nyardich

Just got new 2011 ES350 and was considering side moldings.
Had 2007 with side moldings and it save me some dings.
What do you guys and gals think???????????
$120.00 to buy and $55.00 to install.................

Jimbo68

IMO they make the car look a lot better. My 2011 came with them installed.

Dave Mac

I don't like them but they do work. Don't have them myself and got a door ding last week that will cost about $100 to have removed.

Dave Mac

LexBob2

Personally not a fan of them.

IMO they break of the lines of the car (especially on the 2010 & 2011's with the chrome strip on the bottom of the doors).

BUT if they save an owner from a ding or two that makes sense too.

2008ES

My CPO came with some kind of aftermarket side moldings that I didn't care for, so I got rid of them (see Garage pics under my name for both views.) I got a set of the OEM Lexus moldings for around $125 still boxed up sitting in the trunk. So far I'm enjoying the clean-side look and haven't yet decided whether to get the "real" moldings put on. In the end, I'll probably have them put on (or do it myself -- peel and stick and there's a complete instruction manual in the box). For the 07 - 09 models with painted molding at the bottom of the doors, the body molding looks pretty sharp IMO. For the models with chrome strip at the bottom, the body side molding may be a bit much, just depends on your tastes.

JRey350hou

I agree with lexbob. I think they look horrrible on 2010-11 models. I have 2010 model and actually almost bought new 2009 model back in 09 and they looked ok with moldings on but when bottom chrome was added just doesnt mesh imo only of course. takes away the sllek look that chrome brings to the table, but everyone has different taste...just not for me.

I did add the small lip spoiler and get consistent compliments on if you are looking place to spend money....good luck.

Blueshark

Sides molding are not make to be pretty, i never see one esthetically pleasing. As they do work ? i wonder since it is not very thick, i myself did a pair with foam tubing and magnets just in case i have to park close to any cars, it is mostly in the trunk in case.

Unfortunately, parking far away is the best prevention from my experience.

2008ES

Using magnets to mount the OEM moldings is an ingenious idea. Continuous flexible strip magnets set flush into the back of the molding in a bed of silicone. Wonder if they would fly off at high speeds. It's worth thinking about.

jagtoes

Side molding is just a matter of taste with a hint of preserving the doors from irresponsible parkers. I installed them on my 08 and again on my 2010. To me they break up the long flat door panel and improve the lines. It took me 1/2 an hour to install and if you want to take them off it's just a matter of peeling them off and cleaning up the glue. Not a big problem.

Blueshark

I make those for parking, think of it as a portable side molding for dings.

Lexi66

[QUOTE=JRey350hou;6252110]I agree with lexbob. I think they look horrrible on 2010-11 models. I have 2010 model and actually almost bought new 2009 model back in 09 and they looked ok with moldings on but when bottom chrome was added just doesnt mesh imo only of course. takes away the sllek look that chrome brings to the table, but everyone has different taste...just not for me.

I did add the small lip spoiler and get consistent compliments on if you are looking place to spend money....good luck.[/

How much was the spoiler? How did they install it?

garsarno

My 2011 came with the body side moldings and rear spoiler. Previous 2007 had neither. Like both on car, added to "change" over the 2007.

AZGirl

I have them on my 2010. I wasn't sure about them (was considering another 350 without them) but now that I have them, I like them. I think they add a little different touch--most of the 350s I've seen don't have them. And I park in a garage at a university so I know they will be worthwhile!