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johnatg

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Everything posted by johnatg

  1. johnatg
    I've had them previously in the dips and I've got Nightbreaker Unlimited in my main beams now. The reviews are probably accurate but a lot depends on the actual design of the light unit, so what is brilliant in one car may well not be in another. You can certainly fit them with no problems - they are just a direct replacement and don't use any more current than normal bulbs - but they won't transform your dip beams much - I reckon mine improved from 'fairly poor' to 'somewhat less than adequate'. Since you can fit HID bulbs in the dip beams fairly easily (though a little more work is involved) i would recommend them, even if they are technically illegal - I've had them in for a couple of years and two MoT tests with no problems. They certainly make the dips adequate (though not wonderful) HID bulbs work in the projector beam dips but they should not be used in the mains - they need halogen bulbs and Nightbreaker Unlimited (HB3 pattern) are probably the best you can get.
  2. johnatg
    That writing is Japanese, not Chinese. They're most likely genuine Denso ones.
  3. johnatg
    But probably perfectly adequate. The cc of a car doesn't tell you anything about reliability, longevity or even much about performance. Likewise, CCA for a battery. Yuasa make excellent batteries - other brands are available.
  4. johnatg
    Yuasa YBX3030 - £76.99 from The Battery Shop, Swindon for example. Probably an excellent choice! Sent from my PSP7551DUO using Tapatalk
  5. johnatg
    Got mine done last week at a local garage (within walking distance of home) - I've used them for several years for several vehicles - £35. (The max price these days is £54.95 - lots of places discount that, but you do need to be aware of those who attempt to con you with unnecessary advisories - no advisories on my certificate)
  6. johnatg
    I think it very unlikely that it came with an Exide from the factory. I would have expected it to be a Yuasa or Panasonic - can anyone who bought a new IS250 remember what the original was? Or maybe it's still fitted?
  7. johnatg
    Selecting the correct battery is more to do with size (w x d x h) than anything else. Any 068 battery will do the job - Exide 030 is equivalent (why can't they use the standard numbering system?) but 031 has the terminals the wrong way round. There's an equivalent Optima battery - at least twice the price of anything else. Many of us here have had good experiences with Bosch S4026/Varta E23 (they look identical apart from the badge) - other brands are available!
  8. johnatg
    Certainly don't remove the cats. The sensors are downstream oxygen sensors - less important for running but if they're not connected I think you'll get engine management light problems, so don't remove them either. A catback system should be OK, but specify that you want a guarantee that it will be as quiet as the original as many stainless systems are noisier. You can get a soundmeter (decibels) app for your smartphone!
  9. johnatg
    Getting the cover off is a bit of a fandangle - be aware of the battery temperature sensor on the engine side of the cover - you'll need to disconnect (and later reconnect) it. Then remove the negative battery lead first (that's the side nearest the wing). Apart from that and resetting the windows, it's all straightforward.
  10. johnatg
    Yes - 'recommended for diesel' is irrelevant - and it's not OK for IS220Ds etc because they need a much bigger battery. It is probably OK for some other diesel cars. 12V car batteries all do the same job - they vary in capacity and ability to deliver enough power to start the car. Basically the bigger the engine, the bigger the battery required (and diesels need bigger batteries because of glow plugs and higher compressions - need more oomph to turn the engine). And they vary in size and configuration (position of the terminals) - denoted by three digit codes - IS250 needs a 068 battery - that is a rare spec and not often stocked in regular battery shops - don't be fobbed off with something that 'will do'
  11. johnatg
    The service schedule says after 10 years and then every 5 years.
  12. johnatg
    The only things that matter are the thread diameter (14mm) and thread length (26.5mm) - same for both. The Denso catalogue here: http://www.denso-am.co.uk/e-catalogue lists both types, IKBH20TT under 'TT' and they're promoting TT as the latest and best. Thanks for bringing this to our attention - my plugs are due for a change really and these prices are a lot more reasonable than I was expecting!
  13. johnatg
    Well, see here: http://www.denso-am.co.uk/media/698507/2015denso457-irtt-product-update-.pdf These came in November 2015, so presumably more or less replace FK20HBR11 which date from pre-2005. They are specified for more Toyota models (mainly Japanese market) so that might explain the price (vast) reduction. And if, as implied above, Lexus Birmingham are supplying these when you order FK20HBR11 - they're making quite a mark-up!
  14. johnatg
    It looks as if these IKBH20TT are newer, so may be better. Some kind of strange pricing anomaly going on. Even cheaper here: http://www.gsparkplug.com/1x-denso-iridium-tt-spark-plugs-ikbh20tt-4705-042511047051.html £6.72! Sent from my PSP7551DUO using Tapatalk
  15. johnatg
    Oh - seems they're OK - a lot cheaper than FK20HBR11 - but FK20HBR11 is listed in the Denso catalogue. Sparkplugs. co. uk list these as alternative / equivalent. Sent from my PSP7551DUO using Tapatalk
  16. johnatg
    Surely you need FK20HBR11 - these don't look like that to me. Sent from my PSP7551DUO using Tapatalk
  17. johnatg
    Phone mic - not brilliant but I guess it depends a bit on the phone. This dongle isn't really a hands free kit - it's for music. Sent from my PSP7551DUO using Tapatalk
  18. johnatg
    I've used Brake Parts (based in Rochdale) frequently - always good stuff - never had any problems - efficient mail order service. (I've sometimes called in to their shop.) Apec are a reputable company (based in Wrexham) - supply all sorts of brake items inc pads and fitting kits (they don't sell direct). Note that these are refurb calipers and there's a service charge pending return of your old calipers. But they are refurbed to 'as new' condition - don't be put off by that. PS - always do brake work on both sides at the same time. Parts are often supplied as a front or rear kit so you the parts for both sides in one pack. Calipers supplied singly though.
  19. johnatg
    They no doubt told you that you need a new caliper. You almost certainly don't - just get the pins greased. But check the discs too, especially the inner faces - I reckon they diagnose stuck calipers from rust on the discs - it's only a visual health check after all.
  20. johnatg
    Hey - it's music in the car - and your music from your phone. It's hardly a listening studio. It's OK for me - might not be if you're really picky about sound accuracy.
  21. johnatg
    Yes.
  22. johnatg
    Breakout to a new topic - Bluetooth dongle for music.
  23. johnatg
    See this, for example - there are lots of others: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-Jack-Aux-Wireless-Bluetooth-4-0-Audio-Stereo-Music-Receiver-Adapter-Black/222573798261?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 The 3.5mm jack goes in the socket at the back of the cubby between the front seats. The USB cable is for power - plug it in to a 12v plug with two USB outlets - you see them by garage counters quite often or eBay - that unit goes in to the power socket, again at the back of the cubby. Now pair your phone with the dongle (see description in the eBay listing) and play music on your phone. Set the stereo to aux input and voila!
  24. johnatg
    You can buy a dongle thing on eBay for about a fiver which will give you Bluetooth in a non-bluetooth equipped IS250. Works like a charm. And I wonder if they would describe Avon tyres on a Roller as 'budget' It's whaht they put for mine, too - I have Avons all round. I guess it's because you didn't pay Lexus inflated tyre prices - even more expensive than Nitrogen!
  25. johnatg
    Most scrappage schemes do promise to scrap the traded-in car. Not sure if that promise is always kept, and it can lead to the loss of some perfectly good cars. But it's what they usually say. PS - if you have to buy a £60K or more car to get £4K off -it's not a great deal, is it? Or maybe you don't tell them about your trade in until after you've negotiated a price!
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