Let's start by saying that the issue wasn't ultra obnoxious on my 500 compared to other pics I saw, but I started to notice it looked to be getting a lil worse over time.

I was thinking about this trick for a lil while since I noticed that simply applying an upward motion from under the bumper closed the fender gap, then I saw a guy on FB doing it and it worked. So I decided to give it a go.

Basically, the most cumbersome part was getting that damn fender liner out of the way, once that was done, it was a matter of drilling a hole from under the bumper and fastening the lower eyelet bolt. Then threaded the metal wire thru a hole in the upper metal part, and joining both with a small turnbuckle. Only needed like 2-3 turns to make the bumper sit flush, made it a small bit tighter since I know the metal wire will get a bit of expansion.

Before / After






Here's the final product, used stainless steel hardware.





For the lower part, I sandwiched the bumper part between 1" washers, it shouldn't go anywhere. (Sorry, blurry pic)



I'll keep an eye on the gap, but for now, it's pretty much like the passenger side and i'm happy with the outcome!

 

I'll be damned. A crazy Canadian, a box of Tim Hortons, and maybe a 12 pack were able to I do the R&D that Lexus has yet to do lol. Good job man

 

Exactly my thoughts.

 

WOW!! I do not have the issue, yet, but I freaking review both sides every dang day. It would be nice to have this issue put to bed once and for all. Hopefully a Lexus rep or two is monitoring this forum! Very nice.

 

ANSWER - That is a great outcome and I will try and will certainly try this if mine sags any further. I am noticing a tad worse separation this year but I may be imagining it but regardless, it is unacceptable that a 18k Chevrolet Spark made in Korea has a better put together gap than an 73k car made in Japan IMO. I wouldn't expect Lexus to do a recall on all IS to fix this potential issue but they should have a solution available to detailers when it is clearly visible that this is happening. It is not limited to an early batch of vehicles so come on Lexus, identify the problem/solution and let's put this behind us once and for all.

Just out of curiosity - Should I cancel my buttock lift with my plastic surgeon buddy? I am sure you have a solution for that?! (lol)

 

My 2008 E92 M3 had interior pieces of the front bumper hung in place with metal hangars that resemble the hardware used here. This was to prevent sagging of materials that are chronically exposed to heat or high air pressure at speed. Nice fix

 

Answer, what front lip do you have on your IS500?

 

^^ It's one I found on eBay made for the 300/350 that supposedly fits the 500. Which, obviously did not since the 500 is 2 inches longer, so I extended both sides to make it fit.

 

Could you tell me how you extended the side pieces? I have the same lip, and it is too short on the sides.

 

Hows the turnbuckle holding up? This is like suspenders for a car. LOL.

 

Cutted the sides and filled the gap with some ABS plastic sheet that I molded to form.

 

Gotta do a small tighten but it's still holding strong!

 

If you mass produced this I bet you could make a killing.