I would like to replace the front and rear oval “L” emblems on my 2024 es300h. But my neighbor who tries to keep me from doing dumb stuff thinks the front oval serves as some sort of “sensor” and should not be removed. Any knowledgeable people care to weigh in?

 

i forgot whats there but look at the back and see if there's a wire.

 

the option from your poll missing is: don't do it, it's distasteful

 

The radar sensor used by the Lexus Safety System + 2.5 is located behind the front "L" logo emblem device. (See page 177 and 178 of the 2024 Lexus ES300h Owner's Manual.) The front "L" logo emblem device serves as the radar sensor cover and has a owner's manual warning of:

 

Do not touch it. That emblem covers the ACC radar.

 

I would leave it alone and spend time doing other essential things like making sure maintenance is up-to-date.

 

The original post says “replace” the front and rear emblems.

Replace them with what, exactly?

You might be able to remove the L part - with all of the correct warnings above - but the oval shape is, I believe, molded into the grill, so at best you might be able to pull off the emblem but might just leave a big hole in the grille. I suppose you might be able to cover it up with black film (like paint protectant film) but I don’t know if that would affect the sensor operation. No matter what you do, it will probably look weird.

At least they don’t light up like the tacky front star optional on most Mercedes vehicles. I’d just leave well enough alone.

 

I think you should. Don't forget to update us afterward.

 

According to the lexusguide.net Lexus ES (XZ10) Service Manual's Front Bumper - Disassembly procedures (see procedure 25) the front emblem/radar sensor cover is held on by two screws and a claw.

 

I've removed it before when swapping grilles. I believe there is a wire there and it's used for radar for ACC (as mentioned above). There's a reason why it's so difficult to find the aftermarket light up emblems for the front. If you want to do it go ahead, but it's not a standard piece of plastic like the back one. You'll need patience and tools.

 

Do you think that if you take the L off of the gigantic trademark grille, nobody will know it's a Lexus?

 

Yes, that would be missing if I cared about your sense of taste. Being that you have no idea how I planned to proceed, but deemed it “distasteful” makes me less than zero concerned about your opinion.

 

I would be fine if people didn’t know it’s a Lexus. I bought the car because it serves my needs better than other cars I researched and drove. Some people will always be able to identify a make and model, some won’t. What other people think isn’t too important to me.

 

Thanks to everyone who responded with earnest advice. Based on the delicate nature of the acc and the difficulty acquiring the item I would replace it with I think I will leave the front emblem as is. When I replace the rear I’ll share some pictures.