I'm going to be picking up my new IS350 in a few days and I want to be prepared for the break-in period...

I noticed in my IS350 test drives that the sequential shift mode will still automatically change gears without manually shifting with the shifter or the paddles (unlike a BMW M3 or M5).

Does anyone drive their IS350 like a "standard" automatic while leaving the shifter in sequential shift mode and not ever actually shift?

Does this harm the engine or transmission in any way during the break-in period vs. just leaving the shifter in "D"?

Just curious...

Thanks,

Ed

 

I belive if you set it to 4th for example, the transmission will use gears 1,2,3 and4 but not go past 4...

 

Did you leave your car in sequential shift mode while in break-in? Or did you leave it in automatic? If left in seq. shift, is it recommended to leave it in a higher gear?

Oh...

I also wanted to ask everyone if there are any problems or requirements with switching between automatic (i.e. "D") and seq. shift while traveling at highway speeds?

Thanks,

Ed

 

Breaking it is not a complicated science, no need to make it such. Just put the car in drive and simply don't drive it too hard for the first few hundred miles.

 

It doesn't matter how much or how little you use sequential shift during the break-in period, you can shift thru the gears or you can set the highest gear. Or just leave the car in D, it doesn't matter. Just follow the break-in rules, no high rev for extended period, and you'll be fine. You can shift from D to sequential shift at any highway speeds, no problem.

 

also vary your speeds. ie. don't drive at a consistent 80mph on the freeway for a long time.