Looking at picking up a 07 GS350. The owner states that it has cold start rattles. How common is this problem? What can be done to get it fixed? Thanks in advance.

 

Its more like a grinding sound of metal to metal on cold starts, there is a tsb out for it ( technical service bulletin) that i had done under warranty. Its a pretty common problem as long as you have warranty you are covered. Now if you dont then its like 7 hour labor. If you use the search function you will find out more about it.

 

same problem here...shakes and rattles...when i come to a complete stop..the engine would shakes like it has a chills or something...trading in for new lex soon ;-)

 

That's not the same thing. That's what the valve spring TSB/Recalls are for.

 

Its a different problem.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2l9berNxy4

Hi watch this cold start rattle. Im selling the car and this problem...........

 

Sounds like the tsb i had done, does it always happen or rarely?

 

It gets bad on cold weather. then it rarely happends during the daytime or very quiet rattle lol...

 

Had the same problem. Had the dealership take care of this 3 or 4 months ago with the TSB and all is good.

 

Own the car for almost 4 yrs, heard it once a month ago.
The sound is like a vibration of heat shield hitting something.
The TSB you mentioned is for the replacement of the camshaft timing gear.
I might have it done with the valve spring TSB at the same time.

 

Need to replace the Camshaft timing gear under TSB.
So far my 07GS experienced once.
Also the 07GS350 currently has a recall regarding the valve springs.

 

Does your car consume any oil since the repair?

 

i had the same concern b4. the service adviser told me it's the sound of rapid firing to start engine at cold. this is the reason why u don't hear it when engine is hot/warm.

 

i would have them get it fixed before you buy because i just took mine in for that same reason and they couldn't duplicate the noise after supposedly starting the car 19 times in a two week period...the tech told me that when the recall happens they will try to replicate the sound.....but who knows if the car will do it then....so my advice is to avoid the hassle and have them get it fixed first.
p.s. the video won't help them because they have to hear it themselves in person.