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Need Opinion On Engine Noise

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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 04:38 PM
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Default Need Opinion On Engine Noise

I recently bought a 2015 GS350 with 9,000 miles and would like to get an opinion on whether or not my engine noise level is normal. I've always heard these cars were "bank vault quiet". Coming from a Subaru STI, I'm out of my element. The engine makes a slight knocking sound at or around idle and is louder when the transmission is in Park or Reverse. The noise seems to be localized in the rear driver's side of the engine bay. The noise is louder after the car is warmed up and it can be heard in the cabin slightly. Am I worrying about nothing or should I have this looked at by the dealer? (I'm aware the ticking sound from the direct injection is normal)

At idle in Reverse:

At idle in Park (when the noise is not really noticeable)
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:14 PM
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Is the engine warmed up?
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:34 PM
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Ya, the engine is fully warmed up in those videos.
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:46 PM
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Hey there! i came from a STI as well, but the sound is normal, my 3GS also sounded like that. windows closed or open driving down the road i dont really notice it all that much. its a little louder in the mornings but goes away as engine warms up.
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:53 PM
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Perfectly normal. The ticking noise you are hearing is the high-pressure direct fuel injection system when the injectors open and close. The noise is only really noticeable at low RPM and/or with a window open. You'll get used to it. Lexus is not the only vehicles that use the direct injectors.
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:55 PM
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Yep, I agree sounds normal.
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 05:59 PM
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I concur, normal. I agree, louder than I would like, but normal for this engine. Congrats on the new ride and welcome.

Link to discussion on IS forum about engine noise, same engine (IS 350):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...t-at-idle.html
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 07:25 PM
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Mine sounds the same and everyone including dealer said it was normal. My RX makes a similar sound too.
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Old Oct 27, 2016 | 09:46 PM
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Is the car using regular or premium gas?
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Old Oct 28, 2016 | 03:45 AM
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I have only put premium fuel in the car since I've had it. Thanks for all the replies!
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Old Oct 28, 2016 | 07:18 AM
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Yep, mine does it too. It's most noticeable from outside of the car, but there's also some noise that gets into the cabin as well (seems more obvious from the front passenger seat, too). It's probably the most disappointing aspect of the car, IMO. The rest of the car has a very premium feel to it, the noise takes away from the overall "quality feeling".

I know, I know some other cars have the same type of noise and it's normal, etc. My 2005 Acura RL had a 3.5 V6 engine that was silky smooth and almost silent - and produced ~300hp. That was TEN years ago! My observed MGP wasn't quite as good, but pretty close.
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Old Oct 30, 2016 | 01:27 AM
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totally normal. some are a smidge louder than others. i dont hear it in the cabin at all. maybe the thick lux windows help i dont know. however what is disappointing is some engine vibration i feel in the car sometimes. which i think is ridiculous, anyone else notice this? other lexus' i dont feel any vibration at all.
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Old Oct 30, 2016 | 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by mrpink13
what is disappointing is some engine vibration i feel in the car sometimes. which i think is ridiculous, anyone else notice this? other lexus' i dont feel any vibration at all.
Not here - engine is smooth as a sleeping butterfly.

Last edited by bclexus; Oct 30, 2016 at 08:24 AM.
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Old Oct 30, 2016 | 08:30 AM
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I remember feeling a little bit of driveline vibration when in drive at a stoplight.
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Old Oct 30, 2016 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by SW15LS
I remember feeling a little bit of driveline vibration when in drive at a stoplight.
thats what im talking about. even feeling vibration is a bit much for me in a lexus. they usually do a super good job of dampening all that stuff.
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