On my previous Acura TL and wife's MDX, there is a nice feature of seeing how much oil life % there is left so you have an idea when service is coming due.

Is there any features on the ES that give you that information, or even alert you as to when service is due?
I can't seem to find anything like that. Thanks.

 

Regarding the oil change interval, there is only a simple warning based on the 5000mile change interval.
At approx 4500 miles, upon start up you will get a 'OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED SOON" which will stay on for about 15 seconds, then disappear.
Once you reach 5000 miles plus, the warning will change to OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED and stay on continuously until you reset it.
Procedure is outlined in the owners manual as to how to reset.

There is no detailed % oil life left readout available.

 

The car companies that give you a percentage of life left is based on time, not on the condition of the oil.

 

This is not entirely true. Lexus system no doubt is simply mileage based.
However, GM Oil Life Monitoring is a bit more advanced than that.
Here are some excerpts form an article which explains it in greater detail


What is the GM OLM?

The GM OLM (Oil Life Monitor) is a system designed to calculate remaining oil life in your car's engine. The system is based on a computer algorithm that measures the serviceable oil life based on three criteria: crankcase temperature, combustion chamber events (work the engine does), and moisture (which is affected by environmental as well as internal temps and conditions). These three elements are what determine engine oil life. The system is able to calculate the serviceable engine oil life to within + or - 5 percent.

Can I trust the GM OLM?

Yes, GM engineers have tested the OLM extensively in both laboratory and real world settings since 1984. As a matter of fact, GM has so much faith in the OLM system that they have issued a new "Simplified Maintenance Schedule" that is performed in two phases.

"Customers don't have to worry about deciding when it's the best time to change their engine oil because our Oil Life System technology adapts to their driving conditions and habits, and determines the right interval," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Since the new maintenance schedule is based on oil change intervals determined by this technology, customers can save time and cost."

Finally, in the event that a person files a warranty claim for the engine, the dealer will be able to determine that the oil changes were done according to the dictates of the OLM and therefore exonerate them from warranty claim denial.

What are some benefits of the GM OLM?

Use of the GM OLM will often double or even triple the oil change interval for a typical vehicle when compared to the 3,000-mile oil change. The GM OLM will automatically adjust the oil change interval based on engine characteristics, driving habits, and the climate/environment in which the vehicle is operated.

For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles (in some models). On the other hand, short trip driving in a cold climate may limit the oil change to 3,000 miles or less. In general, most people that drive a combination of city and highway find that the GM OLM will indicate an oil change every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. GM data shows the OLM extends oil change intervals without risks to the engine, saving you money in oil changes.

GM may get bashed for alot of things, but their OLM system is actually well engineered.

 

Thanks for the insights everyone. Bit depressing though, and surprising. On my previous TL and wife's current MDX, the car monitors oil life based on driving habits it senses...speed, temps, etc., and always showed % of oil life remaining until service...and also codes to let you know what was due to be done at the coming service.

I never asked about anything like this when I purchased my ES...just assumed this would be similar on a Lexus. Don't get me wrong...love my ES, but Lexus has some catching up to do to Acura in terms of technology.

 

Honda/Acura have always been ahead of the curve in electronic technology. IMO their nav systems, audio etc. are really good.

Mechanically, Toyota/Lexus is probably ahead of them as they offer 6 speed transmissions, DOHC engines, V8 options in certain vehicles etc.

I think that both mfgrs. make good cars, they just take diffferent approaches.

 

I would be driving a brand new 2010 Acura TL right now because I wanted a 6-speed stick shift. But I could not take the tire and road noise which was constant. Just like it is in my wifes new Honda Accord EX, which is the Acura's platform car! I drove loaded Toyota Solaras for the the last 10 years and the the quiet, smooth ride is hard to give up when you go to the noisy Honda/Acura cars. And I am a Honda fan! Bought 5 brand new ones starting in 1982. Back then they were quiet, no rattles, and no road noise. Things change.

Oh, the Honda Ex-L coupe stereo is better than the Lexus base stereo, I will give them that! But you have to take it back to the dealer to have the base speaker rattle taken out of the package shelf (TSB)!

 

CJ,the '10 TL is so ugly,IMO.

 

Yeah! Not my favorite car either. But it is so hard to get a 6cyl. sedan, stick shift at decent price. BMW is about the only really nice car, still with a stick, but too high priced in my view.

 

Have to agree about the attractiveness of the new TL now. I had an 05 TL, loved it. Got my wife an 08 MDX too. Was really happy with Acura and thought I'd be trading my TL in for a new one or maybe the RL. But they went and killed the style of both cars, with the whole design of the TL, and with the ugly front end of the RL. Both cars look very cheap now. And the RL isn't cheap! The redesign on the MDX looks good...since it's an SUV, but that front end on the cars...not so much.

That's when I decided was time to look at Lexus. SO glade I did. Lovin' my new ES. Elegant styling and design...no space age cheap looking stuff here! Only thing I miss with Acura is some of the technology advancement over Lexus. Think I'll get over it.

 

I seriously doubt that Honda/Acura is ahead in electronic technology. Toyota is well ahead of them in terms of hybrid technology, and the LS 600hL is one of the most sophisticated mass produced cars in the world. Also Toyota has many times the R&D funds that Honda does.


Their may be other reasons as to why Toyota/Lexus does not use the oil monitoring systems. There is a lot of debate as to how accuate those oil life monitors really are. I believe that Mercedes had a serious lawsuit years ago over the issue that their oil life monitors enabled oil gelling issues.

 

I had that feature way back on my first car...a 1991 Olds Delta 88...it's not really all that new or high tech...I also use my 'B' trip odo to keep track of my next servicing that's required or write it down on my calendar...an annoying perhaps...but not a bit depressing.

Acura IMO has some serious catching up to do to Lexus in terms of it's new styling theme...but I digress...

 

Some day the Onstar system or similiar will notify the dealer or your garage that your car has crossed the mileage or time threshold for servicing and they will call you or the system will call you for notification.