IS350-F Sport

Yes I can confirm that you can select pre-programmed addresses and phone numbers (speed dials).

Cheers,

D

Hi Everyone

I have read around but havent been able to find anything definitive re the below - sorry if this has already been covered elsewhere!

Anyway, I'm seriously considering an IS 350. I think I am settled on the F Sport model - though I wish it could be optioned with the ventilated seats and active cruise control of the sport luxury :-( Alas, my current car is a 330i M Sport (E90) and from what I've read the F Sport is the closest in terms of suspension tune and steering (note, I am yet to go for a test drive). My question is - Is the Sport Luxury noticably softer than the F Sport? I suppose I really should drive both back to back, but any opions and observations would be welcome!

I've read that the iPod / iPhone integration is not without its flaws. Firstly, will it work with an iPhone 4 with the latest iOS 5? I mostly play from playlists, but also like to able to randomly shuffle through all songs. Does the Lexus interface allow this? (ie, hit next track to get the next randomly selected track chosen from all songs on the iPod/iPhone). This might sound like a stupid question, but my BMW (with dealer-fit iPod interface) actually doesn't do this, which is frustrating! Also, does the Lexus support bluetooth streaming? I'de also be interested in people's opinions on the sound quality of the Levinson system against the Logic7 system BMW use (I have the 13 speaker setup with Logic7).

Lastly, can anyone explain exactly how the Nav and Phone controls are locked out while you're driving? Does this mean that you can't dial numbers or enter a new destination unti you pull over?

Thanks for any info!

Hi there,

I was one of the first owners of the IS350 F-Sport in Australia and can share with you some of my ownership experience which hopefully answers some of your questions.

The ride on the F Sport is quite harsh for a luxury car but it is an excellent compromise for a luxury sport car. In the past I have owned the MX-5 (NC model) and recently test drove the Maserati Cambiocorssa (sorry for the misspelling), I can advise that the F Sport is an excellent driver vehicle in terms of ride compliance and acceleration.

Unfortunately, the F Sport inherited the 2006 IS250 interior which means that most of the functionalities you find in the modern BMW E90 will not be there. (Note, another of my family member owns a BMW E90 320d which I have checked out the sound and satellite navigation system).

My IS350 F Sport will NOT play Iphone 3GS and Iphone 4. There are heavy statics in the speakers. This is again confirmed by the owner's manual. As such, all the functions which you'd like to achieve described above will not be possible. Also, there is NO bluetooth streaming.

However, the Ipod Touch will integrate and connect directly via USB. The Mark Levinson sound system is EXCELLENT. It is highly recommended that you play from an original DVD disc and select the DTS sound option. You will be amazed by the output!

In terms of the phone function, you cannot enter numbers while driving but can use the speed dial if you have programmed the numbers. Similarly, with the sat nav, you cannot enter new destinations while driving but can select the pre-programmed addresses.

Hope the above is useful, pleae do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further queries. I have a few pictures of my car in the photo/gallery section of this website.

All the best with your purchasing decision!

Regards,

D

Hi mate,

Swissvax is the way to go! There is a product calls "Reflexus" costs about $190, absolute gem

I am from Perth

Anyone North of the river wants to get together?

Sorry this might be off-topic, but I'd like to ask anyway as it pertains to 2011 delivered vehicles.

Can I ask if the iPhone 3Gs (assuming that's your phone model) works in your vehicle? Apparently, my 2010 Mark Levinson system does not support iPhone 3Gs according to user manual and also I tested using the Apple white cable.

Does anyone know if there is a firmware update available?

Cheers,

D

I'm not sure how relevant this is, but i had iphone 3G with OS4.x and worked fine with white USB cable and I still got calls through b/tooth. I had no ipod functionality on iphone tho. This is on a 2011 IS350 F-Sport.

Thanks mate! Mine is iPhone 3GS and the owner manual does say that the ML system does not support, amongst other things, 3GS and iPod Touch. The result is that there are crackles when you connect an incompatible device :( I hope they would bring out a firmware update in the future!

Cheers,

D

Thanks Coolmeow.

I tried to use iPod function of iPhone 3Gs and it does not work (via Apple cable input into USB port). Then similar result with the 2nd generation iPod Touch.

Coolmeow, you mentioned you used iPhone4 via bluetooth. How do you do this?

Thanks,

D

Sorry this might be off-topic, but I'd like to ask anyway as it pertains to 2011 delivered vehicles.

Can I ask if the iPhone 3Gs (assuming that's your phone model) works in your vehicle? Apparently, my 2010 Mark Levinson system does not support iPhone 3Gs according to user manual and also I tested using the Apple white cable.

Does anyone know if there is a firmware update available?

Cheers,

D

Welcome!

Did you get the F-Sport model?

In the morning only, I idle until the needle moves off the "C" before moving. When I have time, I prefer to warm up the engine for abut 3 minutes. The ML sound system and dvd makes the wait easy! (Note, I am also from Perth).

There is a noticeable difference when the "power" mode is selected. (I owned an IS350 FSport). The gear seems to hold longer and the throttle is a lot more responsive, but at the expense of fuel economy of course.

Enjoy your car!

Cheers,

D

The F-Sport CAI actually adds a nice induction growl under load (Above 4000RPM) which is quite good. I'm not so much after performance as an improvement in the overall drive - if that makes sensé.

Coming from the R32 a bit of the "theatre" is missing as the R sounded so good (well to me anyway) which I'm hoping the combination of the F-Sport intake and Tanabe will address without taking away from the luxury feel but give it a sportier edge.

Realistically it's a bloody quick car when driven hard(ish) and throwing money at performance mods on an NA car is big bucks for not too much return, although the rear sway bar will hopefully flatten the rear just enough to make the handling a little tighter.

I am absolutely clueless mechanical wise, so frankly I got no idea what a sway bar looks like and its functionality. Anyway, let us know how you go!

What colour is your F Sport?

Why do you need xenon? I thought HID comes standard on the 250X?

Welcome mate!

I bought a blue sonic F-Sport last November as well, and like yourself, I am loving it! I waited until about 2000km on the clock before I switched on the Power button, boy, once in this mode life sure past by very quickly.

My only gripe is the noise - or lack thereof. I am most interested in your mod on the exhaust. Is this to extract more sound and/or performance?

Let us know your progress on the modifications. Welcome to the site again!

Cheers,

D

No change to power just increases throttle sensitivity na holds gears more to keep the revs higher fo acceleration I have done over 3000k now and am enjoying the power :)

Did you nurture the engine in the first 1000km? How do you find it after the first 1000km?

Cheers Johnny.

Just as I had thought. They gave Johnny the top band in the trade in price and less further corporate discount. This is similar to the deal that I had in Perth too.

Delivery on 29 December.

Yeah trade-in wasn't the best but I've had my car advertised privately for 4 months, dropped the price from 18k to 15k and no interest at all. Its the cheapest of its kind on carsales, problem is there's too many of them for sale.

Corporate is only for added benefits like $500 credit on finance if thru Lexus and 3 yrs free servicing but no fleet pricing.

Anyway, as we've seen $74k-$75k drive away should be your guide when negotiating. If you think less please give me an example.

I also got quoted for insurance thru Lexus too. 50% cheaper than NRMA and GIO. Anyone think the same?

Hi Johnny,

Do you mind if I ask what Mazda3 and year model you had as trade-in?

Thanks

D

Mate the dealer got u on the trade in most likely and it also a corporate deal so u get the fleet pricing I think but all in all a good price except there are no is350 f sport for delivery until late dec early jan unless u bought early in release

My thought is exactly the same!

The corporate deal does not entitle you to fleet pricing. It merely a discount off the dealer delivery charge. (I got corporate deal as well!)

Cheers,

D

Hello All,

I am interested to hear how people look after their baby. In particular, what:

1. Car wash detergent brand do you use?

2. Car polish brand do you use?

3. Car wax brand do you use?

4. Type of micro fibre towel do you use?

Lastly, has anyone used Swissvax products? I am seriously considering purchasing the Swissvax cleaning agent (about $30 for a 100ml bottle) and Swissvax Samurai (which is about $200). Am I wasting my money on these things or the Mothers' 100% Carnuba wax tub ($50) should suffice?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks,

D

how much did u pay johnny, i just put a deposit as well

congrats guys. the new black looks hot. i was also considering white and blue colours.

the final invoice showed $69700 less trade-in so driveaway was $63700. I also got front and rear sensors and boot liner. i have a mazda 3 which was worth about $12-13k.

for a "new" model that wasn't covered under the l'exhibition discounts and from a RRP of $82000 without the mentioned options i'd like to think i got a good deal except for delivery of car, i was hoping to get it in november. i'll just have to wait until early january i suppose.

funny that we walk away thinking we screwed the dealer, but in the end we're the ones screwed LOL.

fantastic car though - true value for money. how much did you pay?

Hi Johnny,

Can I clarify if it is the F Sport Model you referred to above? The rrp in Perth WA here is about $83,000 driveaway for the F Sport with the moonroof (inclusive of dealer delivery and stamp duty).

I can't comprehend how they would discount to $69,000 (albeit different stamp duty regime) driveaway????

Regards,

D

Ok, I am about to come out of my first 1000km in the IS350 F Sport. There is a "power" switch which supposedly remaps the ecu and increases fuel injection etc bla bla.

Does anyone know how much extra power in this "power" mode? Has other IS350 owners driven in this mode flat out (safely on the freeway)?

Cheers,

D

Thank God I found this thread! I thought I was going insane from an over active imagination or hyper sensitivity with my car. Anway, mine is IS350 F Sport and I noticed too, as Markz, noted above that there is a "shiver" if I braked a little abruptly - not hard.

I havent clocked up the first 1000km yet so I attribute this to a "tight" engine. *figers cross*

Cheers,

D

Got a letter saying that Lexus or Perth are having IS350 "Drive Nights" on 10/11 17/11 and 24/11.

So tempted to go. Better not though coz I probably end up trading my first born for it after the drive :D

That's odd. I didnt think they have anymore IS350 in stock in Perth. They had 3 cars in October. I was the first one in WA to take delivery of the blue F Sport model. I recently saw the Prestige that I took for test drive on the road apparently must have been sold to someone, and I am sure they would have sold the last F Sport model which was a white pearl.

define "discount"

lexus of Brisbane are not negotiating at all

im holding out til next year when their ready to deal

The best type of discount is through their corporate program! Absolute gem!!!

Hi guys,

Here are some of mine pictures.

Cheers,

D

Thank you guys!

I am going to flick the "Power" button on and go sideway around the Swan Valley. Jk!!

I am a boring sedate driver.

Cheers,

D

Hi All,

I picked up my ultrasonic blue IS350 F Sport last week. I would like some helpful advice about "running in" the new engine. I've been pussy footing around the suburb which has been extremely frustrating. The manual is a bit vague on this issue so I would appreciate some clarity about the running in process. I read elsewhere that the engine has already been run in at the factory and therefore you should drive it "normally" i.e drive it like you stole it! Others have commented that safeguard and care should be taken with driving a new engine.

Your thoughts?

Cheers,

D