Poor Sound Proofing Insulation
#16
If the speakers are well bolted to the door, the sound moves through the metal. The sheet metal that's the outside of the door can amplify that sound. Thicker metal reduces the effect. All automakers uses thinner and thinner materal to keep the vehicle weight down.
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Lexus should consider additional insulation around the speaker to reduce the effect.
#18
It's not "cost cutting". It's cost refocusing. The 3IS is the antithesis of the 2IS. They decided that the "thud" when a door is closed didn't make the car a BMW competitor. They took the "thud" money and put it into the suspension, extra legroom, adjustable suspension, and other features the 2IS doesn't have. I have owned many IS competitors and the 3IS is leagues ahead in solidity and quietness -- still.
#19
While the doors feel solid, they don't have the BMW solid feel when opening and closing. While I've used small foam pads under the license plate, Lexus should use a four screw mounting system for license plates. There is no excuse for a luxury car to have a floppy license plate when closing the trunk. These are the small details that define a luxury car.
#20
While the doors feel solid, they don't have the BMW solid feel when opening and closing. While I've used small foam pads under the license plate, Lexus should use a four screw mounting system for license plates. There is no excuse for a luxury car to have a floppy license plate when closing the trunk. These are the small details that define a luxury car.
And let's not get grandiose here -- the keywords are "entry-level" luxury. The 3IS is entry level luxury.
#21
Lead Lap
iTrader: (5)
While the doors feel solid, they don't have the BMW solid feel when opening and closing. While I've used small foam pads under the license plate, Lexus should use a four screw mounting system for license plates. There is no excuse for a luxury car to have a floppy license plate when closing the trunk. These are the small details that define a luxury car.
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Definitely a luxury car:
I do find most lightly optioned BMW interiors cold and sterile. You need to get into the updated leathers and woods, and the richer colors to make them feel luxurious...but when you get there they are VERY luxurious.
#24
When considering overall luxury, price and resale value, I love my IS. The smooth V6 is amazing even if the gas mileage is not the best.
#25
The IS interior is higher quality when compared to the 3 series, but not the 5 series. But, one would have to compare the 5 series to the GS.
When considering overall luxury, price and resale value, I love my IS. The smooth V6 is amazing even if the gas mileage is not the best.
When considering overall luxury, price and resale value, I love my IS. The smooth V6 is amazing even if the gas mileage is not the best.
#26
The last one you owned was 2011 right? I looked at a brand new one today. I felt around under the bottom of the plat and could do so because the bottom was not attached. Better to check current BMW models against your current model 3IS.
#27
Lexus Fanatic
As for the license plate, if you have a nice metal frame you don't have to worry about the frame rattling when the trunk is closed.
I have used these frames on Lexus vehicles for years:
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2013/2735.html
Its a nice solid frame, and it has felt padded feet under the bottom that rests the plate firmly against the trunk lid. If you don't want the Lexus script they sell the same frame without it:
http://www.autoattire.com/stainless-...te-frames.html
I also recommend the plexiglass cover.
#29
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yes, no way to insulate glass other than having thicker glass or having two pane glass with air sandwiched between (like on my Mercedes or BMW). Upon further reflection, the sound was coming through the metal most.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
LOL...you have to remember this is an entry level car. My $60k GS has dual pane windows...