BY5260

My son scrapped the bottom portion of my rear bumper with his bicycle peddle on my ES330, Silver. I received an estimate for repair of about $400. The shop suggested I consider the BASF system as an option. It would cost me $100. They told me this system was developed by Mercedes to repair small scratches during assembly and shipping. Does anyone have an opinion or experience with this repair option? Thanks

So I ended up buying some Michelin MXV4's at Costco. They had best price and then an automatic rebate. I almost bought the new Michelin Pilot but I noticed the mileage rating was lower. I HATE buying tires for some reason so I went with higher mileage rated tire. I didn't like the appearance of the new tires when they got them installed. I immediately went home and washed them and then applied treatment and they looked better. I do have a question. The tire has a maximum inflation of 44 psi. I checked the psi today and it appears Costco only put 28 psi in each tire. I understand that should make the ride softer but I'm willing to sacrifice some soft ride for longer ride. I raised them to 40 psi. Did I do the right thing? Also, when Costco delivered them to me each wheel had the ugliest bright green valve cap. I actually laughed when I saw them. They did not indicate why they put green caps on but after I added air to get them to 40 psi I had to wonder if they'd maybe inflated them with a different gas. Any opinions? The tires are to new for me to give a fair review of their performance but I did immediately notice they hold the road better than the Toyo's.

I am ready to purchase new tires for my '05 ES330. It is a tier2 car. At the tire store yesterday the person told me my Toyo tires were NOT an original tire for that car. He told me "no way" did that car come from the factory with Toyo tires on it. I am now left wondering if the dealer did a quick change on the tires and replaced them with a cheaper tire allowing him to keep the originals for resale. I have reviewed the original sticker from the car and it does not mention tire brand. It simply says "17" Summer Tires with Alloy Wheels" $80. Any thoughts?

That makes sense. So should the level be between the (2) notches on the top when it's hot to be considered proper level?

This is driving me nuts. I have a radar detector and I am required to keep the ashtray open for a power source. I was going to look under the dash for a power source I could use to provide me a place for aux. power to run the detector. I don't care if it's switched (with igntion) or not. Before I just go looking, does anyone have a quick suggestion to pick up some power? My radar detector is located in the lower/middle part of the windshield.

That is exactly my question. How can I tell if the fluid level is correct. The stick doesn't "interput" the level.

When I pull the stick from the auto transmission I cannot see an indicator telling me what level the fluid should be when hot. Towards the bottom of the stick there are (2) small notches, then further up the stick there are (2) more notches. There is nothing telling me at what level the fluid should read. This is on an '05 ES330. I'm assuming you check the transmission fluid the same as other cars I've owned; Hot fluid, car running, in park. The owners manual tells you nothing about the level or how to check.

Thanks for the replies and info. I somehow suspected this problem could be the result of Fed. requirements. I wonder if Lexus has done something in addition to these new rules. I have a '03 Tahoe, twice the mileage and 10% of the chips. I considered a clearbra after I purchased the car. I should of done it but probably half the chips are further up the hood or in locations the bra would not of covered. I did just install a spoiler on the rear deck. I really like how this dressed-up my car. Is there a post I should read regarding the proper repair of these chips? The repairs I have made so far just don't look good.

I have a '05 ES330. I just passed 12k miles. I really have to wonder if the paint on this car is "bad". I have always been real particular about caring for my cars. I hand wash, almost daily, my 330. I have applied many coats of Zaino wax. I am going NUTS with the amount of large chips that appear on the hood, back of mirrors, columns & front-end. I have never owned a car that had so many chips at this mileage. I mainly drive from my home, on the Interstate, to the airport. I have tried repairing the chips but the repairs look about as bad as the chip. My car is silver. Have others had this same problem? Could it be a sign of a poor quality paint job? Would I buy this same car again? NO! Not just for this reason but for many others.

I had mine done aftermarket. Silver with the dark windows looks great! I had the rear darker also (just darker than legal). At night I do have a tough time looking out back window when backing. I also have a VERY difficult time putting both rear windows back up after rolling them down. I was told some sensor is having a hard time with the dark windows. I have to close windows using many short lifting of the switch.