2008 RX-350 Fuel Octane Rating
#80
Super Moderator
In my case perhaps, my RX seems to like Premium.
I also noticed that for many of us our signatures have been affected. What I did was to go to the User CP (Control Panel), then to signatures and then save the Signature again to remove any issues.
I also noticed that for many of us our signatures have been affected. What I did was to go to the User CP (Control Panel), then to signatures and then save the Signature again to remove any issues.
#81
Thanks for that tip, I hadn't noticed but my sig was messed up as well.
#83
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Lexmex, you have a 1999 RX300 AWD -- requires only Regular fuel unless you have a modified engine. Otherwise RX300 requires regular only and you are wasting money.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
#84
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87 octane
Is the pinging perpertual or what ?
The buttom line is use what the manual suggests - 91 or 93. Only $100 or so more each year (12000 miles - 25 miles per galon).
#85
Super Moderator
Lexmex, you have a 1999 RX300 AWD -- requires only Regular fuel unless you have a modified engine. Otherwise RX300 requires regular only and you are wasting money.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
#86
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Lexmex, you have a 1999 RX300 AWD -- requires only Regular fuel unless you have a modified engine. Otherwise RX300 requires regular only and you are wasting money.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
RX300: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15232.shtml --> Regular
RX330: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21318.shtml --> Regular
RX350: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22975.shtml --> Premium
Premium is required only on RX350 model 2007 & up. People who have a RX330are trying to tell people who have RX350 premium is not required.It is upto the owner what to use and not to use.
I have noticed that premium grade fuel gives better pickup and better gas mileage on the freeways between 55 mph & 75 mph. On surface roads who needs pickup and noticed that the mileage is the same for both types of fuels in stop 'n' go traffic, pickup is of no use in those conditions, you are burning premium grade fuel and money ( \for premium) while idling on the surface roads/freeway in rush hour traffic.
Fuel Economics for 25 miles/Annual Fuel Cost for 15K miles/Yr
RX300 -- Cost to Drive 25 Miles $5.33 $3203 --> Regular (21.32 cents/mile)
Rx330 -- Cost to Drive 25 Miles $4.80 $2880 --> Regular (19.20 cents/mile)
RX350 -- Cost to Drive 25 Miles $5.09 $3053 --> Premium(20.36 cents/mile)
Based on the info RX330 is the cheapest to drive and uses regular.
With upgrade to RX350 it costs $173/year with premium fuel, which is still not bad for the extra pickup and performance and no pinging.But if you want to save dollars go for Regular on RX350 and save $173/year or $14.41/month.
#88
Lexus Champion
Originally by sama ................ unless you have a modified engine. Lex has a warp drive system in his RX............. I wish they made headers for these babies!!
#89
Super Moderator
Even then, I do throw P0171 errors more often at sea level now, but I'll gladly take those and the power that goes with the system that I have now.
#90
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Lexus confirms Highlander and RX350 have the same engine
I had not intended to waste any more time on this, but for the benefit of any who care I thought I'd post an email I got from Lexus confirming (after some arm twisting on my part) that the V6 in the Toyota Highlander and the RX350 are in fact identical. Note they first told me the Lexus has higher compression but when I challenged that based on published data showing the same compression for both, they changed their tune. Now I'm trying to get an answer as to why they spec different octane given that the engines are identical. If they answer I'll post that too. I don't expect one, given my suspicion that this is just a marketing ploy to make the gullible customers think the Lexus has a "better" engine than the Toyota.
The entire exchange is below ...
From: Bob xxx
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 9:09 PM
To: 'Lexus Customer Satisfaction'
Subject: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Thank you for confirming that.
Now, back to my original question regarding the fuel specification. Here’s what I said:
Thanks.
Bob
From: Lexus Customer Satisfaction [mailto:Customer_Satisfaction_Inquiries@lexus.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 4:42 PM
To: bob@xxx.com
Subject: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Recently you submitted a question to the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department.
Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
Subject
Fuel spec
Discussion Thread
Response (Nanette Tran) 09/23/2008 02:42 PM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you again for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. I sincerely apologize about the delay.
You are correct in stating that engine specifications are identical for the RX 350 and Highlander and are thus correct when stating both vehicles use the same engine.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Customer (Robert xxx) 09/15/2008 10:51 AM
What is the compression ratio of the RX-350 and the Highlander?
Per the letter I sent you, published data shows both the Highlander and the RX-350 have a compression ratio of 10.8. All of the engine specs are identical, so it appears it is the same engine used in both vehicles.
Bob
From: Lexus Customer Satisfaction [mailto:Customer_Satisfaction_Inquiries@lexus.com]
SENT: Monday, September 15, 2008 11:55 AM
TO: bob@xxx.com
SUBJECT: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Recently you submitted a question to the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department.
Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
SUBJECT
Fuel spec
DISCUSSION THREAD
RESPONSE (NANETTE TRAN) 09/15/2008 09:54 AM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. Your concern is important to Lexus, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.
Per your inquiry, the Lexus RX 350 has a higher compression motor than the Toyota Highlander, which requires premium gasoline for optimum engine performance. If Premium gasoline is not available, you may use unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87. The use of such gasoline will not allow your vehicle to operate at optimum engine performance and may also cause persistent heavy knocking. For more information, please refer to your Owner's Manual or your local Lexus dealership.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
CUSTOMER (ROBERT xxx) 09/13/2008 07:56 AM
See letter attached.
Note the model list in your email form does
not include the RX-350
Response (Nanette Tran) 09/15/2008 09:54 AM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. Your concern is important to Lexus, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.
Per your inquiry, the Lexus RX 350 has a higher compression motor than the Toyota Highlander, which requires premium gasoline for optimum engine performance. If Premium gasoline is not available, you may use unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87. The use of such gasoline will not allow your vehicle to operate at optimum engine performance and may also cause persistent heavy knocking. For more information, please refer to your Owner's Manual or your local Lexus dealership.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Customer (Robert xxx) 09/13/2008 07:56 AM
See letter attached.
Also note the model list in your email form does not include the RX-350
The entire exchange is below ...
From: Bob xxx
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 9:09 PM
To: 'Lexus Customer Satisfaction'
Subject: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Thank you for confirming that.
Now, back to my original question regarding the fuel specification. Here’s what I said:
I just bought my bride a new 2009 RX-350 for her 25th anniversary. Looking through the book I see 91 octane Premium gas is required.
According to published data, it appears the Toyota Highlander and RX-350 use the identical 3.5L V6 [which you have just confirmed]. However, Toyota recommends 87 octane Regular gas in the Highlander.
Can you please provide an explanation as to why the Lexus needs Premium but the same engine in a Toyota Highlander only requires Regular?
Is it Ok to use Regular gas in the RX-350?
If so, are there any negative consequences?
If there are some negative consequences, why don’t they occur in the Highlander as well?
Can you please address those questions.According to published data, it appears the Toyota Highlander and RX-350 use the identical 3.5L V6 [which you have just confirmed]. However, Toyota recommends 87 octane Regular gas in the Highlander.
Can you please provide an explanation as to why the Lexus needs Premium but the same engine in a Toyota Highlander only requires Regular?
Is it Ok to use Regular gas in the RX-350?
If so, are there any negative consequences?
If there are some negative consequences, why don’t they occur in the Highlander as well?
Thanks.
Bob
From: Lexus Customer Satisfaction [mailto:Customer_Satisfaction_Inquiries@lexus.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 4:42 PM
To: bob@xxx.com
Subject: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Recently you submitted a question to the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department.
Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
Subject
Fuel spec
Discussion Thread
Response (Nanette Tran) 09/23/2008 02:42 PM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you again for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. I sincerely apologize about the delay.
You are correct in stating that engine specifications are identical for the RX 350 and Highlander and are thus correct when stating both vehicles use the same engine.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Customer (Robert xxx) 09/15/2008 10:51 AM
What is the compression ratio of the RX-350 and the Highlander?
Per the letter I sent you, published data shows both the Highlander and the RX-350 have a compression ratio of 10.8. All of the engine specs are identical, so it appears it is the same engine used in both vehicles.
Bob
From: Lexus Customer Satisfaction [mailto:Customer_Satisfaction_Inquiries@lexus.com]
SENT: Monday, September 15, 2008 11:55 AM
TO: bob@xxx.com
SUBJECT: Contact Lexus Email: [Reference: ]
Recently you submitted a question to the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department.
Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
SUBJECT
Fuel spec
DISCUSSION THREAD
RESPONSE (NANETTE TRAN) 09/15/2008 09:54 AM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. Your concern is important to Lexus, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.
Per your inquiry, the Lexus RX 350 has a higher compression motor than the Toyota Highlander, which requires premium gasoline for optimum engine performance. If Premium gasoline is not available, you may use unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87. The use of such gasoline will not allow your vehicle to operate at optimum engine performance and may also cause persistent heavy knocking. For more information, please refer to your Owner's Manual or your local Lexus dealership.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
CUSTOMER (ROBERT xxx) 09/13/2008 07:56 AM
See letter attached.
Note the model list in your email form does
not include the RX-350
Response (Nanette Tran) 09/15/2008 09:54 AM
Dear Mr. xxx:
Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. Your concern is important to Lexus, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.
Per your inquiry, the Lexus RX 350 has a higher compression motor than the Toyota Highlander, which requires premium gasoline for optimum engine performance. If Premium gasoline is not available, you may use unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87. The use of such gasoline will not allow your vehicle to operate at optimum engine performance and may also cause persistent heavy knocking. For more information, please refer to your Owner's Manual or your local Lexus dealership.
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 Time.
Sincerely,
Nanette Tran
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Customer (Robert xxx) 09/13/2008 07:56 AM
See letter attached.
Also note the model list in your email form does not include the RX-350