Specs: 2008 IS250 RWD with 77K miles

I reset the ECU a few weeks ago already. But I do notice the car drives/shifts differently when in Drive vs Manual select mode. And when I say manual select mode, I just leave it in 6. This makes the car behave the same way as if it were in drive (utilizing all 6 gears) but does not depend on the ECU to figure out shift points or driving characteristics. It is basically a "neutered" version.

But it definitely shifts smoother and without hesitation in the manual mode (NOTE: car is still shifting for me, I am NOT shifting the car). When in Drive mode, the shifts are rougher. I can't explain it.

I enjoy setting the car on manual mode and let the car still shift for me. It is a smoother experience.

 

Really? I often leave the car in manual mode (in 6th) while driving so that if I want to downshift for a hill or a quick stop, it is ready to go. But I can't say I have noticed a difference in the shifting feel.

 

It probably has to do with your driving style.

 

Yeah, it's totally weird. I know that when you set it to manual the car ignores the ECU.

I'm not even talking about shift points, but quality of shifts. It just seems to be smoother in manual

 

I to have noticed a slight difference in shifting using manual. I just really don't like the fact all manual seams to do is a gear lockout, not the same as true manual mode! Am I missing something here?

 

You are correct. Not a true manual mode. It is only a gear limiter. I believe you have to go with the IS-F to get the true manual mode

 

I wanted an IS-F so bad, I just couldnt find one for a reasonable price that didnt have too many miles on it! sigh, oh well, I still love my IS 350

 

^I looked at this one over the weekend. Still WAY too high for me to even consider right now. Looks like a clean, stock IS-F. Had tinted windows.

http://www.lexusofgreenville.com/inventory/ISF?cid=0

 

Yeah I mean that car looks awesome, I just couldn't justify that price. I mean I got my IS350, which is 3 years newer than that, and 35k less miles, for $10k less than that IS-F.

 

It's been a week and I can say for certain that driving in manual mode is a lot smoother than drive mode. Shifts are a lot smoother.

 

I thought i read somewhere here where it's better to just leave it in 4. Not sure if it matters for a 250 since it was for a 350