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Comments
In terms of the ML sound versus the base Nakamichi system. I am not sure if the ML was that much more transparent.
The Nakamichi system was very good too, and I am sure that using the ML name had more to do with marketing rather than any spectacular sonic advance.
In terms of the ML sound versus the base Nakamichi system. I am not sure if the ML was that much more transparent.
How did it sound when it was working?
When working, it sounded great.
I am not saying the LS is a bad car by any means. I enjoy driving it every day.
I also continue to feel fairly strongly that once all these issues are dealt with, the car will settle down to a long service life.
I'll take a blown speaker and bad tires over a gremlin laden electrical system or transmission failure any day!
Blown speaker...
In the electronics industry we have something known as infant failure, regardless of how much care we take in the design, production and implementation, and small number of components will still fail during the "break-in period.
Your blown speaker may not have been the result of poor design/selection at all.
Would really appreciate details on what model to purchase.... and whether it effects the ML sound that comes out of radio.
I asked about XM too on my 2003 LS430, and there is some add on component into the pre-amp section of the ML. Cost was $500. They could not assure 100% compatibility. From the audio issues I hear here, I decided against putting this non-factory add on to my LS430 at this time.....
BTW, where are you located?
I am located outside of Philadelphia (purchased at Wilkie Lexus in Haverford). I was quoted an Alpine Sirius system installed for $450. What were the "audio issues" you are referencing on this site (I could not find much when I did a search).
Dave
PS. My LS430 will be silver/black; what will yours be?
2. I am surprised, a little skeptical, and other wise delighted at davidscharlton's report that someone told him there were pre-amp-level inputs on the ML. I recall asking this question of ML in 2001 and was told there were not. If there are (maybe they were added at a later date), you would have to have an "aux" function on the head unit or would have to add an external routing device so that the amp wasn't receiving signals, e.g., from both the CD and the XM at the same time.
FWIW, I posted a while back that I asked ML whether the 04 LS would have XM or Sirius; they gave a non-answer that suggested STRONGLY that the ML would add this feature. Might make me consider trading early . . . .
But it will have 2 significant drawbacks: (1) the head unit has to be placed somewhere, and I have yet to find a good unused location for it in my LS. (2) More importantly, the sonic quality of the digital signal will be significantly degraded. These systems (unless there are pre-amp level inputs - see my other post) broadcast an FM signal from the XM receiver to the car radio and reproduce the signal like any other FM signal. While the XM likely would sound somewhat better than the run-of-the-mill FM station (because it will not have its signal processed and compressed to the same degree) it will offer nothing like the CD-quality XM was intended to deliver. Something to think about.
I had my final inspection on my 2001 S500 today. The inspector told me a handful on Mercedes, Lexus, and other premium makes. I wish I had this information before my 3 year Mercedes lease.
Thanks
I don't lease, so am not worried about that problem. I am interested in hearing what the inspector told paulchiu.
First off the bat; you do not have to worry too much about dings and tiny dents; unless major paint peels are involved. So don't bother finding a safe parking spot or doing that paint touch up if you lease.
Here are the facts from the inspector:
1) For Mercedes leases, any ding or small dent that can be covered with a credit card is considered normal wear and tear. This is amazing; as we know how big a credit card is.
2) Scratches to wheels are viewed the same way
3) Wear of leather interiors is normal unless a major cut is obvious
4) Small nicks and abrasions on windshield is fine; unless they are more than an inch wide. Holes that cannot be filled with special windshield chemical cures have to be replaced.
5) Don't worry about slight discoloration of dashboard due to sun.
1) For Lexus leases, you are allowed 3 dings or minor dents on any individual panel/section
2) Lexus depreciates a lot more; (we all knows this!)
3) Some Lexus dealers will be more picky than others on condition; so go with the larger dealers
(not sure if this is true....)
1) All makes, the tires should be in good shape; so color it with armour all before inspection even if it is worn.
Glass is glass...
Despite all of its iritations; it's a beauty. I will miss it.
http://www.pbase.com/image/18266813
Will let you know how it goes....
I thought the Maybach looked a lot nicer than the Rolls. The Maybach was sleek looking. The new Rolls is about attractive as a Bradley fighting vehicle.
According to JP Power, the Tahara Plant has a quality score of 63 PP100; meaning 63 problems per 100 cars. Still high, if you ask me. But that's the lowest anywhere.
wwest - if you like the old RX you're gong to love the new one.
Easier to replace a burned out pumpmotor than calling for a tow.
My wife loves everything about it except the rear lights. She wants one. But I have to have something with three rows of seats and I'm also not going without an LS. So Neil my SC dreams may have just died. Starting to look like GX,RX and LS for me in 2004. I'll still need three cars for at least another few years. After last years copious snows I want at least two awd vehicles.
Don't worry about the RX - you'll love it.
http://www.dustbird.com/lexus/lexuslink.jpg
should I assume my new LS430 will have this feature already?
That Link update suggests that you might be able to cut off the "Link is active" recording in the future. If they add that functionality, I may even get link on my next car. I just could not imagine listening to that lady every time I started up
Pressing the button on the touch screen every time the car is started to acknowledge the dangers of driving with a nav system, now *that* is annoying. Not very impressive to passengers, either. I'd pay extra to make that stop.
Sean
And you owe me $200.
To upgrade my hard disk-based Nav in my '99 LS to current, would that mean I get a DVD version of the '03 release, or a simple hard disk update to existing install ?
Anyone know what to expect ?
Thx
ps: wwest. Any ideas on turning off the "acknowledge" option in the '98 - '00 Nav setup ?
Opening the DVD door disables the nav system COMPLETELY. If you want to make it operational again you must close the door, and then it takes a bit of a while to reboot.
The one in the 01 RX300 is in the spare tire storage area just to the right of the jack.
Personally I distrust it so much that I use it very rarely so having the door open most of the time isn't really a bother.