Greetings, I just purchased a new 2016 GS350. Traded up from a 2013 ES Ultra, which I loved. Love this car even more, from a sportiness perspective. Question to other GS owners. I've noticed a rough noise, or rough idle, when starting the car first thing in the morning, or after it has sat for some length of time. My 2008 ES sounded like that, as does my 2010 RX. My 2013 ES never sounded that way and my service advisor said they changed something in the engine or transmission in the ES. My 2013 purred when it started and never stopped. It was silky smooth. The new GS just sounds rough for about a minute or so and then smoothes out. Of course, I asked about it and was told everything was normal, which is the standard Lexus comment. Said it sounds that way until something or other warms up or something like that. Im still trying to get used to the different drive and acceleration patterns of the GS vs the ES. Overall I love it. It's just a richer vehicle all the way around. Just curious about the idle and if anyone else has noticed it. Is it normal?

Thanks, Scott

 

It's probably the sound generator. And the GS also has direct injection, which is just louder.

 

First 30 seconds or so is going to be louder. It's normal nowadays because the manufacturers need to get the catalytic converters and engine up to temp within a certain time in order to please the federal government/smog regulators.

I actually prefer the startup setting. That's when you get to hear the raspiness and exhaust pops if you goose the gas. (Not talking about revving the s out of it... *no need to tell me how it's not good to rev an engine while cold.)

 

Your description seems to focus on the sound. It should not feel rough, but as noted by others it will have a bit more sound at startup.

If you want to really hear a "rough-sounding idle" go check out a Porsche GT3.

 

Mine feels a little rough and lumpy on a cold start. Part of it is the engine's orientation. Keep in mind your ES and whatnot are using a transverse-mounted engine with completely different mounting and the transmission up front. The GS is longitudinal (front to back) with a driveshaft, so you'll feel it rock side to side when it's cold.