musikdok

I have a brand new IS350 and have noticed a few problems. This is my first Lexus and I'm somewhat disappointed that I'm already experiencing some rattles and buzzing sounds in the dashboard. It's hard to figure out where exactly but it's the front left and right side.

I've also noticed the notorious problems that BMW used to have with the front wheels turning black. I assume this is break dust. I'm experiencing the same thing. I clean the wheels on the weekend and by Tuesday/Wednesday they are completely black.

Anyone else have similar problems/issues with the IS350?

from Dr KM:

I have had my IS 350 for 17 months now-- only 12000 miles, but I have never had ANY problems with this car. I have owned Caddies, Mercedes, a TR4, and many others, all new---all had at least one problem---some very minor. I must say my 2006 Lex is the best of the best in my book. As for brake dust, you must ask your dealer to replace the pads with the "Low dust" variety. It is an option at most Lexus dealers, it will not violate your war. As for some of the small problems, I think it would not be unfair to state, when you select the car, you must also use the same care and research to locate a dealer. I was willing to go to the best dealer within 500 miles of my location. The care the dealer takes with pre-prep and fixing some of the minor problems is important. The dealer I used, at least in my book, was the best new car dealer I have been do since I purchased my first new car right after my first college degree in 1969--this is my 15th new vehicle, and this is also the best dealer. I won't mention their name here lest a reader think I am doing this for hype. I will, however, be glad to email their name to anyone who queries me.--- KM

I orderd a IS350 a few months back... All the dealers I talked to "thought" that the ML is required with the Nav... and that all Navs have the ML package....

But after going to the dealer last week... I realized that the car is a little 2 new yet... and the dealers do not know much about the car... maybe its because they are never on the lot to really get 2 know it???

Anyway... they had two IS350s on the lot.. one they wanted me to come and try for awhile now... had "everything I wanted" but the exterior color...

I went to try it.... When I put my CD in... I was fairly disapointed in the sound... then I noticed it wasnt a ML... humm oh well.. until they brought the one that I am picking up in the morning around... wasnt my first choice for colors... BUT... after a few months.. you stop being picky... and when you see this car in person... WOW..... jumped in... NOPE... no ML.... the dealership seemed dumb founded.. they even thought both cars had it....

Anyway.. looking on the Lexus web site... I noticed when you build the car... you dont have the ML option....

Question I have.... after a long rambling is.... Does anyone in New England or the Northeast have ML?? It would seem odd being that ML is located in Bedford Mass!!!

Has anyone tried both?

Besides the non playing of DVDs... would a speaker upgrade help the non ML??

Thanks for your help...

-- I have a non-ML IS350, but for months I thought I had one. I previously had a special Boz in my Cad. The IS350 is much better system. After speaking with the dealer this week, the only difference between the stock IS and the ML is extra watts. Speakers are the same--- and I would not mess with the IS speaker wise. The big problem is the long order delay for factory custom Lexus. I had the same problem because I originally wanted an IS250 with the HID headlights. Forget that. I would have waited for it until Medicare. So I went with the IS350 and was never happier. The difference is simply 2Kool. So instead of messing with the ML, I'm installing a RAM air intake. Very curious to see what happens. ---Dr K

I've owned my IS350 for about 6 weeks now. It is still the best car I've owned. I have very little brake dust. No rattles, shakes, or anomallies. Lexus is adding the 'Gold Kit' to my IS next week (they Gold plate all the emblems front and rear). :D (from Dr Ken)