Does the 2009 ISx50 come standard with a credit card size key? I had heard Lexus was going to do that for 2009. If so, are they available as a part to buy for my 2008? I know Sewell was selling one that actually was for an LS (or another model) and would work, but I wondered if there is an "official" version out for the IS now.

 

It's only standard on the 2009 IS350. I believe it's the same Smart Card as the LS.

 

I think this is true for Canada and some other countries, but I don't believe the Smart Card is offered at all on the 2009 IS 350 in the U.S.

 

I've read somewhere in the past too that 09's come with them but I didn't receive a smart card with my 09 IS350, bought here in SoCal.. would love to have it though

 

I believe that, right now, the credit card SmartKeys only work with the LS and LX. I know one of the guys bought himself a GS and bought the key, but had to return it because it couldn't be programmed.

 

credit card key??? sounds cool

 

Dunno about the GS compatibility, but I bought a card from Sewell and it works just fine. Dealership programmed it in 5 minutes to my IS. Its the greatest thing. I just have the card in my wallet and never think twice about my keys.

 

im gonna ask the dealer about this tomorrow.

 

What did you pay to get it programmed?

 

I've thought about getting one of these. Only problem is if you lose your wallet. Then whatever person finds it has your car key and your driver's license that tells where your car is...

 

Normally costs $50-75 at most dealerships for a standard programming. Keep in mind I've heard that once the credit card key has been programmed it CANNOT be reprogrammed to another car. So don't buy a used credit card key.

I actually got my key programmed for free though. The dealership did it for free without even asking for it. I believe they were trying to win my business from another local dealership for service etc... I'd call it a fluke though. It was just luck.

 

Yeah that may be true. But if lost your wallet and key, I'd have my car towed, or driven to the nearest dealership for a reprogramming. You'd do the same if you lost your smart key.

Also because of the nature of the card key, you have to walk up to the car to know which car it is for. The smart key, because of its range(and beep), would be much easier to locate the vehicle in a parking lot or such. Say if you lost your keys at the mall, and someone wanted to take it(or just take whatever was in it).

But this way, I only have to worry about one thing. My wallet. Not my wallet AND keys...

 

I also bought a Card Key from Sewell and absolutely love it.
I was hoping though, with the 09's having a Card Key that they would finally make a metal key that can fit on the Card Key for the IS in case of emergencies.
I also have an extra battery hidden in the car just in case the card key's battery runs low or dies out.

 

wow a card key seems very cool

 

I believe the 09's (maybe 08's too) have different emergency locks, so that they can have a metal key that fits into the key card. 06 and 07 are out of luck.

http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...d=180650&all=Y