jeffnpigs

I spoke to my dealer again this week and they said that while Lexus officially will say nothing, a fix will likely be coming. I hope. Jeff(npigs)

Steve: The dealer was Lexus of Annapolis, and they did not go into any detail on what the software would do. By the way, the more I see of your car in your color, the more I like it. Where the gold shines is that all the pollin, dirt and tree stuff we get are less noticeable. A sacrifice of beauty for practicality. Jeff

:o I recently took my 04 ES330 in for 10,000 mile maintenance. I live in the Washington D.C. area, and like most metropolitan areas there is traffic all over the place. The car was shifting erratically in traffic jams. When I mentioned this to my service rep I was told that Lexus recognized this as a problem, and that a software fix would be coming out this summer. Has anyone else heard of this, and what have you heard? The rep said that they are being quite cautious because the software fix for the 01/02 ES 300 was not an overwhelming success. GOOD NEWS STORY: I had previously posted that I was having trouble with floaty handling in what we call the "mixing bowl," namely 2 miles of twisty traffic and turns in what will be several years of construction. I worked with the folks at a tire web site and ended up getting a set of Continental ContiPreimerContact (80,000 mile warranty). They have really improved the handling of the car. I've gone from "white knuckle" driving through the mixing bowl to being reasonably relaxed. :D Jeff (npigs)

Steve is right: there is no way to avoid the Mixing Bowl. The move further south has already pushedy commute from 30-35 minutes to 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours. Alternate routes would make the situation worse. I appreciate the input on tires v wheels v anti sway-bars. Lexus is absolutely no help (at either the dealer or customer service level). Their attitude is that we will make no modification to the vehicle which is not in the Lexus regs , which were handed down on Mt. Lexus (or was that we will sell no wine before its time?). Their advice: Go west young man (we won't do the mod, go find someone who will). I feel like I am in limbo with a 100,000 warranty with no assurance that they will not disqualify a future expense. As Stevie said, a stiffer suspension may cause damage to the vehicle. Steve, I was curious that you would say that the shocks are firm when the ride is so smooth. Such is life. Can people advise me what tires (with sizes) they are using when they replaced the original, and how they like their replacement tires? Perhaps there is an older discussion site which already has this information. Thanks for the input, Jeff

A few months ago I was on the site and discussed the problems which I had with my new commute, which included a counter-traffic rush-hour ride (read mandatory high speed (because everybody's doing it and there's no place to to drive at a slower pace)) through the "Mixing Bowl." The Mixing Bowl is the place in VA where the Washington Beltway intersects with North/south 95. It has been under construction for years and will be under construction for another 4 years. Because this is a construction site, the zigs and zags in the highway are abrupt, rather the smooth type turns which you find in a highway or even on a well designed rural road. I drive with the traffice because I feel this is the safest, and there simply is no room to go at a slower speed. Unfortunately, the usual speed is 60-70. On my old commute, which included several stretches of difficult road, the ES330 handled just fine. The mixing bowl, however, pushed it over the brink. I have tried increasing tire pressure, as several posters suggest, but this has not been enough. What's next? Do we change the wheels and tires (17 inch wheels with all weather tires)? Do I go for new shocks (a friend has suggested Bilsteins)? Maybe both? Would appreciate your input. I don't want to find myself "floating" into a Jersey wall. Thanks, Jeff

Has anyone switched to a set of 17" wheels with all weather tires? What was the effect on handling and ride? I'm still trying to figure out a way to get better handling, because my commute route was changed to go through the Washington "Mixing Bowl" where the beltway meets 95 in VA. I tried increasing tire pressure. It helps a bit but not enough. I go counter traffic and the folks really zoom through some tricky curves and merges. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

iagosta: I know this is not the main topic, but could use some help. I just had the drivers seat back go out on me for the second time. What did Lexus do for you? Did they simply put it back together, or did they change the chair on the second break? Thanks, Jeff (jeffnpigs)

iagosta: I know this is not the main topic, but could use some help. I just had the drivers seat back go out on me for the second time. What did Lexus do for you? Did they simply put it back together, or did they change the chair on the second break? Thanks, Jeff (jeffnpigs)

Steve: Sorry I didn't pick up your comment for a week. I can't believe that a handheld would have the capacity to coumpute route both on distance and speed! I though it would be the shortest distance between two points (keeping in mind that we in the D.C. area always obey the speed limits exactly). As you said, we already put the unit away for "real trips" where its calculations will be appreciated. POPPABEAR: I do not leave my COMPAQ in the car, and I'm probably going to put the mounting unit in the glove box just so that someone doesn't get ideas. Jeff :whistles:

We have 3 cars, so it seemed to be smart to have portability in a nav system (I also wasn't comfortable with what nav does to the ES dash). You can get programs for your handheld PDA (mine is from Navman) and there is even a PDA primarily dedicated to being a nav unit from Garmin (the IQue 3600). With the wood on the dash you can mount it in a way that it does not obscure your vision. Obviously, the screen is much smaller. However, my unit has voice controls and automatic mid course correction if you go another way. I can't give you a full report because we just installed it over the weekend, and must admit that starting out it gives some funky directions. We are not sure if this will self correct. However, it is another option. Jeff

We all have the opportunity to decide whether we want horsepower or luxury when we make our car buying decision. Guess what those of us who bought an ES300/330 decided? I have a difficult commute but find that the horsepower/transmission combination in my 330 handles most situations really well. For real driving in the sense of a commute, I don't need extra horsepower (I could, however, use better handling ). I drove the Infiinity I35/G35 in a light rain, and I can telll you that the torque steer was frightening to a driver who was not experienced with that car(s). Even my wife, who is a conservative driver, was clear that she didn't want this. For those who want extra power and are out of warranty (or don't care about their warranty), there must be firms who make chips to put extra power into our car. Either way, I think that we are doing O.K., good, or better. Jeff

marcellsr: I'm picking up a picture of your black on black 330 on my computer for the first time today. You don't have to do anything to enhance the looks of your car. I test drove a black on black, and the car was simply super sharp. :D So enjoy it (and wash it often.) I picked gold because my 330 will live much of its life under a tree. Pollin in the spring, and leaves in the fall. I thought it was a nice color that would minimize problems for me. The black on black is unquestionably (at least to me) a sharp color. Jeff

"this is totally your opinion, Jeff. Many will dispute it. " Without question. But it is my belief, that unless disrespectful, each of us on the board has the right to our own opinion.

Welcome to the club. One the other hand, I hate to say this, but it would appear to me that anyone who would want to put 18 or 19 inch wheels on an ES330 right from the getgo might have selected the wrong car. This is a luxury car with a luxury ride, and a 225 hp engine. Its not a sports car by any means. But I certainly hope that you are able to make the modifications which will make you happy with your car. Jeff

Steve: Right now I have the tires at 38psi. It is higher than the standard Lexus recommendation, but well within the Michelin maximum stated on the sidewall (44 psi). I am getting a slightly firmer ride, which is OK, and better handling. :D When I recover from the down payment, etc. I may look at 17" rims and the type of firmer tires which you are discussing. I look to the manufacturer to give choices at the outset to avoid this. The option (variable suspension) is there, but as we discuss on a different topic here, it is unavailable. Even though the reviews say that there are only 2 discernable settings on the option, the firmer setting might have solved my problem at miminal cost. I asked for it, it wasn't there. :chairshot: But we'll get it solved. Hopefuly iammickey will keep us posted on his research on this subject. :) Jeff

Steve: So we're back to the basic cultural concept of (lack of risk) v choice and individuality. I thought that one was settled by WW2. It sounds like Cadillac has a reasonable compromise by having central warehouses where they can stock cars for individual tastes, but minimize the number involved. I still say SHAME on Lexus for listing (important) options that are not available to the consumer. :chairshot: :chairshot: :chairshot: Jeff

Steve, Sorry for the delayed reply, and the messed up posting. I can certainly understand their desire to minimize configurations to maximize profits if customers will accept this. However, given the limited number of options which they offer to begin with, the relatively large volume of sales for the 300/330, and the position of the car at the luxury end of the near entry level luxury market, it would be nice if Lexus would offer the luxury of choice. As it now stands, all of us on the east coast are driving one of two configurations (apart from aftermarket stuff). And some of the "options," like adjustable pedals or variable suspension, (as opposed to black interior wood decor) can be a significant factor in the driveability/safety of the car. Oh, well. Maybe someday Lexus will listen. But this will probably not happen while they are selling cars at an acceptable rate (I would love to know the numbers for the 02/03 in comparison to th 00/01). Jeff

The advice on increasing air pressure in the tires (a software rather than a hardware fix) seems to be the way to go for the time being. The steering is just a bit crisper, the float factor is down, and the ride is not substantially degraded. Now I just have to keep it in the lines as the 16 wheelers go by in the mixing bowl. Jeff

Steve,

The Emperor's New Clothes? I may be missing something critical here, but what's' the big deal? I realize that the switch to black wood and limited exterior and interior colors will really enhance the performance and beauty of the car, but what's going on here (or what production fantasy is going on in some Lexus executive's mind)?

Thanks for the rapid input, which was needed (and thanks for the welcome back, SWO3ES). I think that I'll start with increased tire pressure, and I'll let you know what that does (I have the Michelins). I hesitate to go to larger wheels/tires, because of concern that this change may totally destroy the ride under normal conditions. Again thanks, Jeff

Could any of the "elders" of the board (or anyone else for that matter) enlighten me as to why Lexus (which lists few options to begin with) makes a substantial number of them unavailable. I would have purchased the adjustable pedals for my 330 - my wife is 5'0." I was also tempted by the adjustable suspension, despite decidedly mixed review. (See my recent suspension post - I could really use that suspension on my new commute.) I can understand trying to keep costs down by limiting the number of available options - but Lexus has already done that. Why they can't have these options available on a car somewhere in a 100 mile radius of a major city is really beyond me.

Could any of the "elders" of the board (or anyone else for that matter) enlighten me as to why Lexus (which lists few options to begin with) makes a substantial number of them unavailable. I would have purchased the adjustable pedals for my 330 - my wife is 5'0." I was also tempted by the adjustable suspension, despite decidedly mixed review. (See my recent suspension post - I could really use that suspension on my new commute.) I can understand trying to keep costs down by limiting the number of available options - but Lexus has already done that. Why they can't have these options available on a car somewhere in a 100 mile radius of a major city is really beyond me.

I love my 2004 ES330. Yes, I knew it had a soft suspension when I bought it. But it was perfect for the commute which I had when I bought it. Two months later my office chaned locations (I know it was coming, but not the exact consequences). For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area, I now drive north/south through the area known as the "mixing bowl," which will probably be under construction until men land on Mars. (I give hats off to LA for their quick recovery after the earthquake - don't know how they did it). The new terrain is a series of high speed rush hour curves of an irregular angle, with lots of fun interstate trucks. The steering just doesn't have the feel of the turns, and the car seems to float. :( I hate to do modifications on a new car. I also know very little about suspensions. But I would like to get the car under better control. Hopefully just minor changes - if I would have wanted a G35 I would have bought one. I didn't. I know the warranty may be impacted - I just don't want it to be me that is impacted. I would appreciate any suggestions which the folks on the forum may have. JeffK

I love my ES330, and I love its ride. BUT: Two months ago my office moved, and I now have to drive through the "mixing bowl" south of Washington, D.C. It is now under construction...for 6 or 8 years (I'm not kidding - I don't know why L.A. can fix its highways in a matter of months after a big earthquake, but here in D.C....). :chairshot: The suspension was just fine for my prior commute. However, going through the mixing bowl (north/south) is another story. Its lots of turns at irregular angles over varied elevations at 60-70 mph (not the speed limit, just what people drive). Under these conditions the suspension floats too much. :( What I would like to do is a minor modification to the suspension to give me a bit more control and less float. I'm not looking to turn my can into a G35. I would have bought a G35 if that was what I wanted. I just want to get some of the float out of the suspension and get a bit more control. I'd be thankful for any suggestions. Its getting hairy out there. Jeff