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Now, apparently the nav display screen emits polarized light. Why, I don't know. Must be something about the process used to generate the light. My cell phone's screen is also polarized. When I rotate it while wearing the sunglasses, it is brightest when vertical, and totally dark when held horizontally. This turns out to be the right design, since the phone is meant to be held vertically. Similarly, one would think that Lexus would use a vertically polarized nav screen (if polarization is required), but unfortunately they don't.
By rotating my head, or just the glasses in front of my eye, I have found that the nav screen is polarized at a 45 degree angle counter-clockwise from the vertical. So you have to turn your head 45 degrees to the left, while simultaneously leaning over to the right to be in front of the nav display. Could it be that Lexus designed it this way because in Japan, where they drive on the left side of the road and the driver sits on the right, he typically leans left to be in front of the nav – and they didn't think to change it for the US market?
Finclguru
I don't remember weighting in on this one...
Renny
So I wouldnt be at all surprised if the faceplate on the nav display is polarized in some manner for the same reasons.
I apologize for being long winded on this issue.
My question is: The car came with Yokohama Y390R P225/60R16 97H tires rated at treadwear 160, Traction A, Temperature A. I have not been able to find this tire in the Houston area or on Yokohama's internet site. Since the wear rating is low I will need to replace the tires soon. I would prefer all season tire since we get a lot of rain in Houston.
1. What tires do the board members have on their LS430 as OE and if replaced - what replacement tires did they buy?
2. If I buy 17 inch wheels, what size and tire are best?
Thanks for any information.
MRWheeler
I purchased Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires for my 2001 LS430. The original tires were Dunlop SP Sports. I have had good experience with Michelins in the past. The Dunlops are quieter and the reason is obvious if you compare the tread pattern. The Dunlops will last 30,000 miles while the Michelins will last over 40,000 miles. The Michelin tires have more aggressive siping, which is supposed make them a better tire in the rain. There seems to be a trade-off between noise and wet pavement performance. The siping on the Michelins are very narrow grooves rather than cuts, so I'm using the term siping loosely.
Many thanks for the post containing the link on ClubLexus of the technical settings available. In particular, I was elated to see that the dealer can disable the Day Running Lamps (DRL) on LS430s and SC430s.
I personally hate those damn things!
I can't believe that the dealers do not let you know about it other than I assume they don't since customers requesting changes would mean more work at sale time. Although I have a real problem with the BMW 7-series BMW has the same type of setting but their default is OFF unless the customer wants it on. However, BMW dealers quite often tell new customers about the option.
Thanks again.
Just today I had the central part of the dashboard open to look for a pesky oh so subtle rattle that was irritating to say the least. Now it is pindrop silent, and I am happy. Nothing like a job well done, and these days that usually means doing it yourself.
Good bunch of people over at ClubLexus, but I post mostly here only.
I do have access to the full service manual set for the 2003 LS430, so if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Once again, thank you for posting back.
I am now anxiously awaiting the 2004 LS - personally hoping for a sleeker form and significantly more power. That will hopefully keep me from considering or toying with a S600 to possible replace my LS.
In your case what likely happened is that one wheel rotated in a forward direction allowing the opposite wheel (undoubtedly the one with the most traction) to roll in the opposite direction.
Sorry, nature of the beast, rear diff'l, that is.
One of the few falacies in the advice not to use the emergency brake in the wintertime for fear it will freeze into position...IT WILL!
The dealer is saying no major changes for 2004 is that true?
I was at the Chicago Auto Show and was able to talk with a Lexus rep (not a salesman, a corporate guy from Lexus' Midwest region).
He said the 2004 LS, due out in the fall, will have revised front and rear styling and 18" wheels on the outside.
On the inside, a revised dashboard, new wood selections and a "big number" of new comfort and convenience interior options will be offered.
He also said the car would have a "smart" key, which isn't really a key, similar to what Mercedes has.
I wanted to ask him more to find out about the specific new features and if the engine would change, but he had to go and I did not have time to return to the Lexus display.
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000128910.cfm
Sounds very interesting
By the way, before I read your answer this morning I called the Lexus service dept. at the dealership and the guy told me my couldn't have rolled and hung up on me. I had to call back and got someone else and they will "check" it for me, but I could tell they were skeptical.
Sorry about confusing matters by throwing in the emergency brake issue. It is normally not a good idea to use it during colder weather due to the fact that it might freeze in place. In your case it would have helped had you applied it once you started the car, not overnight.
Toyota said this, combined with Lexus sales in 35 countries, will help it create a new global premium brand for the 21st century.
Lexus models have always been sold in Japan under the Toyota name, although in separate, upscale dealers from other Toyota models.
If that doesn't work, you may be looking at a new set of tires, but others may have different suggestions.
Basically, (and I think the LS400 is the same) is a three tier assembly that one starts to unlock from the bottom to the top: first the trim peice next to the shift console, then the middle tier, and finallt the nav screen at the top.
For the first time in a decade, my new MB has problems. The car did not start the day I picked it up at the dealership. To this day, windows work some of the time, and stay down. This creates a chill to the driver in the midst of winter. Shocks flatten out, and must be pumped up to drive if the car sits for a few days. Too much technology to go wrong. I have taken it back for repairs 10 times. They keep it for days at a time trying to learn from the manufacturers mistakes. MB today is certainly not your father's car builder. What happened?
To my point, I have been looking at the LS 430. Drove a few, like them. I realize, they are not a sport vehicle. As we age, comfort takes the place of speed, and, in this case, reliability comes clearly into focus.
From this forum, I understand there will be "remarkable" changes in the 2004 model. Consequently, I am going to stall my purchase until the 04 comes out and I can take a look for myself.
Any thoughts on all this, and knowledge of the new design of the LS 430 for 2004 would be genuinely appreciated. Many thanks for your time and opinions.
I was at the Chicago Auto Show and was able to talk with a Lexus rep (not a salesman, a corporate guy from Lexus' Midwest region).
He said the 2004 LS, due out in the fall, will have revised front and rear styling and 18" wheels on the outside.
On the inside, a revised dashboard, new wood selections and a "big number" of new comfort and convenience interior options will be offered.
He also said the car would have a "smart" key, which isn't really a key, similar to what Mercedes has.
I wanted to ask him more to find out about the specific new features and if the engine would change, but he had to go and I did not have time to return to the Lexus display.
My CL 500 had damage to the trunk deck from the factory. They tried to align the hinges to make it fit and it was delivered with cracked plastic in the trunk drip lanes. Had to sand filler out to make the lid fit properly. So much for great workmanship from Germany today. The dealer seems to say, "Well, what do you want for a $93K base price car?"
So far, I am very impressed with Lexus. They have come a long way and certainly provide much more for the price than an S car.
Please let me know if you learn of more information relating to the 2004 LS. Many thanks.
Go to clublexus.com they have a thread there that discusses the 04 LS 430. Also check autospies.com as they also have info on the 04's.
I personally have an 03 LS 430 Ultra Lux and have had "0" problems. Smooth, quiet and passengers love it. Price wise I paid 68K which includes Ultra Lux package, chrome wheels, gold package, wheel locks and trunk mat. I'm sure you can beat this price now. I live in the SE and dealer's are pretty tight.
I also purchased an 03 SC 430 and likewise have ahd "0" problems.
Lexus makes a fine automobile, I'm sure you will be well pleased.
Ron
Good luck in whatever car you go with.
Thanks