b2884987

I visited the Lexus dealer today and I came out disappointed knowing that some of the new Lexus coupes/sedans have those "BMW" style turn signal switch that sets itself in the middle rather than being held up/down while operating. I really hate these turn signals because they confuse the hell out of me when driving. I noticed the new Lexus SUV models don't have this.

Is it possible to swap these "BMW" style turn signal switches from the ones in the new Lexus SUV models? Are the parts compatible?

arentz07

Before we continue down this road, the Lexus turn signal stalks that operate like this do not work exactly like the ones in the BMW models.

In Lexus cars with these, the operation is as follows. In each direction, up and down, you have two detents in the travel range of the stalk. If you press it gently in either direction, to the first detent, you activate a lane change. If you press it harder, till you feel it "click" up or down, you activate the turn signal, which stays on until you turn. In either case, the stalk returns to its original position when released.

The difference in Lexus's version of this is that you can easily cancel the signal. For example, let's say you have just turned on the right signal by accident, when you just wanted a lane change. To turn it off, you can do so by simply pressing the stalk gently down. I believe that BMW's system doesn't work like that. I find the Lexus implementation to be very easy to use, at least once you get used to the level of effort required to move the stalk, which is quite easy to move compared to many vehicles. My first few days with my IS, I was accidentally turning it on a lot. However, now, I never make that mistake any more, and I'd say I got pretty consistent at using it after a week or two of driving.

According to Doug DeMuro:

With Lexus, you do in fact get to push the stalk in the opposite direction to turn it off.

Och

iTrader: (3)

JDR76

I don't understand what part is confusing about their operation. They work like regular turn signals, but they return to center. You use them in exactly the same way you use the traditional ones.

b2884987

I've driven a BMW today, they operate the same way as the Lexus ones. The only difference is that the switches are bulkier and requires more "push effort" to activate them. The Lexus ones are lighter and easier to operate, better ergonomics.

b2884987

I really prefer the traditional ones. The new Lexus SUVs still have them.

mcomer

The feature that Lexus was a bit late to adopt is the "3 flash with single tap" lane change operation.
Our 2008 Impala had it, Lexus just got it around 2015...

JDR76

signdetres

Completely agree. I prefer them over the traditional ones.

arentz07

Agreed. Now that I am used to them, I understand why they are designed this way. It's so that they make less noise. Normally, when you make a turn, the stalk will automatically jump back into position, with a clicking sound. Not so with these - they don't move at all.

Och

iTrader: (3)

There is nothing more retarded than turn signals that return to center. Like I said before, BMW abandoned these in 2018 models after many customers complaints. I actually made a big thread on BMW forum complaining about this, and many agreed.

Good article from Doug Demuro regarding these.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...signals-260840

Johnhav430

LOL, I bet the BMW wipers were confusing too, as is riding a motorcycle and changing gears. I used to love when I'd see a sweet M6 signal left to change lanes, change, then suddenly the signal went right, left, right, left, finally off. I would think to myself rich, but new to BMW...

Johnhav430

Thought I'd just point it out, you used a very politically incorrect term (I agree we got a little too politically correct for a while, but now we've gone to the other extreme). This is a forum and we don't know one another personally, but it may not be a good idea to use it face to face.

Johnhav430

As do I. We're pretty intelligent creatures, so it's kind of funny to say they are this or that or the other thing. What about changing gears on a motorcycle, is that hard? Not at all. And as mentioned, the wipers on a BMW (at least mine) also do not have a detent. I think people just like to complain lol and this is most certainly a first world problem.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Perhaps convoluted is a better term. Some people don't think it's a bad design, but taller people all find it frustrating. For me the upper portion of the cluster, where the blinker indicators are, is blocked by the steering wheel, so I lose visual way to tell whether my turn signals are on, as well as tactile way when the switch returns to center.

Luckily on my 2018 M2 its no longer the case, they went back to traditional switch.