GrandAlf

I currently run a mk4 LS400, even though the car is in perfect condition, I fancied a change. As I cannot afford an LS430 I looked around for an alternative comparable vehicle. I did happen to find a Merc S430 at a good price. I managed to take this on a reasonable test drive, and therefore took the opportunity compare it with my car. First impressions of the Merc was of a much more noticably instrusive engine noise, the handling and balance were more sports like, and gave a great sense of security. Steering was heaver that I like, but had good feedback. Seats I found were very hard, but supportive. Bumps were felt much more than I was used to, this was added to by several squeaks and minor rattles from the cabin. Switch gear I found to be an ergonomic disaster, with everything seeming in the wrong place, the COMAND system is awful and would require a lot of manual reading to get the hang of it. I have tried to be objective, but I was glad to get back to the serenity and comfort of my LS. I have now decided to sell my vehicle and pay the extra for an LS430. Did not try a Audi A8 though?. Hope this is useful to anyone considering a change.

I have owned a Mk3 LS400, and currently have a Mk4. Never had any problem with either. I do however have them serviced at main dealers. I like Lexuses (Lexii)?. Next one will be a 430 when I can afford.

You could try a subscription to ALLDATADIY.COM. I think is about $25 per annum. They have all the service data available I think.

Why would you want to?. Tha car won't work without the embedded transponder in it. Or am I missing the point!

Thanks Nick, I thought that this was probably the case :duh:

Anyone know if the LS430 is available in the UK with the optional Laser adaptive cruise control. Most reviews I read seem to mention it, but my local dealer has not even heard of this option. Anyone enlighten me on this one?.

I had mine installed at a local garage (Halifax). This was on my last LS400 about 3 years ago. I seem to remember it cost around £160.00 fitted.

Seems like you may be getting a pressure leak when the PS oil warms up. You need to get this checked, could be dangerous.

Bharat, Do not do this; enjoy the car for what it is, a quiet and comfortable cruiser. This car is simply not made for this type of activity. Too many young lives are lost this way, please don't be one of them. Kindest regards P.S Just and old fuddy duddy who has lived to tell the tale!

Not sure about the GS, but on the LS you hold down two of the buttons and turn the sidelights on/off 3x, ign on of course. Can't find the instructions, but I remember the buttons were together. I am afraid you may have to try a few combinations. Top left two buttons might be a good starting point. Good luck!.

Still Nakamichi "if thats how you spell it?" I think. Its just the LS430 that used Mark Levinson. Mine sounds good too!.

Sorry about this post. Just found the topic was discussed earlier

I tried this on a LS400 quite a while ago, as I wanted to fit a reversing camera. I did not have a great deal of success. The video seems to be RGB+sync, I had hoped that I could superimpose video on the green input, no joy on this one. Tried making a composite to rgb adaptor. This did something, but no sync or correct colours. I rather suspect that the data format is of a propritry nature. If anyone manages it, I would love to know how.

Hi anyone know what the latest UK CD map version is. My current one Ver 3.4 Rel 00-5. I rang Lexus, but all they ever say is "we will get you the latest version", whatever that is. I really do not want to be bying the same disk twice. My current one has none of the new motorway ring road around Manchester area. I drive in this area a lot, so an upgrade would be most useful. Any advice appreciated

Yes you can copy them. It is a good idea to keep the original safe and use the duplicate. I think that is legal, or it is for most software anyway.

Latest UK Vers is 3.4? Release 00-5 Bought it 2 months ago.

Pretty sure it wont. Thx anyway Mike

No, its just an standard mini camera with IR leds. I had hoed to find a point on the system where I could apply a standard composite video signal. No joy so far. Mike

Anyone had any success in fitting a rear view camera to display on the built in screen. It seems to have an RGB+sync feed, plus another wire marked VR, which I thought may be composite video. Tried it, but no joy. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Is this on a LS400?. If so, get 2 pieces of sheet matal about 2x3" and bend over the ends about half an inch. Cover with tape to stop scratching. You should be able to hooke these between the wood and the edge of console. Start at the rear near the cupholder and GENTLY prize up. After you have pulled it clear, and with the gear lever fully back, pull it towards you, and it should come away. To refit, make sure it goes fully forward before pushing down the rear end. Hope this helps BE CAREFUL the wood is thin around the gear lever cutout. Mike

BTW..Have you heard this one. A man got left a parrot in a will. This Parrot was a real embarrasment as it swore like a trooper. The man tried to lock it away in a room and keep it covered. But the Parrot got madder and swore even more. He then tried to lock it in the kitchen cupboard, but it scraped sceamed and swore even more. Finally in desperation he shut it in the fridge. After a while, it went very quiet and the man started to feel guilty. He the opened the fridge, and the Parrot walked out saying, frightfully sorry about the bad language old boy, wont happen again., and by the way what dit the chicken doo to offend you. Well I liked it anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its Soooooo OLD

Alldata.com have the manuals online. I think subscription is around $15pa for a single vehicle. I subscibed a couple of years ago, but found that the scanned drawing were pretty crude. Still its usefull stuff. Mike

Just been playing around with with the LS400 screen, trying to fit reversing camera. Have checked with scope on top right connector and found 3 lins with video present. My guess is that this is RGB signal, which rather screws it up for inputs from camera DVD etc. Thought I would pass this on in case anyone else was thinking of trying it. I did not dissassemble any more than this, so it may be that the direct input to the monitor is composite video. If anyone knows any diiferent to my findings, please post. Mike

Thanks again Rodders. Quite a difference in vers Nos. I suppose the later CDs also update the O/S. Current software seems to think, why go for 1 mile when you can do it in 10. Maybe Denso sell petrol as well?. Thats probably enough on this subject! Mike