runsgrateasanut

I've been there Mark. Spent two thou to get this lovely looking car into good shape. Still have two rear springs and two OEM Rear Upper Control Arms gathering dust which so far I haven't had to fit. Rust on the Drivers wing is annoying and the leak from the Power Steering I think I have cured. Capacitors on the list to be done shortly. Don't recall any similar items (with the exception of rust) needing raplacement on the various Mercs I've had, so it does make you think that maybe a W220 will not be any more expensive. Inrteresting that your wife hated driving the Lexus. On foreign roads its one of the joys to me.

So I'm not the only one looking in that direction. S430, S500 or S350 V6 . There are some good (and bad) examples around. OK the Suspension is a possible issue but I've been happy with W123, W126, W140's especially the V8's.A bit more roomy. Only thing that puts me off is that everything around is Silver which is not a colour - imo. Can't drive two cars and possibly/probably the illness will pass? ps Burnt Silver or Beige (like my Lexus I like)

Thats what I'm thinking that the Back and the Sqaub (cushion) can be relocated on to the Drivers Seat Frame. Perhaps. The Seats don't have any left or right pattern to them so it would be nice to have a better cushion and save me having to use bolster cushions etc, as I don't find the seat particularly comfortable. After 25 years they do collapse to a degree usually to the extent that you unknowingly "feel" support parts which jar the nerves in the BTM and cause leg twitching on long journeys- well thats my experience!.

Wondering if it should be straightforward to replace a Driver Seat with a Passenger seat on the early Lexus LS400. Invariably passenger seats are less worn. Are Electrics confined to the Plastic / Frame. Anyone changed theirs?

Just out of interest does any one have an opinion on the commonly marketed Sprin gs for Lexii. We'll call them "Keep Your Barge" afloat, so I don't fall fool of my own thread as regards libel. Yet to change rears, though I have a pair sitting idly bye. Reference to quality by Steve being reason for asking? Anyone had a bad experience with them?

Being a Claimant and taking Court action to recover a debt or pursue rightful redress has become increasingly more difficult and now far too expensive to engage a Solicitor. As for "Counsel" referred to by Bluesman well you'll need a fortune win or lose, if your Solicitor tells you that you have to go there! Consider this, the number of fast food outlets in London. Run by ? To succeed in an action against such a business which changes hands every other year, your own paperwork will have to conform to Court rules or you are on the back foot straight away. Then you will have to give more grace to the party that owes you money or against which you have a grievance. You will have to show a trail of contact to try to settle the matter without Court action as a pre-requisite to taking action. A seven day letter will not suffice. Get your facts wrong at the outset and you are lost or just wasting your time and money. You could also have to pay costs. Why not Companies included, you ask. Good question as invariably they can be £2 paid up share businesses. Many formed to avoid debts when the heat is on, but they exist and are lawful. Its a quagmire not fitted for the inexperienced.

The term "Plaintiff "has not been used since the 1999 Court reforms and the Court has just introduced new measures which are extremely onerous on making any claim in the County Court against Sole Proprietors and Partnerships. It will reduce the volume of claims which no doubt the Government will hold up as suggesting better business practice is taking place , whereas in reality those having rightful claims will just write off the debt rather than going to Court.

Chris, I think you mean Libel. I personally will not be making any such contribution. Let each judge what they read and caveat emptor applies where someone is unhappy with a purchase, but is not denied certain rights of redress. This forum is about Car maintenace not a watchdog of sellers

PS. Lots say that the gas leaks out via the hoses-some say 15% p.a. . This reply on a site in 2011 is interesting Quote It's actually the oil they inject with the gas - the gas doesn't lube. And 2 years is shocking, we have a car sat on the drive that hasn't been re-gassed ever in it's life and it still icy cold - it's a 1998 renault but it's air con is used every couple of weeks for preventative reasons Unquote

Thats interesting Mark. I'm loathe to have the air con re-gassed as its been working perfectly since purchase (April 2014)and there are so many Cowboys out there that could possibly damage it. Perhaps if the Drier needed replacing it would have to be serviced but if the system is leak free where is the need for a top up, is my question? I have no knowledge specifically of this subject other than having had cars which did not have working air-con. Mercedes, Supra, etc..

Just an observation, looks like the Car has had LPG in the past or does that model not have a spare wheel securing post in the boot? Personally, if someone says that they have had the Air Con re-gassed I'd pass on the vehicle. There is only one reason why air con needs re-gassing. OK a re-gas means you may get a months ice cold air which will hide a problem from a would be purchaser, but after that ???

I think Mark is right. You should check the "new" battery for voltage. Been known to get duff batteries or batteries that have not been charged properly after laying on the shelf for years. What dates are on the battery? Usually its impossible to see the battery ID without removing a cover. Worth checking.

Notwithstanding Phil's answer which is probably of more help than my own, I find that use of the lock/unlock button by the passenger seems to send the system into turmoil. When the passenger unlocks, invariably the back door won't be unlocked. Perhaps its me not understanding the system. I'd try all options as regards the internal lock/unlock and then uising the keyfob.

for 90p you can retain the use of your Cigar lighter. Personal choice I suppose. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Universal-LED-Twin-Port-Dual-USB-Car-Charger-Cigarette-Socket-Lighter-12-24V/112619280788?epid=2061986468&hash=item1a38a1d994:g:4E0AAOSwduNZ3Dm5

I use mine when I'm driving to France. Took my cue from Mr Beans Holiday (Cannes) - only way to stay awake! Do love that film but its like Marmite to many.

From memory its a bullet positive connector that when you've removed the Ash Tray and the unit, easily diconnects. Its just the centre post that holds the part together with a nut beneath. Check a thread for replacing the Radio to see how to pry out the Ash tray. no soldering or tape needed

Not too difficult. Its because it has an internal fuse ring if I remember. They blow if you use an air pump through it. I took mine apart and removed the internal part, but I am very cautious using the socket as it needs be tightened to stop the internal part rotating and possibly touching the negative. I just don't twist when removing the plug in. There is a utube video on it I beleive.

This is possibly the cheapest parts deal, though I haven't worked out the import duty. 8%? I bougtht genuine Lexus parts and you don't even get a water pump gasket with them. Over £600. £12 just for the centre bolt. Always change the Water pump and parts same time as my own was starting to weep at 113k miles. Just doesn't make sense not to change it as all the front is off. (IMO) https://www.ebay.com/itm/90-97-Lexus-LS400-SC400-4-0L-DOHC-Timing-Belt-Water-Pump-Tensioner-Kit-1UZFE/281137714959?hash=item41751d170f:g:5aUAAOxyi3FR5sGB&vxp=mtr#shpCntId

The Borbets which I have, and are standard on some older Lexus are also of German manufacture. Doesn't Japan make any decent Alloy wheels?

Thats it, you give it a good inside clean. Here's how

Is that number plate legal - space wise?

I rather like those Turbine wheels. When I wanted a set I couldn't find them but am v. happy with my Lexus IS200 (?) wheels

Number plate might have a value?

This is the Car we've been discussing under the thread title Bargain mk IV on AutoTrader It doesn't have an MOT unless you've already had it passed?

Envy !