macmaster

I'm not going to waste my time. I don't even have this issue on my car. Like I said before, I agree with Frank and think this solution is acceptable. It's not the engineering you wanted, but it is still engineering. I just find it amusing how everyone's still complaining. I have to remind myself, this is the same group that cries when they get a little chip in their BBS wheels.

arentz07

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-is-forum.html

Please let's keep this on topic and productive.

HydrantHunter

This is definitely janky as all get out. The problem is that super glue and zip ties almost assuredly won't last 20 years or more with changing humidity and temps, plus people bumping into the corner and/or sitting on the corner (like some people do), etc., etc., etc. This is not a permanent fix, it's a kludge - and it's worrisome that, in lacking a proper fix, the defective design may continue being used for any possible future model years and Lexus may continue relying on this kludge to 'address' the issue.

While the IS 500 is almost assuredly a low-volume model, doesn't it share these parts with the IS 350 (which is much higher volume in comparison)? If that's the case, then the need for a proper fix is even more critical.

As for engineering cost and time - a more durable piece could be designed that serves the place of the zip ties and a kit could be produced for not much more than the cost that's already been sunk into this kludge considering the only real difference between what's been offered and designing proper pieces to replace the zip tie pieces would take an engineer minutes at most. They already have the necessary dimensions having figured this out with the zip ties, so it's not like there's a need for much (if any) trial and error testing in designing a more robust piece.

Lexus is a brand that is built upon various concepts, one of which is the idea of quality in craftsmanship and construction. This fix betrays those concepts on every level - I find it difficult to believe that this 'fix' is actually what Lexus chose to be, and act as, a reflection of their commitment to quality.

Hopefully this turns out to be a joke or, if not, Lexus realizes the wrong turn they've made with this low-quality kludge.

ILikeBlue

I also considered before the conversation with Lexus started making my own fix for it using some modified OEM clips and maybe carbon fiber shims, I just didn't bother continuing because I wanted Lexus to handle things. I'll see how the repairs goes for people and if it's deemed to not be a sufficient fix, I'll probably do some engineering of my own

I got the document number directly from my QA contact at Lexus and got the PDF sent directly to me from someone else internal at Lexus, it's real.

ILikeBlue

​​​​​​I don't think they'll do this fix on the line because then they'd have to change the bumper part number, they'll probably handle it as a case by case basis on cars that's come in. But I know this is something that will be notes for future cars. With the lifecycle of the IS500 most likely coming to a close at the end of 2024, odds are we'll never see any changes if they happen. But there's nothing that says they won't redesign upgrades retainer clips or something like that in the future for us. This is just the current fix

Benibiker1558

That's important to know because I've heard of many on the fence waiting on a fix before they pull the trigger on a new IS 500. Then again it would be nice to know what percentage of IS 500 owners are dealing with bumper separation right now. Guess we could start a poll ...?

wthrman2

Ilikeblue...i know everyone is not happy but i personally wanted to thank you for your efforts. I know my situation is minor and will hold off as its very mild in my situation but at least we have something from Lexus. It doesnt give me the confidence it will be a forever fix but its something.

ljerr2

I'm in that camp. I have owned a couple IS350s now and was looking to move into an IS500 but I'm on that fence and given this less than impressive TSB, I am going to keep sitting on that fence for a while longer. If I get a 500, it will be driven at times like it was intended to be driven and if that increases the risk of bumper sag (as I've read on this forum) then my chances of experiencing the sag are pretty high. That's a bummer.

ljerr2

I'll second that! Thanks for the efforts on getting to this point - which is at least an acknowledgement of the issue.

Renault

Thank you, ILikeBlue and everyone else involved in getting a fix. I remember prior to this I talked to my service advisor about the potential of this happening and he was convinced people were scraping their front end on the curbs or parking blocks. So at least we know they will take responsibility now. This fix, while not optimal, I also feel is sufficient. While I hope they may have an even better fix in the future, I'm not gonna let it ruin my enjoyment of the car.

Kanpai

My question is, as someone who has this issue to a lesser extent than most, is it mandatory? I'd rather not get it when my gapping is minimal, since the solution is not all that appealing

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

A TSB is not mandatory, The dealer offering to fix it for free may expire however at some point in the future when out of warranty

ljerr2

If it were me, I'd wait a bit unless I was approaching the warranty period noted in the TSB. Even then, I'd have to think about it, too. Some seem to show the sag a lot more than others. I'm not sure why that is unless it is possibly related to how hard the car is driven, which induces stress and/or flex?

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^I'd say it would be related to assembly. Nothing is perfect and some would be assembled with better tolerances than others

ljerr2

I would think if assembly was the issue, then we wouldn't need this TSB and the fix would just be readjustment or something similar.