Lexus LS 400/LS 430

wwest · October 2004

You can avoid the message at times you have no plans for nav use by simply pressing the button that opens the DVD door.

I haven't tried the following yet but maybe soon.

Several companies have wireless remote controlled relays, say for fog lights. Maybe one of these could be wired to remotely "open" and close the dvd door and thus avoid the message.

ckennedy · October 2004

I just purchased 2001 ls 430. Attached to the individual key is a factory remote with open/closed, truck and remote start. The remote not working anymore only the buttons on the key. I know I was not supposed to use buttons on key however that is the only thing currently working. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

ljflx · October 2004

Lexus doesn't have a remote start.

jbianco12 · October 2004

Yes, there are different versions of the NAV-DVD. When you order at Lexus-Parts, I think there was a question about what year your current DVD version. That certainly could be the problem. Good luck...sorry it didn't work right the first time. Once installed properly, the DVD version should read 4.0

ckennedy · October 2004

Lexus of Massapquea of LI is one of the few dealers that do it.

rennybosch · October 2004

Lexus-Parts just called me back and said the 04 LS430 nav is a different design from its predecessors and the DVD they sent me won't work in it, just as you said. There is not yet a new DVD for the 04/05. They are sending UPS here to pick it up and will refund my money, and put me on a list for notification when there is a new DVD for the 04.

Hopefully they will also correct their web site to prevent misordering in the future.

jbianco12 · October 2004

For anyone else interested in the new Nav DVD, the most recent version is 4.1. But as Renny mentions above, there is no update for the 04/05 model yet.

You can check your version in one of the screens...I think it was the information screen, then push DVD...it will tell you which version you currently have installed.

rgsw · October 2004

You can determine your version of DVD installed in the Nav System by selecting "Menu" and then "Map DVD". A good tutorial is available in the Owner's Section of Lexus.com
http://www.lexus.com/assets/navigation_systems/Broadband/lexus_na- v.htm

sandiegotom · October 2004

Here's some more input to the wish list:

I'd like to know what radio station is playing (on nav-equipped cars) without having to push the 'audio' button or changing stations using the steering wheel switch. Instead of having two outside temp displays, perhaps one could show the station frequency.

Put louvers in the moonroof inside shade so that you can run with the moonroof tilted open and get ventilation flow through the closed shade louvers and avoid baking the top of your head. My ex-MB had this feature.

wwest · October 2004

I bought the MB sunshade from their parts department and installed the louver section in the sunshade of my 92 LS.

stevestein · October 2004

Mod Luxe, Silver /Black
Some first observations -
Can't believe they packed so much more into the 05 for only around $1500 more than my '01, and that I have such a large learning curve again with smart key and other features. Love how the car recognizes different drivers by key and will go directly to their settings.

Wheels - Was happy with the 16" wheels on my last LS and wanted 17" on this one because of the ride, tread life and replacement cost issues, but it seems the ML/Nav cars are coming in with 18"s. A $220 option that I wasn't being charged for, but still not what I wanted so I had them swapped off with 17's from another car. Besides the aforementioned factors, the wheels are slightly different in style (5 vs 6 spoke) and finish (a little "chromier" with the 18's while the 17" finish matched my mecury metallic body color perfectly) and I liked the overall look more. The 18's went to a black car, and I think looked better than 17's on it.
Nav - The DVD version was 4.1. I'm not sure this means it has the same data as the 10/10/04 disk upgrade for pre-2004 cars, but the fact the version numbers are the same suggests it.

mox1 · October 2004

Congratulations. Is there a reason you did not go for the 18" wheels. I got mine 3 days ago with 17" wheels & even now wonder whether I should have gone for the 18". Moonlight pearl with the cashmere interior, mod lux. Can't get enough of this outstanding car. Could you please tell me which bluetooth phone you are planning on using with the car. Thanks.

oac · October 2004

There's been quite some posts on this a while back. If you search this forum you'll find some suggestions. If I recall correctly, a popular mention is the new Motorola V710 phone (from Verizon) which came out end of Sept. '04. Personally, I can vouch for the Sony-Ericsson T637 which I use daily and find it to work flawlessly with a Motorola headset HS810; ditto my wife's Audiovox Smartphone SMT 5600 (AT&T Wireless service). Both of these phones are tri-band GSM phones (if that is important to you). I do not know if these two phones will work with the new LS though.

Since I don't (yet) have an LS with bluetooth-enabled setup, I'll be installing my own workaround in-car hardware for my bluetooth phone/headset. Sort of like I'm in an '04 LS without actually owning one....

rennybosch · October 2004

If your cellular phone carrier is Verizon, then the only bluetooth choice is the Motorola V710. It works with the LS430, but has these problems:

They do not yet have software to download the phonebook to the car, so you have to enter the entire number when dialing from the car screen.

The sound quality is rather poor; it seems that they have channeled the phone sound entirely to the one speaker under the driver's side dashboard.

When bluetooth is connected, the phone no longer rings, and neither does the car. You have to notice that the screen suddenly comes up with the phone display, or else you'll miss the call. I usually try to have the radio on, because when a call comes in it pre-empts the sound and so I notice that the radio has suddenly gone quiet, then I check the screen and see that I have a call.

You cannot dial while the car is in motion, except for any numbers that you have in speed-dial (max. 6).

rgsw · October 2004

I wonder if you got the "Sport Suspension" that comes with the $220 18" wheel option? My dealer did not have any LS430s with 18" wheels about two weeks ago. The 17" wheels are fine with me.

stevestein · October 2004

Wheels -
Because of the reduced sidewall (1" less rubber and more metal)the tires are stiffer and ride a little harder. There is a shorter tread life and higher replacement cost. In fact the cars with 18" wheels have a warning decal (RR window) that tires may not last as much as 20K miles, while the 17" wheel cars don't. I'm not an aggressive driver, and have an SC to scratch that itch if necessary. I was happy with the 16" wheels on my 2001, so didn't see any need to jump to 18. For me the decision to go with 17's was also aesthetic. While many feel the 18's look better, I felt the finish on the 17' wheels matched the mercury metallic paint perfectly, while the different style and finish 18's didn't. Probably not an issue for any other exterior color. Sport suspension is a separate item. For 2004 the 18" wheel was only offered with the sport model. One of the few changes for 2005 was to make them available on all versions of the LS. Lexus generally produces cars in a small number of standard configurations that are a mix of packages and individual and options. What I've seen on the ground at my dealer (5th largest worldwide) is the mod luxe cars (a $4980 option with a bunch of stuff including ML/NAV/park assist and other goodies) are all coming in with smart key, 18" wheels and the preferred accessory package also (another $1429).

Bluetooth - Right now there is no Verizon phone that Lexus endorses as being compatible. There endorsement is based on 100% functionality. While the V710 is probably 80% there it still has some compatibility problems. Lexus endorces a website (not sure if it's theirs or a third-party) http://lexus.letstalk.com/brands/lexus-bt/mlh_splash.htm?brandId=- - - 201&cmpId=224&to=3840 to go over compatible phones/plans as well [non-permissible content removed] give detailed instructions for setting up the car and phone (by each phone type). Great resource. I'm on Verizon, so I'm hoping they get their act together soon, but won't buy a new phone until it makes the Lexus list.

rgsw · October 2004

Thanks for posting your comments on the 17" & 18" wheels. I went out in the garage and checked mine again to be sure they are 17" and they are. I don't believe I would want them to ride any stiffer. As for the Bluetooth, I have been watching the site you referenced for quite a while now. I feel they are a "reseller" of cell phones and services. The local dealer referred me to the same site but he was unable to provide much information on Bluetooth Cell phone use. I was waiting for Verizon and got the V710 the day they first released it about four months or so back. I still can't download the phone book to the nav system, but otherwise the phone works fine. I hope that Motorola gets the software upgrade completed and shipped to Verizon so I can get an upgrade for the phone book download. I felt that between Verizon and Motorola they would work it out.

chicagoed · October 2004

I second sandiegotom's request for a dedicated display of audio being played, one where you don't have to press the audio button.

michael_mattox · October 2004

You only have to press the audio button once, and it will stay with your stations...Is it possible that it is programed so it continously goes back to your GPS display...If so that can be changed.

ckennedy · October 2004

Does anybody have an knowledge or dealings with this website? I am looking to buy some new mats and was interested if they are legit.
http://www.lexus-parts.com/

ifpsken · October 2004

My LS has the sport suspension and 18" wheels. I enjoy the handling and ride, my previous LS was a '99 which for me was too soft a ride. The ride will be a matter of personal preference some will like the cloud ride of the 17" wheels and suspension and some will like the firmer ride of the sport suspension option. TRY BOTH before you buy!

Bluetooth- I have the Motorola V710. I am not too pleased with the LS430 bluetooth. The sound pick-up, I am told,is TERRIBLE. The microphone is above the head at the garage controls which does not allow a very good pick-up of the voice. I use a plantronics earpiece which has an xlnt microphone. I use the bluetooth connection only if I am calling my voicemail and use the phone buttons while the car is moving!

Floormat purchase - try EBAY! I bought a second set of Lexus factory mats for $50.

pat · October 2004

There is a floormat set for sale in the eBay link on the left right now. (Of course that display is dynamic, so it may not be there when you see it.)

rennybosch · October 2004

Yes, they are entirely legit. Belongs to a Lexus dealer in Dallas. On the other hand I agree you'll get a better deal on eBay.

jbianco12 · October 2004

I recently purchased the upgraded Nav DVD as well as leather conditioner and cleaner from Lexus-parts. The service was excellent. They are legit as far as I can tell.

topspin628 · November 2004

I have Sony Ericsson GSM world phone and it works great. The phone will ring as usual and in addition the radio will cut out when a call comes in. They should have had a ringing device through the car though.

ljflx · November 2004

Wasn't there suposed to be a software fix from Motorola for the V-710 just about now? Anyone know what is going on?

michael_mattox · November 2004

Anybody know the pro's and con's of Radar Cruse control Vrs Laser Cruse control...

My dealer just replaced my Laser with Radar...I had broken the glass in the unit replaced.

jbianco12 · November 2004

Wow, great question. The glass on my laser is broken too. So far, the unit still works fine but at some point it will probably have to be replaced. If you don't mind me asking, what did they charge you for this "operation"? Thanks,

michael_mattox · November 2004

They charged me $1650 for the unit...and because I had called the national Lexus number the did the labor for free.

In my situation my insurance will pay the $1650..minus the deductable.

barry5 · November 2004

Remember I had the same problem and had unit replaced at a cost of $2000.As I had posted before but I will repeat For a cost of $9.75 you can buy self adhering vinyl at a camera store. It's size fits the lenses nearly perfectly and protects the lenses from road debris and salt. It is just lifted off and replaced with another should it get dirty. I have not had to replace the vinyl in 5 months of use and the $9.95 packet has about 10 replacement patches in it. I have a 2001 LS Ultra and the placement of the radar unit is in harms way and I consider it a design flaw. I have heard the new lexus uses radar and the lenses are protected.

rennybosch · November 2004

My understanding is that the Laser uses a much higher frequency (shorter wavelength) and is easily blinded by rain and fog, while the radar is in the sub-millimeter wavelength range and remains effective in bad weather. Both are about equal in reflecting from tail lights and lane markers, and therefore equally good for their intended purpose. Either one of them can get blinded when facing directly into the sun.

If I am wrong I hope wwest will correct me.

agent0986 · November 2004

anyone know how much would be reasonable to tint 4 windows? no front or backwindshields just the 4 passenger windows. Darkest legal tints
-thanks

michael_mattox · November 2004

Rennybosch:

Thank for the information...that is far more information then I was able to get out of My Lexus dealer. (they tried they just don't know)

wwest · November 2004

.

mapleleaf · November 2004

Thanks to all who passed on the information about gasoline gift cards through Lexus customer service. (And for the heads up on dealers topping off tanks after recall completion.) To think that my friends laugh at me for reading these boards! BTW: mysterious interior rattle fixed itself. These are smart cars.

gteach26 · November 2004

Should be less than $60 bucks with an "as long as you own your car warranty".

Make an appointment with a shop in your area and they should be done while you wait in less than 25 minutes.

oac · November 2004

Last time I had mine done for my little Matrix, it cost $275 for 7 windows - they counted those little side windows in the rear as well. The price was effected more by the tint material/manufacturer I chose and less on the tint level.

I am located in San Diego, CA, so naturally, everything is expensive here

Hope this helps

wood142 · November 2004

I have a 2000 LS400 and want to install an updated dvd navigation disc.I also need to install a bulb as I get a "taillight failure" display when I turn the car on.I dont think either of these two things can be that difficult,so would rather do it myself than go to the dealer,wait and pay $110 per hour for labor for something that should not take much time ,nor should it be "rocket science" to do correctly.Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.
Great car...wouldnt drive anything else.!!

mox1 · November 2004

I just bought a 2005 LS 430 w/ modern lux package. According to one of the dealers I should not tint the back windshield since the nav & FM radio antenna etc are incorporated on that windshield. Apparently tinting that may affect the navigation reception etc. Does anyone have any experience with this? I live in Phoenix & tinting is a must in summer. But if it going to affect the nav, I do not want to take any chances. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

qwalls · November 2004

You can't use a metallic film, but you can use dyed (inexpensive) or ceramic(expensive) films.

http://www.llumar.com/na-eng/Automotive/auto.html
http://www.huperoptic.com/consumer_auto.cfm
http://www.formulaone.com/index.html

michael_mattox · November 2004

Doesn't your car have a rear window screen?

mox1 · November 2004

It does have a rear window screen. In Arizona in summers, temperatures of 110 F are a regular feature and I was looking for additional protection. I noticed a marked difference after I had my RX300 heavily tinted all over.

leza2279 · November 2004

I followed up with Motorola on their "fix" and was told that they hoped to have the fix to Verizon by the end of this month. Let's see what happens.

leza2279 · November 2004

I have an LS 430 and had the 4 side windows and rear window tinted - cost was $240.
Good luck
Jerry

ljflx · November 2004

Thanks. Do you know if you update, assumimg it's there, simply with *228?

autoguy1 · November 2004

I don't belong over here but...Greetings from the Sienna owner. I was just cruising this forum and was little surprised that there are people reporting their laser shields cracked. I'm guessing from road debris. This seriously scares me. I have a Sienna Limited with the Dynamic Cruise Control and the laser "box" is right on the front bumper exposed. Now, I don't know where it's located on the LS but I presume it's somewhere behind the grill.

Can you guys tell me that maybe some mondo rock hit it and not little rocks. I haven't been using mine on the highway much do to break-in restrictions but I wouldn't like to see a $1700 bill later on.

michael_mattox · November 2004

I have an 01 LS...the laser is in the Bumper receded maybe 3inches or so....A small rock just broke mine...Insurance picked up the tab...about $2000 with labor.

splogue · November 2004

Yes, they are a Lexus dealer in Texas. I've ordered floor mats from them in the past, and they've been great to deal with. No worries.

Sean

jbianco12 · November 2004

On the LS the laser is receded a few inches fron the front bumper...in the area around the front parking lights. The glass around my laser broke about 4 months ago just driving around town. I think a truck kicked up a small rock or something...and I just happened to get lucky. So far, the laser cruise still works just fine. Check back a few message posts as someone suggested buying a lens protector that fits right over the glass.

I hadn't thought about having insurance pick up the tab to repair it....not a bad idea. I pay over $2K / year to insure the car so I might as well get some value from it.

maxhonda99 · November 2004

The llumar, clearshield, or xpel clear bra material may also be useful for the radar lense. THey make several thicknesses, and the thickest piece they have may work to protect the radar lense. ANybody try this route yet?

Lexus LS 400/LS 430

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