Gaugster

Congratulations on the modified IS. You have a beautiful girlfriend with a sweet looking Lexus. Yeah, low-riders with hydraulics or air suspension aren’t as popular as they used to be but I admire you and your girl for totally tearing into a brand new car. It takes a lot of guts IMO. Just don’t paint it teal and put under-glow underneath and everything should be ZEN. L8R

Hmmm, I took a quick look at the Nero website. It does not mention any capabilty for buring DVD-Audio discs. DVD-A is not all that popular so Nero may work but they didn't feel the need to mention DVD-Audio capability it in the sales information.

I don't know if that would make a difference. The DVD disc is indentical for DVD-V or DVD-A. However the data format is different so perhaps the DVD-A format may allow MP3's to play on the ML system. Do you know of an authoring software for DVD-A? I would like to experiment one day when I get a chance.

I thought about the same thing. Unfortunatly the Lexus ML system can only play MP3 files from a CD. I have read on this forum that people have tried DVD's with MP3 files but they would not play in the ML system. If you look in detail at the owners manual I think it only mentions MP3 playback from CD not DVD. It a bummer becuase it would be handy.

Just for the record, do you have the base model radio or the upgraded Mark Levinson system?

I found the sound level to be very noticable. But you mention a good point. I have the Mark Levinson system in my car. I will have to turn this feature on again to remember how it worked or not.

Thanks Bartkat. But it works with other Lexus models---- as per other models forums. A freind of mine was telling me he had ASL in his motorcycle and it works fine. How could Lexus screws up something like this? Hmmm, strange. I had this feature turned on but found the changing volume to be bothersome when the vehicle came to a stop. In my case the ASL worked too well. I forget now but I thought there was a sensative adjustment setting along with this feature. In any event, I have typically never liked the ASL feature working or not.

(Originally posted to the modifications forum) This is probably stupid but.... Does anyone know the differences (if any) between the IS250 and IS350 exhaust? I only see headers available for the IS250 which leads me to believe that there is some difference. But what about the diameter of the system from the cats back or the y-pipe? In theory the larger motor would require a larger intake and exhaust system but maybe not. The intakes look the same. I am curious because a lot of people upgrade the IS350 with an aftermarket exhaust system. Hence the original IS350 system is just laying around in there garage. Could the IS350 exhaust be used on an IS250? Could there be any advantage or are they basically the same with only slight (non-performance) differences. Just curious.

This is probably stupid but.... Does anyone know the differences between the IS250 and IS350 exhaust? I only see headers available for the IS250 which leads me to believe that there is some difference. But what about the diameter of the system from the cats back or the y-pipe? In theory the larger motor would require a larger intake and exhaust system but maybe not. The intakes look the same. I am curious because a lot of people upgrade the IS350 with an aftermarket exhaust system. Hence the original IS350 system is just laying around in there garage. Could the IS350 exhaust be used on an IS250? Is there any advantage or are they basically the same with only slight (non-performance) differences.

I agree. As I mentioned, the rolling code is common. It is the encryption of the data that causes trouble for thieves and aftermarket add-ons. The smart access/start and remote keyless entry (RKE) are interrelated. The RKE is a one way communication where a radio frequency (RF) signal is sent from the key fob to the vehicle when a key fob button is pressed. The smart access is a two way system triggered by a switch i.e. door handle sensor. When the door sensor is activated the vehicle then sends out a low frequency (LF) signal that tells the key fob to respond with a RF signal. Then the doors are opened if the door handle sensor was the trigger. The engine would start if the engine push button was the trigger etc….

The shifting-code is more commonly known as a rolling-code. The meaning is the same and most wireless devices use this method along with encrypting the data etc… This is especially true for the automotive industry due to the high theft rate in many counties. The biggest worry for a passive entry system is known as a “relay attach”. Basically thieves work as a team. The first thief will follow the victim away from the vehicle. Perhaps into the mall or what ever…. This thief will have a transmitting and receiving device design to communicate with the victim’s key fob. This device will also be able to communicate with the second thief who is located near the victim’s vehicle. The second thief will have a similar device that can communicate with the vehicle’s wireless system. Therefore the second thief can, in theory, gain access to the vehicle using the victim’s key fob even though the key fob is far away from the vehicle by relaying the wireless message. There is a large delay in communication because the wireless message has to be relayed from the vehicle through two other devices to the key fob and then returned to the vehicle. The OEMs are well aware of this issue and have taken steps to prevent a relay attack. So I would not be very concerned about security issues on newer vehicles.

Yeah, neutral-drops are just a bad idea unless you are trying to make the longest burnout for an IS350. Better yet, you should avoid the death-drop too. I think that is when you are rolling backwards and then you hit the gas and slam it into drive. Just bad, bad, bad.

This might be obvious but.... The seat warmer function actually has a heating element whereas the cooling function just pumps in air from under the seat. If the floor is cool you will notice the ventilating function more. I actually think the cooling function would be better if it pulled the air down from the driver instead of pushing it up but that would have made for a more complicated fan system. Its purpose is just to prevent people from getting swamp-!Removed!. I have a beaded seat cover on my motorcycle that works like a charm. Wouldn’t dare think of putting a seat-cover in the IS but it might make sense for a long summer road trip.

None of the dealers in my area were willing to do a special order vehicle. I had to go out of state. Nobody had an IS250 with ML when I was looking. 2007 IS250 AWD BLK/GRY, Lux Pkg, NAV/ML, PCS, Wood Trim.

Wait, quick question....What did you mean change to "pedal feel, and stopping power"? Just curious as to what you mean, especially the change in stopping power.... The introduction of the TSB states that the new pads may have different stopping chacteristics. I just want to know if it a big change or not.

Cool, I just found out that the brake dust TSB was updated to included the IS250s. I plan to have this done when I go in for the 5k service. Please let everyone know if you like the change with regards to pedal feel, stopping power etc... The lack of dust is a given improvment and I would bet that any other differences are minor at best. The TSB is attached for reference. Regards, L_BR002_06.pdf

Hi. I'm new to the forum and am still waiting for my IS250. Next week, they tell me!! I'm not sure if this helps or not, but have you tried Aix Records? I believe they claim true high resolution audio: www.aixrecords.com Hey, thanks. AIX seems to have a really cool DVD demo disc. I have an outdated DVD demo disc for fine tuning a home A/V system. I will check this out when I get some surfing time.

I went through the same dilemma when I was thinking about the M/L system. I believe that the entire system is different then the standard Lexus setup. The M/L website has much detail about the speaker sizes and materials. I would say that it is worth the extra cost in addition to the NAV features and back-up camera. I use my system for CD and DVD-Video concerts. It does not seem like DVD-A will ever take off but it is of no concern to me. The Acura/ELP system is considered to be the best (only?) DVD-A capable in vehicle radio. I read a report somewhere that people preferred the ELP system for DVD-A but liked the M/L system better for stereo CD recordings. Check out the other recent discussion about the M/L system and DVD-A. It turns out that it is not fully compatible anyway. I guess that explains the preference for the Acura/ELP system.

I have an Allman Brothers DTS CD. It is an old recording so I have not been able to tell if it plays well or not. It sounds like DTS CD's have issues too. I have the Eagles DTS DVD that plays just fine. The .1 bass track is played as it should. Strange that the CD and DVD would have different performance even though they are both DTS soundtracks. Again, I have had no success playing a true DVD-Audio track. The DTS and/or DD tracks that are contained on a DVD-A disc for backward compatibility play well and sound great. However that's the best so far. I own a few DVD-Videos of concerts, Eagles, Roger Waters, Grateful Dead, Alice In Chains, Pink Floyd, Phish etc... If you like the music, then you will enjoy them on the M/L system. There aren't that many DVD-A discs to choose from anyway. Regards, Yes, that's exactly what is happening :-) The Eagles Hell Freezes Over DTS DVD plays just fine, it's just the DTS CD that is missing the bass. Don Henley The End of Innocence DTS CD plays fine. >I have had no success playing a true DVD-Audio track I feel a bit better knowing that it's not just my system that is defective :-) so I dont have to take it back to the dealer; such a hassle. I called Lexus, and the rep just told me to go to the local dealer. But I guess if it's a compatibility issue, then I'll just accept it :-) Hey, glad to help. I just hope that my understanding is correct. The Lexus website omits the PPCM compatibility claim. Hence the dealer can't help. So we are left on our own to figure out which discs play well or not. I would still like to find a DVD-A disc recorded in 192bit high resolution stereo to find out how it plays. L8R

I have an Allman Brothers DTS CD. It is an old recording so I have not been able to tell if it plays well or not. It sounds like DTS CD's have issues too. I have the Eagles DTS DVD that plays just fine. The .1 bass track is played as it should. Strange that the CD and DVD would have different performance even though they are both DTS soundtracks. Again, I have had no success playing a true DVD-Audio track. The DTS and/or DD tracks that are contained on a DVD-A disc for backward compatibility play well and sound great. However that's the best so far. I own a few DVD-Videos of concerts, Eagles, Roger Waters, Grateful Dead, Alice In Chains, Pink Floyd, Phish etc... If you like the music, then you will enjoy them on the M/L system. There aren't that many DVD-A discs to choose from anyway. Regards,

Hey, thanks for the reply. The issue is not somthing that I would take to the dealer. In fact I believe that all of the IS250/350's have this same lens appearance. It does not affect the clairty of the clock. It is just that it doesn't have the high gloss look. Perhaps this is on purpose? I did go over it with Novus #1 this weekend and it made no improvment. I might consider fooling with it again somtime but I will give it a rest for now.

You are probably right. I will try to see if I can clean it up little. I don't want to open up a can of worms and have the end result look worse then if I had just left it alone. Hopfully I can work on it this weekend and report back my findings.

I originally posted this in the detailing forum but didn't get much of a response. Lots of lookers though. ***** I have noticed that the plastic lens that covers the interior clock as well as the passenger seatbelt/airbag icon has a dull hazy finish. I have rubbed it with my finger and is seems like it could be polished to a glossy shine. I believe that this lens is only used in IS250/IS350 with or without navigation. It is a smoked lens with a reddish (plum) tint when viewed in the right light. I have Novus plastic cleaners 1, 2 & 3. I plan to use Novus 1 to see if I can get it as glossy of the wood trim. I think the white printing on the exterior of the lens is tough enough so that it would not rub off. Has anyone polished this lens? Any tips or pointers? Thanks, *****

Yeah, I will give it a couple of days and then shoot my question over to the IS250/350 forum if we don't get any action here. You have a good point about the haze possibly being on both sides. It might still look better if the outside has a glossy finish. It is in a low position within the vehcile so I wouldn't think it could cause any glare issue from other light sources.

I have noticed that the plastic lens that covers the interior clock as well as the passenger seatbelt/airbag icon has a dull hazy finish. I have rubbed it with my finger and is seems like it could be polished to a glossy shine. I believe that this lens is only used in IS250/IS350 with or without navigation however it is a detail type of questions so I have posted it here. It is a smoked lens with a reddish (plum) tint when viewed in the right light. I have Novus plastic cleaners 1, 2 & 3. I plan to use Novus 1 to see if I can get it as glossy of the wood trim. I think the white printing on the exterior of the lens is tough enough so that it would rub off. Has anyone polished this lens? Any tips or pointers? Thanks,