Lexus LS 400/LS 430

barry5 · June 2004

Well I had my cruise control module replaced and it cost me $ 2000. The new one works like a charm and it is a wonderful option. I took back the old module and have studied it.

There is a cover plate that swivels in the front, the glass is part of the main module which appears the be hermetically sealed. the small window contains a revolving mirror which disperses the laser beam, the larger window is the receptor of the bounced off beam. The glass and unit are one piece and to me cannot be replaced. I am investigating materials to try and protect these glass windows as of now sheer plastic does not work. I want observe the effect of placement of the protector and would like to try self adhering vinyl. If I succeed I will let you know. I have been told that Mercedes and Infinity have the unit behind the grill to protect them. I suspect that Lexus will make some changes as to the location of this expensive piece of equipment.

maxhonda99 · June 2004

Top speed is limited to 150MPH electronically.

achadha · June 2004

I am interested in a 01 LS430 for my wife. I currently drive an 04 TL which has bluetooth. Does the LS430 come this option in 01-03 model years and if not can u get it installed? Thanks

wil1688 · June 2004

Thanks to everyone's input, Car ( LS430 ) is on order, lets hope I can get it real soon. In the mean time, I do have two question. What do you guy think of extend warrenty for this car? Is it worth to get it,even though Lexus is suppose to be very reliable. And if so, How much is reasonable?
Secong question, What are some of the default setting, I should have my dealer set, for the car. Thanks again

achadha · June 2004

why pay all that money on the extended warranty, especially on a Toyota. The standard warranty of 4 years 50k should cover you pretty well. Most of the big bugs usually occur within the first year or 2. I wouldn't bother. How long did you plan on keeping the car?

anthonyp · June 2004

I have further found that the dealership will cover things after a factory policy is over..Sort of goodwill.
On a further note, after a accident , our dealership has been very involved and helpful, although the bodyshop is not a part of their organization...Just think `What would you do after a wreck` answer `Service manager`on further thought wwest would be great.
My daughter said the rx took a real hit and none of them were injured ar really shaken up. Tony ps someone slammed into the side of them around twenty five mph

sandiegotom · June 2004

I paid approximately $1100 for a two-year 70,000 mile extended warranty on my LS. My reasoning was that if ANYTHING went wrong after the factory 48 month warranty period, it would very likely be expensive to repair. With the sophisticated electronics and onboard computers involved with engine operation, HVAC, nav, keys, stereo, etc., a small 'glitch' could mean big costs. I probably won't hit the 70,000 mark before the 72 months....

jbianco12 · June 2004

In a few messages back, I mentioned that the glass cover on my laser cruise control unit was damaged by a pebble that must have been kicked up by a truck or something. The unit still works, it's just the glass that is cracked. Well...my dealer said...you can't replace the glass, the entire unit must be replaced...And the cost...$1666+$80 labor, plus tax...so probably close to $1800. Wow! Especially since the same damage could happen 10 mins. after it was replaced. I told the guy that I thought it was a terrible design. But the laser cruise is still one of my favorite features on the LS.
Since the unit is still working, I opted to pass on the repair.
Hope this helps others...

michael_mattox · June 2004

Have you talked to one of those outfits that fixes Cracks and pits in windshields rather then replace them.

It would be a cheap fix, if they can do it.

rennybosch · June 2004

I believe I read that the sensor is now behind the plastic Lexus Logo in the center of the front grille. This may be the case only for the "radar" version (on the UL), not the "laser" version.

Does anyone know what the technical difference between the two is? Is "laser" a higher frequency than "radar"? Do we need wwest for this one?

vavavavolvo · June 2004

The pre-safe system, which I think is only coming on UL models but is specked for others, changes you to radar from laser (or do I have it backwards?). In any case, I was told that one works better in the elements and that system is naturally the one coupled with pre-safe.

ljflx · June 2004

I put Bridgestone Turanza LS-H rated tires on my mothers Camry today. Took off Dunlop SP4000s. Wow - what a tire the Bridgestone is. I think they only make the v rated for the LS430 though unless I looked at Tire Rack wrong. The Turanzas are going on everything I buy from now on.

oac · June 2004

My LS has the Dunlops and I am not too happy with them. I am strictly a Michelin guy, but have been seriously wanting to replace my Dunlops. How would you rank these tires ?

Potenza RE750: Z-rated
Michelin PilotSport A/S: W-rated
Turanza ER33 (is this the LS?): H-rated

And who carries the Turanza LS. Cannot seem to find it anywhere...I can find the ER33 but not the LS...

ljflx · June 2004

Tire Rack has the Turanza LS-V's for the LS430 and both the LS-V and LS-H for the older 16" wheels. The ratings on both are sky high. The H version is very quiet and super smooth on the Camry. I'd imagine it will be an absolute dream on the LS400/430. These two Bridgestones score real high in quietness, handling and treadlife. The LS-H felt better to me than any Michelin I've ever had and I'm also a Michelin guy. I did a cut and paste below but sometimes it expires on Tire Rack. I have a bunch of bridgestone dealers by me. Try searching Bridgestone and their nearest local dealers or how you go about ordering from Tire Rack. The tires I got today are normally a 1-5 day order but one guy had them in stock and he was only 10 minutes from me.

Those guys on the other board can't handle us or the Lexus success. I never said one thing bad about their cars - just the piss poor reliability record yet they knock our cars at every chance they get. They're really going to get crushed in the next 3-5 years. They'd better get used to it. I love the 330CCi but I think Bangle will wreck that car as well. So if you really like that car or its less sportier siblings you are going to probably be too late to the party. I'm in the same boat as you. When the kids (13 and 6) are out of the house (but I don't think I can wait that long) I will have a cheap SUV for whenever it is needed, a roadster (SL, SC or XKE are my favorites) and whatever the LS becomes. If the next LS is AWD I will likely make that move in 2007. But if they bring out that HPX I'm jumpimg on that as an SUV replacement.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare2.jsp?shipquote=N&compar- - - - - e=true&partNumber=&make=&model=&clarifier=&pr- - - - - ice=&width=225%2F&ratio=60&diameter=16&sortCode=&- amp;- amp;- amp;- amp;- amp;speedRating=&qty=&stockMessage=&type=T&URL=&a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;newCompare=true&prevprice=&loadRating=&promoShortT- - - - - ext=&promoUrl=&promoLongText=&sidewall=&sidewallS- - - - - hown=&frontTire=&frontLeftTire=&rearTire=&rearLef- - - - - tTire=&wantRHP=&RHPprice=&sumRating=&hasSpec=&amp- ;amp- ;amp- ;amp- ;amp- ;hasWarranty=&hasComments=&hasTests=&hasSurveys=&- - - - - perf=&pre=&specCode=&autoMake=Lexus&autoModel=LS4- - - - - 00&autoYear=1998&autoModClar=&goWhere=%252Ftires%252F- - - - - Compare1.jsp&minLoad=S&vehicleSearch=true&speed_ratin- - - - - g=HR&speed_rating=VR&speed_rating=WR&speed_rating=YR&- amp;- amp;- amp;- amp;- amp;speed_rating=ZR&manufacturer=Bridgestone&startIndex=0- - - - - &sortValue=1&compareList=0&qty_26WR6RE750_=4&qty_- - - - - 26HR6G009_=4&compareList=2&qty_26HR6RE950_=4&qty_26HR- - - - - 6RE92OWL_=4&qty_26HR6RE92_=4&compareList=5&qty_26HR6T- - - - - LS_=4&compareList=6&qty_26VR6TLS_=4&qty_26ZR6TLS_=4&a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;qty_26VR6ER33_=4</a

oac · June 2004

Appreciate your help on the tires. Yeah, the tirerack link already timed out but I was able to find the tires from the manufacturer site. Turns out the LS-H is not OE for pre-2001 LS, only the LS-V. These tires also appear to be Touring, not performance which is what I'd prefer. I'll check with my local Costco shop for these tires and make a decision.

ps: Yeah, I agree with you about the goings on over the other forum. Pure fun, tho'. Hope others are having as much fun as I am debating these issues....

cyclone4 · June 2004

Way back, (couple months or so ago) I posted that Lexus was working on a solution to the tire pressure monitor problem for the 2004 LS430. Well, after a long wait, Lexus has come through. The new part has arived & my dealer replaced the faulty monitor today. Finally, that annoying red error light is gone from my instrument panel. I know that there are several of you that have had the same problem, but now it can finally be fixed.

ljflx · July 2004

Bridgesone also has a LS-Z and I'd look into that one even though it is grand touring.It gets real high marks for handling. I'd avoid the ER33 as its a Grand Touring summer tire anyway. I have to get all season in the Northeast. If you really want the ultra-high performance then I'd go with either the Michelin Pilots or the Bridgestone Potenza RE750's. The latter looks like the better value and the equal of the pilots.

aggie76 · July 2004

Aggh - was traveling this week and thought I had done a great job at O'Hare parking next to new E500 on passenger and 530 on driver's side in parking. Came home late last night and found heavy ding in passenger door - same color as the E500 paint it appeared. Hated to see my LS with only 30 days ownership take the first hit.

gteach26 · July 2004

Sorry to hear about the ding... I feel your pain.

My obsessive-compulsive self would already be at the Lexus body shop getting an estimate to have that door ding fixed.

I had my 03 Navigator "tagged" with a key a few weeks out of the dealership and I just HAD to get it fixed (several hundreds $$)

That first blemish is a killer!

achadha · July 2004

Does this option make the back seats bucket like the front? I see personal controls for seats and sunshade back there with this option. So the back seat only seats 2?

michael_mattox · July 2004

The Rear seat controls include the following:

*Controls that will cause the seat back to recline

*The rear will seat 3 people...There are seat belts for 3.

*Air conditioning/heating controls for rear seat passengers

*Radio controls for rear seat passangers

*Controls for the seat vibrators on each side

*Head rest adjustment controls.

I think that is all the electronic controls, there is also the following.

A cooler box for beverages, Right and left window shades, adjustments for the air conditioning vents, Pockets in the doors and storage in the arm rest.

There may be other stuff but I never sit back there

chicagoed · July 2004

Does anyone out there know how to remove the "Maintenance Required" message after it shows up on the driver information display?

chasfj · July 2004

The laser cruise uses a laser scanner to "paint" a net-like matrix ahead of the car. By sampling the time required to reflect back laser energy, it calculates the distance and speed of objects ahead. Because it is an optical system, the area scanned can be precisely controlled, but it needs to have an unobstructed view of the road, which is probably why they placed it where they did. Also because it's optical, laser doesn't work well in fog or heavy rain or snow, which is when you most need a pre-collision system. That's why they went to radar in the 2004 with pre-collision. Radar uses a different principle of doppler shift to calculate speed, and uses electromagnetic emissions rather than laser light, so is more impervious to weather. The antenna can also be mounted behind the grill or any "radio transparent" material.

chasfj · July 2004

I got this info from one of the Club Lexus forums. Let us know if it works:

1. Push the ODO/TRIP button to change the display to
blank.
2. Turn the ignition switch off.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON with the trip meter
RESET button held down.
4. Keep pushing the RESET button for longer than 5
seconds after the ignition is turned on.
After the above operation, the master warning light comes
on, a warning tone sounds and the above message
appears to inform you that the engine oil maintenance
data has been reset. (U.S.A. only)

chicagoed · July 2004

has been erased, thanks to chasfj. It briefly read "Mileage Reset".

wil1688 · July 2004

" why pay all that money on the extended warranty, especially on a Toyota. The standard warranty of 4 years 50k should cover you pretty well. Most of the big bugs usually occur within the first year or 2. I wouldn't bother. How long did you plan on keeping the car"

I will most likly keep the car for about 7-8 years. My last car was a chrysler T/C mini van, it did require abit of work,nothing major,but use more than $1500, of extend warrenty which I had pay 7 years ago.

As per sandiegotom, if I can get the extended warrenty for $1100, I think I will get it. Thanks

achadha · July 2004

any sort of big problem will be well worth the 1100 since the LS is very techy inside the extended warranty is a good idea to cover your investment.

sidgriggs · July 2004

Do you have any info such as part number or modification number for the fix of the tire pressure monitor???? I also have the problem and would like to guide my service writer thru the fix.

wil1688 · July 2004

Finally pick up my first Lexus. Thanks to all yours input, pick up a custom lux. 04 silver w/black interior this morning. What a car, not a single rattle, everything is first class as all you had claims.
thanks.....

michael_mattox · July 2004

WAIT till you learn all the stuff it does...The elec headrest and all that other stuff...ESPECIALLY the NAV. system it is awesome...The folding side mirrors..The elec rear sun screen...the Duel Level Lumbar support, the way the drivers seat moves out for more Leg support. The turning radius is fantastic. Service is great..

THERE IS LOTS TO LOVE.

Personally I love the Laser Cruse Control...and the Nav. the best.

woppenhe · July 2004

I bought the TLS-Z's a year ago, and they are every bit as good, or better than the original on the 2001 LS 430. Recommend them highly. Got them special order via Costco.

gteach26 · July 2004

Congrats on the purchase! Let us know how things go as you get to know your knew baby!!! I might be joing you in LS430 land in a few months...

mfpr · July 2004

Does anyone have information as to what changes will be made to the '05 model? I realize that several modifications were done for the '04 model year, so I don't expect anything drastic. What about standard equipment, options and color choices? When should the '05 models start showing up at the dealers?

Mike

stevestein · July 2004

1st cars arrive in port (east coast)on Sep 7, dealers about a week later. Only changes are availability of 18" rims on all configurations, and availability of all season tires for 18" rims.

mfpr · July 2004

Thanks for the information.

Mike

tdo123 · July 2004

Steve

Any chance you could post LX updates over on that page also (or here).... I have noticed many toyota and lexus updates are available now.

vcheng · July 2004

My LS430 has developed a bad left rear wheel bearing at 1 year with 14k miles, and is in the service shop to have it replaced. Well, Lexus is not perfect either........

cyclone4 · July 2004

I apologize for the late response to your question concerning the tire presure monitor fix. I have just returned from vacation & since July 2, I have been away from computers. Unfortunately, I do not know the part number for the fix. However, Lexus is very well aware of the problem & your dealer should have no trouble at all ordering the appropriate part for the fix. It is a "no brainer".

michael_mattox · July 2004

How long is the fix taking?...a wheel bearing doesn't sound like something that should take any time at all.

cyclone4 · July 2004

I apologize for the late response to your question concerning the tire presure monitor fix. I have just returned from vacation & since July 2, I have been away from computers. Unfortunately, I do not know the part number for the fix. However, Lexus is very well aware of the problem & your dealer should have no trouble at all ordering the appropriate part for the fix. It is a "no brainer".

vcheng · July 2004

I dropped it off Monday morning, and received a call midday with the diagnosis. They overnighted the parts, and had the car ready by Tuesday afternoon. Great service, but I am still perplexed. Where is the proverbial bulletproof 300,000 miles LS of yore? Or maybe it is just my bad luck. Of course, I do tend to join the slowest moving queue always, be it at tollbooths or supermarkets!

sv7887 · July 2004

Vcheng,
I feel your pain. My LS430 suffered from a misbehaving Rain Sensor (Since replace two times) and a steering wheel motor that liked to groan, all within the first six months of ownership. As a result my satistifaction with this car is so-so. My 92 LS has had a better service record.
I've said this many times..On an absolute scale the build quality of this car has slipped. My service consultant readily admits it. Even the mechanics have told me the same. I find it interesting it took them 6 Yrs and $1 Billion to build the first LS, does anyone know what the LS430 cost them?

SV

vcheng · July 2004

...said that they've never had a problem with LS400 bearings, even with cars coming in with several hundred thousand miles on them, but they've replaced several LS430 bearings already.

I know from friends that there is a recall on the new 6-speed LS430 transmissions in Taiwan, and some people here in the US are complaining of transmission whines and noise from the new gearbox, leading to at least one replacement that I know of.

Lexus is still quite good, but not as good as legend has it, at least in my opinion. I've posted a short writeup of my drive of a 545i over in the 5-series sedans forum that you may find interesting, (or not!).

maxhonda99 · July 2004

Think about it this way.

If Lexus has slipped a little, IYO, and it's still improving in JD Power surveys than imagine what owning a Mercedes would be like today. They keep going backwards while Lexus moves forward.

sv7887 · July 2004

Vcheng,
  That was a nice post on the 545i. I couldn't agree more with you. What some on the High End board don't understand is that Lexus never has competed directly with BMW. As you've said, they're completely different. I think the LS is probably the best practical car out there.
  One warranty repair isn't that bad. I wouldn't let it dampen your Lexus experience. I don't think the LS430 is built as well as the orignal 400's, but it's still quite good. (That's purely based on my experience with the cars) But relative to the competition Lexus wins easily on reliability.
  Anyone hear anything about the 2006 LS? I saw that Motor Trend sketch a few months ago..Not bad..

SV

stevestein · July 2004

Tim -I'm on the other coast this week (Sunny Seattle instead of rainy NJ in an unusual reversal of fortune). I have the list of changes home, and will post what I have when I return. Nothing major comes to mind but I was focused on the SC (just got one) and RX (getting an 05).

ljflx · July 2004

Verizon wireless has what looks like a great new cell phone. The LG VX7000. Seems to have everything you'd want in a cell phone - except bluetooth. What is with these people? Maybe the LS430 crowd and all other people who have cars with bluetooth need to send a petition to Verizon wireless. What is with these people? I just sent them another e-mail and i'll probably get the same response - we are reviewing it etc.

stevestein · July 2004

Len - I'm following bluetooth because the 05 RX will have it. Verizon keeps saying they have them under test but no release dates. Not a problem for me until late Oct. I was talking to one of the service reps about the Gen 4 Nav and they expressed displeasure with the Nav disk product, and thought Lexus was changing the supplier. Any problems in the new LS such as directions to go the wrong way on a one way street?

Tim - 05 LX-470 in port 1 September, no changes at all.

dtesta · July 2004

The navigation data disk for my '04 LS is supplied by GDT. It is quite inferior to the Navteq data I had in my BMW. It has directed me the wrong way on one way streets and suggested left turns where they are not allowed. The routing is less efficent than what I'm used to also. The suggested route is often longer and slower than the alternate routes it provides. It feels like I stepped back 7 years to the very early Navteq data I was using when I first got a nav system. My understanding is that Navteq takes the government map data and then actually sends crews out to drive the streets and note all the details. GDT just takes the raw data and puts it on a disk, that's why its cheaper. I think Lexus should really use the better supplier. On the other hand, the touchscreen operator interface is way better than my 7 year old system.

stevestein · July 2004

The service advisors seemed to think Lexus was switching back (this was just a BS session, so far from official) and might have a program to swap out the current disk.

Lexus LS 400/LS 430

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