Doc H

As someone said, matter of taste. I had a BMW, traded it for a Lexus and haven't looked back. Spouse still drives a 525, but likes the Lexus as well. And I drove an M5 when I lived in Germany, so have a little experience with both manufacturers and intense driving conditions; "JUNK" is a fairly non-applicable and extreme term for either auto company. As for the cruise control question, pulling the stalk TOWARD you turns it off; pushing it UP resumes speed... Doc H.

FYI, just had my 2003 DVD updated this month by Lexus and it cost $250. Doc H

Very interesting thread on loaners. The Alexandria, VA dealership @ Lindsay Lexus (I'm trying to give them all the publicity they deserve) has never provided me anything other than a low end (usually very low) GM POS, provided by a low end car rental agency, Enterprise, who frequently wanted to add on bogus "enhancements" (i.e., "extra" insurance). Not impressed... Doc H

My RX330 is a 2004, purchased 11 Sep last year. Not sure about "build #. Just asked the dealer to check the downshift on the tranny; they did a road test and ordered the parts... Doc H

You can buy it and install it yourself; it's in the Parts Dept.... Doc H

In response to the query, not sure where the TSB # is on the service sheet, but 3 reference numbers are listed: 1+32LEZZ, 2+08LEZ03, and 3+99LEZFUP. Suppose the lead numerical designation is a job #. Very noticeable difference in downshifting in particular; much smoother, no hesitation on acceleration, and no "thunk" from the rear end when easing up on the throttle in traffic in the 30-40 m/h range. A different car. Haven't checked any effect on mileage. No charge for any of the service. Doc H

Just had TSB service on my RX330 AWD after 15K; service ticket says 3 Jobs: "Flashed ECU;" a number of transmission parts appear to have been replaced, and several clamps/clips were apparently added. Kept overnight; runs like a dream now... Doc H B)

The tipping feature of the side mirrors is set by leaving the L/R mirror adjustment switch set to either Left or Right - one side allows both mirrors to tip and the other causes only one to tip - I forget which is which. Leaving the switch in the center disables the feature. Doc H

Can anyone describe the purpose of setting the region on the navigation system (RX330)? There is a selection option for setting a particular region of the country, but the system seems to switch as needed as you cross regions - at least it seems to navigate fine without selecting whatever region you're driving through. Any experience? Thanks! Doc H

Anyone know if there is any software change in the future to clock elapsed trip time in the RX 330 trip computer? Seems like a car with features as advanced as the 330 would at least permit some method of tracking at least elapsed time - other than looking at your wristwatch. My '92 BMW had a trip computer that would even track and update arrival time, based on speed and distance, as well as average MPH, distance travelled, speed alarm settings, and much more. This is the most frustrating thing with the Lexus computer software to me - you would think "Trip Info" would include more than MPG and miles per fillup; isn't Trip Info after all "information about your trip?" I know the map nav feature tracks minutes to arrival, but I have no idea on a given trip whether it took one hour or two, without manually tracking myself, or what time I'll get to my destination without doing mental math with the clock, which unfailingly, adamantly, exclusively displays - just the time, which again I can tell by looking at my watch. And when I get to my destination, all the info is gone. A minor annoyance, but one that nags... Doc H

How easy is it for the owner to replace the Nav DVD? I seem to recall this was listed as a dealer replacement item? Any info appreciated! Doc H

Is there a way to elevate the rear wiper on the RX330 for rear window cleaning? Seems to be pretty firmly fixed, and I didn't want to force it up and damage it if it wasn't designed to be elevated (a la the front wipers). Awfully hard to clean the rear window with the wiper down tho'; is this an inscrutable oriental engineering plan?... Doc H

I was told by my dealership that a fix is in the works (for the tranny hesitation) via a change to some electronic chip...standing by... (RX330)