Ramon

Lux for me... I wanted the illuminated sills and I wanted wood. I also wanted the sport suspension but even the Lux suspension is pretty stiff so I no regrets here.

Langdell

You definitely can get ML without Nav. But it is more likely to require a special order as the norm for most dealer allocations appears to be bundling ML with Nav (if they get ML at all).

dfw350

why would you get ML if you dont get NAV, how you going to use surround sound with the stock cd player?

diablo1

Off topic for this thread, but I actually heard that Lexus changed their mind and they no longer offer ML without nav. The ML standalone option is also no longer listed on their website... Only the nav standalone or nav/ML:

http://lexus.com/models/is/price_options.html

Langdell

I'm not sure exactly what the differences, if any, are between the non-ML/ML or non-Nav/Nav CD player hardware are. But I would assume that getting ML without Nav gives you all the same audio capabilities (including the ability to play DVD-A) as the ML/Nav system. It's just the controls that are different (buttons in place of touch-screen) and, obviously, you can't watch DVD video. Also, for one thing, the ML system is supposed to include surround software that can be set to synthesize surround from 2-channel sources. (ML may well borrow this process from sister company Harman/Kardon. My home H/K AV receiver has the same feature, and it works surprisingly well.)

More important (to me anyway) than surround or exotic format choices, the ML system gets you upgraded amp and speakers. That hardware should improve the sound quality over stock whether listening in stereo or surround.

I originally was going to get ML without Nav, which is how I know it can be done. I talked myself into getting Nav anyway (more for goodies like Bluetooth and rear back-up cam than the navigation system itself), so my car will have both.

Langdell

That same info. was on the website a month ago when I placed my original special order for a car with ML only. One of the first things I asked my dealer was whether I could get ML without Nav, and I pointed out that the Lexus website made it sound like it could not be done. I was given a print out of all the available options, which included a stand-alone ML option. The most believable thing they told me is that the factory is only making cars with ML & Nav except by special order.

(Turns out I later decided I wanted Nav anyway and was told by my original dealer that it would still have to be a special order. But that's another story.)

TimboIS

Standalone ML (if it's even available), only provides CD playback, it does not have DVD-A capability.

Langdell

That's good to know. It might also help explain the price difference between stand-alone ML and ML/Nav.

diablo1

I just got this email. I'm going to start a new thread about it since I think people will want to know.

Response (Tyrone Cadle) 02/10/2006 01:17 PM Dear Customer:

Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.

Thank you for your interest in the Lexus IS 250.

We apologize for the confusion, the Mark Levinson is only available with the Navigation System Package. It is not available separately or with any other packages.

If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Cadle
Lexus Customer Satisfaction

nehal51086

i dont know much about car suspensions......but how much of a difference will the sport suspensions make?

dfw350

1/2" drop and stiffer suspension.
not much, but better for handling, even if only by a little.

nehal51086

thanks....i knew about the drop and stiffer suspension...i just didnt know how that made a diff.....thanks

TimboIS

I haven't noticed the suspension being any harsher than my '02 IS.

OneOfOne

it is certainly harsher than the non sport suspension. no doubt about it. yet better than the stock suspension in the acura TL.

TimboIS

Geez, non-sport IS's must feel like a sofa on wheels. I basically went from the '02 IS into an '06 Sport as quick as you can say "here's the keys", and noticed no real difference.