chrisfs

Wow! I'm on 31, you're on 40 to 52?

Sounds like one of those would be dangerously out. Now I'm worried, but I'm reluctant to even try to put 40 never mind 52 into my tyres.

Seriously confused . . .

Or could this be why the ride is not quite as smooth as I would like it to be (or is that the other way round)?

CDM - fascinating info, thanks for that. I have a few follow up questions, if you don't mind:

1 How expensive a job is it to change to standard springs, and would it make a noticeable difference to the ride comfort?

2 I quite often hear a sort of "squeak" from the front suspension, for example if I go over a speed bump at even quite modest speeds. Does that sound like the issue you are referring to, maybe needs new springs?

3 Like Robert, I have the Asymmetrico tyres (the only choice available in the UK, as far as I can tell). Are they the same as the ones you mentioned in your post? I think they are a bit noisier than normal Series IV tyres (though no trouble on a smooth road!) and I have noticed some tramlining from time to time.

4 Confirmation of recommended tyre pressures would be great. My local Lexus dealer thought they should be 31 so that's what I go with.

Thanks for any further information!

Chris

Hi guys, my first post here for a while. I have had my 1999 LS400 for almost a year now. It is just a fantastic car but the one thing I wish was different would be that it did not have the DHP. I do find it very noticeable on bumps in the road, and there seem to be lots of those around here!

Haven't driven the "normal" car much to compare but I believe that this one does handle better with the DHP. Just that I would prefer the extra comfort to the sportiness, being a bit older than I was . . .

Still a pretty darn comfy ride of course, these things are all relative. Like someone said earlier, it comes down to personal preference. But I do sometimes ponder trading for a "normal" model. If anyone is interested in buying a DHP model, let me know. It might just make my mind up!

Great, thanks again Simon!

Sorry guys, really basic question here but I couldn't see it covered in the manual. I can just stick the charging clips straight on to the terminals with the Battery still in place, can't I, after disconnecting the wires to the two terminals that are there now?

Thanks Simon, sound advice!

Just gone out to my LS400 (1999 T reg) and after a brief sluggish effort to start, it died completely. Now just a rapid clicking noise when I turn the ignition key. In recent days I have noticed a certain hesitation before starting up. Not used the car a lot in recent days but have for short trips.

Is this just a Battery gone flat? And if so does it probably need a new one or can it just be recharged?

Or could it be something else? Strange thing is that the instruments are as bright as anything, and interior lights also working.

Any suggestions anyone can offer will be most welcome, thanks!

Chris

I have some reverse parking sensors (already colour coded) I want installed onto my LS400. Can anyone recommend any skillful Lexus-friendly places in or near Surrey that could do the job?

Thanks

Chris

That website you were trying to remember is the Lexus website!

Here's the link, has the full spec of all four Marks:

http://www.lexus.co.uk/approved.php?area=ls_archive

No. It's not.

:)

You may be right, GrandAlf.

But the DHP does have lower profile tyres (something like 45 vs 55 normal) and the suspension is lowered by maybe a couple of inches and maybe stiffer too. So there is definitely an effect on the ride in normal conditions, just not sure how much I should expect.

I've had my 1999 LS400 for a few weeks now and I'm really, really enjoying it, with one slight reservation in my mind - I wish the ride was just a bit less bumpy when hitting the potholes, manhole covers etc which seem to be all over our roads these days. It's just a bit more of a jostly, restless ride than I would prefer, especially with the LS being so wide so it seems like just the one corner lifts when you hit a bump. And over speed bumps I really have to be careful or I get a sort of squeak out of the front suspension.

The thing is, my car has the Dynamic Handling Pack (didn't seek it out, the one I bought just happened to have it). How much difference should I expect that to make to the ride? In other words, are my reservations down to:

i) the DHP, that's how it is, if you don't like it get one without it; or

ii) the suspension may be gone a bit, I should get it replaced (done 90,000 miles now) or at least checked out (how?); or

iii) it's normal and not a problem, any car will suffer this to some degree, my expectations are unrealistic?

Any thoughts please on which is the likely explanation, or others' experiences with the DHP?

Thanks

Chris

I have a Mk IV LS400 and the drivers' door mirror has started to play up. After starting up, the whole unit tends to angle itself too far outwards. The glass within it will move normally but the unit itself is misaligned. I can move the whole unit back into place with my hand and then things are fine until the next time I start up - a bit tacky and annoying, but at £430 for a replacement including labour I think I might put up with it for a bit.

Two questions for anyone who might be able to help:

1) Is there really no solution other than replacing the unit, as Lexus say. It seems to me that the unit is misaligned on the "teeth" or whatever on the ledge part that holds the glass part (if you see what I mean), can it not just be re-set?

2) Anyone know where the part is available cheaper then the £380 or so Lexus have quoted me? Do I need to be looking somewhere in the US?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Chris

Thanks to all three of you for the answer I needed. Looks like my silver is 199.

I need to find out the paint code for my LS. I called Lexus and they said it's on the chassis plate in the engine compartment. So I had a look and this plate is full of different numbers but none of them say what they are.

Does anyone know what a paint code looks like (how many digits, letters too, etc) so I can maybe figure out which one, if any, is the paint code.

Thanks for any help.

Chris

Oh dear. That sounds expensive!

Thanks, all.

I did like the sound of Prolex but, as I said, have been unable to raise them/him. As he is clearly a friend (and member) of the LOC I will try another mail.

I would like to have rear parking sensors fitted to my LS 400. Any suggestions on good ones or good place to get them fitted (Im in Surrey)?

I did a search on previous threads on this and Prolex UK were mentioned but I haven't been able to raise them by email or phone for about three weeks now so need to look elsewhere. Suggestions welcome thanks.

Chris

OK, that sounds fairly reassuring!

Thanks for your help LW.

When I bought my LS400 recently, the spare wheel was in a disfigured state because the boot had been leaking (damaged seal) and the wheel had clearly been lying in water for some time. Apparently it is suffering from oxidisation. The dealer agreed to pay to refurb it but has now discovered it will be a very expensive job and would rather not! Given that the wheel will hopefully never see the light of day I may go along with that in return for a contribution to some other work I have paid for myself.

My main concern though is to know that the wheel is not damaged in that it remains functional, and also will not deteriorate further as for example steel might do with rust. The dealers tell me that is the case.

Frankly though I don't have a clue if that is right or not. Can anyone reassure me?

(By the way I have not taken a look under the carpet beneath the spare to see if the metal below has developed any rust. Wonder if I should . . .).

knows what going to happen to me if I get this car, I'll be sitting up all night fiddling with all the gadgets.

regards

Ian

That's what I do, I read the manual from cover to cover and have to try out every button and switch. And on a Lex, that does take all night!

Good luck Ian, we are all eagerly waiting to hear if you win through!

By the way, using the Add Reply button instead of the " Reply button avoids re-quoting the entire thread each time!

Chris

What? So you mean BMW's steering wheel-less car is not true either?

Are there was me looking forward to a new toy on future Lexi . . .

Are these new EU regulations by any chance the same as the ones quoted in the BMW ads in today's papers . . ?

←

Well, have you looked in today's papers?

Are these new EU regulations by any chance the same as the ones quoted in the BMW ads in today's papers . . ?