ambermarine

Takman Try www. Lextreme.com These are Lexus V8 engine enthusiasts.

When I bought the Mark 4 the previous owner had wired the cigarette lighter (front) to a switch fitted to the blanking plate insert above the handbrake,This enabled the solar charger to be used with no ignition requirement. The wiring was indirect to battery,I did'nt like this arrangement and have taken it out replacing the blanking plate with a new one. The wiring principle on the Lexus is precise to within a miliamp and adding these kind of arrangements is not advisable. The intelligent charger I use is wired direct to the battery via clips ,as your battery is the voltage regulater on the car then that is illiminating any spikes that may occur through uneducated wiring.

How many times do we hear this "not worth that"," would'nt pay that for it" The car is worth every penny if you want a good one, if you really want one, that is. The car in my ident cost me £3750 two and a half years ago and it is mint, the car for sale as 100k miles more than mine but it is still mint. These cars were £50k new and as I have said often the previous owner does not take anything of the quality or engineering when they sell it so if you really want one ,buy it or you will never get one. There is a LS400 on ebay usa with the same miles as mine and it is a 2000 the sale price on that car is 15000 dollars that is equivelant to about £10000 and I have tracked cars of similar quality and price and they have sold for the asking price . There are a lot more ls400 Mark 4s in the states and if quality examples fetch those prices then there is no arguement against the prices asked here for quality examples, in fact I believe they are a bargain.

There are still some really nice 400s out there but as someone as posted the chances of getting one are very slim as the population of earlier models diminishies the later ones are very much a premium car to own for the outlay , members who disposed of thiers regret it and the keepers learn from that. Merry Xmas and a Happy new year to all members.

Mikeyv The fix is not an issue in terms of cost or convenience ,it is weather the fix will fix it, There is an issue here of a possible faulty design which means that a new switch could be supplied that is going to do the same as the one that as been replaced. I cannot just sit back with the consequences that could develop from the issue especially for those driving Mark 4 LS400s that are not aware of this potential scenario occuring. It as been reported on other cars in the toyota range and also some other manfacturers vehicles that the switch in question is fitted to. The distraction caused when the dashboard blacks out is enough on its own to cause a crash ,loss of indicators just adds to the dangers.

Mikeyv I don't agree with that synopsis, first of all my car is used three or four times a month and as been for most of its life .Secondly my previous Mark 1 had 200k on it when it was sold and I and the previous owner used it as buiseness car clocking15k a year for the first 10 years of its life there was no problems with that ignition switch nor did I ever hear of any on this forum or anywhere else.Thirdly there have been four members who we know about who have been affected with this problem and there are various mileage counts on those vehicles and they are mostly series 4 .There is a continuity here coupled with the reports of other models fitted with this particular switch having ignition problems. This is a serious safety issue and should be investigated properly and not dismissed as a one off or insignifacant because it can't be proved as a fault on inspection after an event.

Malc & Mike I have sent you both PMs regarding this matter .

Malc I have just had an interesting telephone conversation with a customer services rep at Lexus UK. I briefed the rep on the problem and reffered to the forum content on this issue .I asked the rep to heads up the problem to a relevant dept but that request was met with a flat refusal until they have checked individual cars that have this supposed problem. So what they are actually saying is unless we decide there is a problem there is'nt. I related the story of your inconclusive analysis and the response again was again then there is no identifiable fault. The remark that the vehicles are out of warranty and just because a few people have mentioned it on the web forum was met with a swift knock down from me as I pointed out this could be a serious issue with the obvious distraction of losing your instruments whilst driving. The request for me to take it into a Lexus dealership was offered but I am out of the country for three months as of next week and I pointed out that the reason I wanted relevant depts to look a bit futher into this was there are other people driving around in the cars in the meantime. At this juncture there is little more I can do but the issue as now been raised with Lexus UK and as I told the Rep it is on record. If anyone else believes this is a problem on their car take it up with Lexus citing this post, the more of us shouting means they are more likely to listen

After further investigation of this switch problem it turns out it as been reported as a intermitent fault on several other makes of cars it is fitted to. I propose to approach Lexus Uk on the subject as it can be a serious distraction whilst the car is being driven .There have been cases on GM models were accidents resulting in fatalities have occured because of a faulty ignition switch.I hasen to add we are not talking about the same switch but I think the matter requires some investigation by Lexus .The reason being it is not a wear or age related problem. My car as only done 27k and from what info I have at the moment the other vehicles did not have high miles on them.

I David If you go to the Post ;Lexus LS400 cuts out, started by Lurch on the 12 DEC 2014 you will see pics of the bottom panel removed, you will need to remove this panel as is in the pics to access the fastenings for the switch.

Jonathan Its not just about the looks and mileage apart from the fact it as got scabby alloys which you can see its about what you can't see. The Mark 1 was a rust bucket mainly from the inside out the rear subframe were water traps as was the area above it which was not undersealed. The rear subframe was unavailable after 2007 as was a number of other components including the radio and the A/C display. The issue with these cars is they had inherrent faults which were irradicated as the later models were introduced and to that end by the time the Mark 4 arrived we were as Lexus puts it, nearly at perfection. I cannot disagree it still looks the part in terms of presence etc, I owned one for sixteen years so I am a convert but I would'nt part with any money to go backwards .

The item will be delivered in due course that is PO speak for whenever ,I waited over 3 weeks for an item that I paid air frieght charges on from the states so I could get it quickly it had been sat in customs and the best bit is they charge for this diservice.

Fabulous result and shows the benefits of using the Lexus dealerships to service the cars.

Phil You are correct ,Rooney lives three mile away and Flintoff lives in the village next door not that I expected them to turn up but it does highlight the money aspect . The wedding parties are not skint either and there is a wedding every Saturday of the year which as far as the Hotel is concerned are just a sideshow. This is were the dealership sales and marketing director fell short on nous with the statement "They won't want you lot around if there is a wedding on". enough said.

Hi Guys Update; The outcome of negotiations with the Lexus dealership was less than satisfactory. The top and tail of it is that the dealerships will not work in harmony and each one wants exclusive rights to the event. This of course diminishes any sponsorship we might have got which with regard to the dealerships, the dealership I approached was prepared to pay a part cost of the evening meal on the Saturday. I took some advice from an insider at another Lexus dealership who said I was unlikely to get anything other than model supply for the event. I am dissapointed with the response of Lexus as the venue would have given them a captive audience of circa 300 people on the day but they were not enthusiastic, consequently I don't believe this is now a workable event. As we say in my business, jobs gone bad, scrub it.

Matthew Thats not an idiots trick, it is quite normal we all do it.

Hi Fellow Lexuns Update; event dates 8-9 /05/ 2015 I appreciate the interest shown so far,but we have now got to take some decisions. Having spoken with Motttram Hall they are proposing a minimum of 20 double room lettings at the following rates. The room cost £120.00 per night which includes a full english breakfast. Three course dinner, Carrington Grill & Restuarant Friday & Saturday £30 pp per night ela carte menu is available at extra cost. Hotel facilities including Pool /Spa are free to use although the Golf /Round and spa extras Massage etc, fees apply. Their T&Cs only allow for a block booking with 10% movement either way and corresponding loss of booking fees. Based on this criteria for this to be a realistic event we will need the nessarcary minimum numbers commited by the end of December and paid in full by the second week of January. The negotiations regarding Lexus are still ongoing but I need to keep interested parties informed as to the outlay. If anyone wants to commit, PM me to commit and for payment details. I have to take the responsibility for the contract so all payments will be made to me and then paid to the hotel. I will not take any payments from anyone until the minimum number required to take the contract on board have signed up on a first come basis any numbers above 40 will be requested but not guaranteed. The deadline for that is the 31st of December. After that date I cannot take this forward.

Hi Fellow Lexuns I have spoken to Mottram Hall and one of the Main Lexus dealerships in the North West,we are in early discussions on some kind of deal that involves sponsorship, new model supply for trials and a price package from the Hotel. Bear with me for this period while I negotiate something I hope will be attractive. The date is hopefully one of the middle May weekends(Fri/Sat nights) between the two May Bank holidays 2015.

Not having removed one myself yet ,I thought at first glance the bottom panel as to be removed but someone who as done it posted on here that with a flexible screwneck (the switch is screwed on to the end of the ignition barrell with philips screwheads)there is no removal of panels required.

The idea of a meet for the north of England was muted on another topic so I have started a post on that idea. The venue I have in mind is the Mottram Hall Hotel in Cheshire. I stay there at least twice a year and it is a terrific venue with superb facilities there are always weddings taking place and so lots of bar chatter and meeting people. It as its own golf course and superb spa facilities with a swimming pool etc. The car park is huge and private, well off the beaten track. They do deals for early bookers but I think if we get enough interested folk we could get a group discount. The venue is easily accessible from the North of England,Ireland,Midlands,Wales and Scotland. I will be away in the States until the end of March but I can easily try to arrange things given enough interest for a date next May. If it is a group booking for say Fri/Sat night we will have to start talking to the Hotel fairly soon. So if you want a great weekend go to the Mottram Hall Hotel website and check it out.

Need to start a new topic on the meet idea.

Colin Yes it is interesting and simply put they are admitting the ls430 has inherent faults which we all know about .The fact they won't cover them shows they have decided some of the components are badly made products and cannot be trusted. As for the reference to business use and chauffer driven they are red herrings, the LS range prior to the ls430 was more of a buisness car than the present range as the brand image spreads. My car and a few more besides were privately owned with low mileage and have passed the test of time ,on high milers it is consumables that need replacing not fabrication components. It is a fact of life that we don't get it right every time and the ls430 is an example of that. I posted a long analysis sometime ago on why I opted for the ls400 mark4 when replacing my Mark1 and my decision was wholly based on longevity and relability as I intended the replacement was to see me out. After two years of the mark4 ownership so far that decision as proved the right one.

Hi Guys Sounds like a great idea I know a good venue as well . The Mottram Hall spa and golf in Cheshire. It as a great spa centre for the wives that way we should have no problem dragging them along. What about next May two nights.

Hugh I think you are getting a bit out of kilter on how the finances of a manufacturers franchise are derived and shared The profits and costs are pooled in a franchise sales and servicing , believe it or not the lowest profits are from the sales of individual cars in percentage of gross turnover The last figures I had privy to was a £2k profit on a 2014 Lexus flagship model costing £110k In terms of marketing and promotions Lexus Uk only provide basic funding for that, usually on new model launches the individual dealerships bear the cost of any local promotions and are expected to contribute towards national advertising. If you compare the staffing and front of house levels required to run a franchise rather than an independant service shop with two mechanics and possibly a part time bookeeper/receptionist it is easy to see the differentials The franchise as also to meet targets on sales and movement of inventories that a small independant does not have to worry about as most of his work comes through one door and out of the other usually by word of mouth or the odd advert in the local rag . Lexus also have a say in what costs and charges are presented to the customer as they see thier prestige product as just that and do not want it being seen as any run of the mill marque, this philosophy was borne out by the early split of Toyota franchised dealerships selling Lexus models in the late 90s which raised the anti in franchise costs. If you look at the servicing and repair costs world wide for Lexus you will find they are on a par with the UK taking into consideration currency fluctuations. I am saying one should try to get a better price than was first offered for the job required but the other side of the coin is if you want quality you have to pay for it and if Lexus was'nt providing quality we would'nt be having this discussion.

Hugh It is heartwarming to hear you have found a specialist who as no problem or is phased by the complexity of a job. The issue over dealership prices is a constant gripe in most peoples eyes but in the dealerships defence they have massive overheads in comparison to a small operator who basically works from one job to another.If you look at the fixed costs of running a dealership with all the franchise costs staff costs and site costs it is understandable that thier labour and parts rates will be higher . As for the description rip-off I draw the line at that(not your words) In my experience the dealerships ( I have dealt with different ones in twenty years of owning a Lexus) are approachable and will if spoken to in a negotiating tone will try to come to some arrangement. If that is not possible than by all means try to find a good independant and there are more of them now than when I first started with a Lexus but personally if my Lexus requires the attention of a trained Lexus technichan then its Lexus that will be doing the job.