

I have a 2001 RX300 and would like to add a rear spoiler. I am going to order one and was wondering if they are hard to install yourself or if a dealer/body shop would have to do it.? Any information will be appreciated. Thanks, William

I drove a 98 5 series BMW which handled and performed excellent. Then, we bought a 2001 ML 430 Mercedes which was 4x4 with the v8. You sit up much higher than the rx and it felt extremely solid, but the lexus is a much smoother car like drive. The Mercedes drove great, but after owning it one month, spending 2000$ on a transmission (wouldn't shift out of high gear) problem which still was not fixed -- I got rid of it! There is a huge difference in discussion between the lexus and mercedes and BMW (X5) Board. The problems people have with the Mercedes MLs are unbelieveable??!!!

I know that there are websites that offer the conversion of Navigation to TV (and DVD). One is nav-tv.com, but I have never heard of anyone actually doing it. Also, I think disconnecting the wire to change that safety feature might be against the laws of some states. I am very interested in this also and wonder if anyone has any experience with this issue.

Does anyone know what is performed at the 15k and 30k service at a Lexus dealership? (a change of fluid or a flush/fill)

Thanks mailrail. I found out today that Lexus is going to clean and replace parts of my engine also, even though it was not certified and maintenance records were not kept by the previous owner. I am very relieved and assured that Lexus wants to do the right thing. Do you use synthetic oil now with your cleaned out engine?

I agree that even with the low miles, the price is still high. I also just purchased a 2001 (30k miles) with sludge. I bought it last week, and this week it is in the shop while I am waiting for Lexus to decide if the clean out is covered because the previous owner did not change the oil at the dealership. Mailrail, I was wondering how difficult it was to get Lexus to replace your enginge since you purchased it used; and, if it had been serviced at a Lexus dealership. Also, do you know how likely it is to return? Thanks, William

Even though I am very new to this forum, I know that the sludge topic has been discussed to death. However, I hope someone will help me. I just purchased a 2001 RX300 with 33,000 miles. I am having a small amount of smoke when I start the engine - but runs great. I assumed it was SLUDGE and called the dealer who said that it was, but even though it is under full warranty, they would not repair because there is no proof of regular oil changes. The 15K and 30K full maintenance was performed at the dealer. I have read on this forum about a sludge recall/warranty and was wondering if there is anything I can do besides eat the cost at this point. He said it would cost about $1000 to repair. Is the fix something I could get done cheaper or does the lexus dealer need to do it?? Thank you for any help, William

Thank you for your help!

I just purchased an 2001 RX300 and am new to this forum. I was wondering if the reflective glass in the back can be tinted over? I would prefer for it to be dark with no reflection, but I definitely do not want to mess it up. If any one has done it, what are the costs and do you have pics? I am sorry if this is Frequently discussed, but I could not find it in a search. Thanks in advance for any help, William :)