erickropp

Hi,

I just picked up my RX yesterday and wanted to get some input.

The wood on the steering wheel is much lighter than the rest of the wood throughout the car..almost to the point where it doesn't match and stands out like a sore thumb.

Does anybody else have this situation? Is this normal? Should I ask the dealer to swap out the steering wheel with wood that matches?

When I asked the dealer about this when picking up the car I was told that all the wood comes from the same tree and it might just be a different part of the tree.

Thanks

Eric

UCSB

I think that there is a small difference in color between the wheel and other wood. If you focus on it, you will notice. But, if you are just in the car it should not be very noticeable or apparent. If you search the forum, you can find a few other posts where people are talking about a difference. A quality photo would allow us to give you an idea if your car is worst than the typical setup. You could also go down to a Lexus dealer and look at all of the cars on the lot to see how they compare to your car.

"All wood is from the same tree ..." I think they were joking. Maybe all wood is from the same type of tree might be true.

erickropp

does this give you some idea? thanks

m1964

Same here-got 1 mo. old RX
That sound like big BS to me-how does the dealer know what is manufacturing process is for the wood part odf the SW?

I would not ask for replacement because they may screw up something else in the process...

I hope that would be the only problem in the next 5-6 years...

Cruiter

Eric,
Welcome to the forum. The dealer is partially right, the wood in the dash, doors, etc shoud be from the same tree. Somewhere online I've seen a movie of the process, it's highly refined. You should be able to find it if you look. However the steering wheel is a port added option and they just screwed up on selecting a match. It can be done, at least closer than yours. Mine is perfect.

If you you just got it, I'd stand flat footed in front of the dealer and if necessary tell him to take the car back if he isn't willing to give you a good match. That much of a difference in color he should be able to get Lexus to foot the bill.

But I wouldn't dally or you'll have to keep it.

erickropp

Thank you for the detailed information!

UCSB

After you posted your pictures, I went out and looked at my car again. When I open the door, the wheel appears to match the other wood (if you look carefully, it may be off a little). It appears much closer in color than your pictures. Good luck in pursuing the issue.

erickropp

I'm happy to report that I went by the dealer today and they immediately offered to change the steering wheel out since it bothered me..They were very understanding

I did look at other cars on the lot and a few were off but not as drastic as mine.

Thanks for all the input.

GoHuskers

Since you started this thread I went and checked my steering WHEELS, I have 2....and Voila the woods on the 350 steering wheel is lighter than the woods on rest of the car. On my 450h it matches everything perfectly well.

s4iscool

Anyone else see this issue recently? Im looking at some used ones and came across a car today that has the lighter steering wheel and shift ****. Odd

07LexusGuy

you must mean this video:

Cruiter

That's it, thanks for the find.

RXSF

that does not apply to the RX I believe, only the higher end vehicles. the first words of the video are "on our most premium Lexus vehicles..."

s4iscool

interesting vid but sad that it doesnt apply to the RX. I personally dont get the appeal of the wood wheel, aside from aesthetics, you're gripping laquer that feels like plastic. Ring(s) bang on it, but one upside is that the wheel doesnt get greasy/patina over the years.