runsgrateasanut

Well, the Americans never came back to me with a quote but it pays to keep one eye on ebay. Just had delivered to me a brand new unfitted Watling tow bar and electrics pack as the sole bidder for starting price £39.99. £12 carriage from a hundred miles away by TNT and I should be laughing. Well I would be, if I hadn't had my Insurance brokers phone to tell me that my premium for Buildings Insurance renewal has risen five fold over last years premium. Although I live on the Seafront the house has stood one hundered and seventy years and never suffered flooding in '53 storm or earlier this year. Bummer! if I may be a little crude?

Do you mean the W140 series which was the one billion dollar investment by Merc way before its intro. The W140 is a Barge and I owned one for six years. Positives over the 93 Lexus I've recently bought to take its place? Seats made for Germans and not for Japanese (todays obesity in mind) soft closure doors, I'm having to get used to slamming the doors again, and its irritating. Wing mirrors that fold in electrically, an electric rear sunblind helps stop leather Sunburn when parked in hot weather. Also no Cambelt expense as cam chains. I would say after a long drive either in the UK or abroad (and I do a twelve hour drive in France) that I am just as refreshed as I hope to be in the Lexus shortly. The Lexus is a bit shorter (I had the LWB version of both the W140 and the W126) which I'll get used to when using it as a pack animal. The Lexus engine is without doubt quieter than the straight six (probably the Cambelt plus!) but I can't compare against the V8 420 or 500 W140, only against the V8 500 W126 series. It was a beautiful reliable Engine and pretty quiet. The Lexus after two decades feels tighter than the Merc. I loved the Barge but am sure I'll love the Lexus equally as well now its taken its place.

Unlike the Mercedes handbook, I haven't found any info in the Lexus Hndbook where to place deflectors on the headlights for European driving. Anyone know the answer. Is there grill pattern? I never buy those things from Half ords or on the Ferry, always use silver duct tape. Easier to remove and if leaves stickiness just a piece of rag with white spirit removes without difficulty. Probably not the thing to do with plastic lens however. Thanks

Caught my eye when brousing. Am still trying to decide if to go Multipoint or the older single point LPG installation route. Not clear how long this car has been running on LPG but imagine as single point someones had their moneys worth. OK a few issues but perhaps the LPG has not been serviced. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS-400-LPG-1995-Mark-2-/201113940097?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ed3533081

I've not got trouble with lights at mo. but I had to replace on Mercedes and much the same sort of situation. I used an old credit card to prize out the clear plastic. Until you get that out you can't get to the two screws holding the whole unit. May be different on Lexus. Out of interest are they festoons in there? I found that Festoons get extremely hot if you are parked up somewhere with the lights on, and wonder if anyone has replaced with LEd's or if that might cause a "recognition" problem?

I can't answer your question as I don't know enough about Lexus having only just bought an old one. In my search for answers on the single point closed loop systme which I'm familiar with, I was drawn to this interesting item which makes conversion to LPG a whole lot easier and an begs the question why go the expnse and risk of mulitpoint. If it works that is! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLOS-Propane-Carb-LPG-Mixer-Replacement-Performance-and-Economy-LOOK-/221434813304?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item338e8b1b78

Thanks Ray. I'm guessing that few run on single point as this was around many years ago possibly before fuel injection, but I have been perfectly happy with it on the Mercedes for the last six years and having delved further into installing a multi point, removal of the top box and manifold disturbing the dirt and petrol injector seatings etc, it all seems far too risky for what may only be an extra few miles per gallon on lpg over a single point system. Just so long as I install a blow back valve then the single point system is not a complex nightmare to fit. Trusting others to do a competent job has always been a difficult thing with me. Costs wise Tinley Tech £600 for all parts including tank and VAT not too expensive.

Not had any replies to this question so assume most cars run on sequential multivalve LPG systems. I've been advised against installing a Single point and looks like I'm going to go the multipoint. The LPG forum has always been a great help on these matters. Very obliging members. Only problem I see is how to shoehorn everything under the bonnet. There aint a lot of space to work other than under the bulkhead passenger side. Seen a vaporiser put there and also one somewhere I can't imagine how it was placed. Need to get the manual on the car and better understand the engine layout. I suspect its doubtful people take off the manifold to install the injector nozzles and this certainly is not going to be a walk in the park! If anyone has photo's of their lpg parts placement I'd be interested to see. Pm me for email address. Been offered a Romano s/h system but thinking about a Prins. Not keen to go s/hand and its not a matter of price although VATdoes bump up purchase price. Not in hurry to grasp the nettle as Merc not yet sold and don't need two cars on the road. Very shortly I hope, as impatient to drive my aging luxury motor.

Wow - what a difference in braking! Just got the car back from my mechanic who changed front and rear discs and pads. Nobody should drive with the amount of play I found on the car when I got it. Reasons I'm told were that at least one front Caliper had pistons somewhat stiff to move, almost seized, and one Slider pin could not easily be removed. OK pads were worn but now the car bites as soon as I touch the pedal. I've still to replace the front slider pins and rubber bushings as in poor condition and one bushing disintegrated applying heat to remove the slider pin as locked tight with rust. The support "A" springs also poor condiition and need replacing but the job of replacement can now wait. Pricewise I find its going to be cheaper to buy from the States these various parts and if a previous owner had not chopped off the Wear Sensors connectors I'd have bought four at just £3.82 each! Possibly a bargain, but you do get what you pay for, and there is always the cost of shipment. Parts costs have quite a range of prices I find.

Out of interest, is anyone running their Car on LPG on a single point closed loop system? and if so, for how long and have you had any problems?

As a newbie I s'pose I should keep out of this debate. The word "envy" is perhaps more appopriate than jealousy in this context.. Personally as a guy now beyond retirement I've never had the wish to own a brand new car. I couldn't afford one when I was younger unless it was on terms which I never gave a thought to as bringing up a family was costly enouth. . Perhaps its an age thing. I'm more happy on a comfy lived in old Leather Sofa than a brand spanking new one. I suppose its all down to expectations and before the Seventies I don't think people were so materialistic. I had an Austin Ambassador many years ago (yes another old mans Car my Children would now say, though OK for them when Children) and I rather liked that car. I did have a problem with the Air suspension which was cheaply fixed backstreet. Can't recall why it died on me, rust I suspect. The guy who collected it on a trailer said it was going to be used for Target Practice by the Army just outside Colchester. So blowing up Motors has all been done before, Jeremy. going back to the original issue, when I recnetly bought this car I was told that it has a power steering leak fixed. The Bill however quotes 1 Control Vale £99.07 and PAS fluid. Not sure about this part. Will check that diagram again.

Thank you Steve and Brian thats a relief to know about the oil cooler. That does trouble me a bit about how far the foot needs to travel to get some Brake bite. I'm a conservative driver watching the econometer like a Hawk. The existing brake pads are very low on the rear and the sensors have long been chopped off. With replacement fluid I am hoping that the amount of travel will lessen considerably. Fact is, that I can't recall such travel on an MR2 I sold a couple of years back which was an Import, the same age as this Lexus.

You were really lucky the Power steering didn't go whilst you were on your trek to Spain. I thought as I was reading the thread that you would have needed to stop off in France to pick up 10mm copper pipe as they use all sorts of differerent measurements in their plumbing - 10, 14 16mm. £3 for a length - Bargain -whatever happened to the price of copper? That looks really cheap for what must be almost 2 metres. Had a look at my own front pipes today and quite rusty. Got some old fashioned cure rust on them (Jenolite is hopeless rubbish these days) and when inspecting to see if dry realised that a connector had come apart and someone had crucified the cables with stiff plastic sheathing so it wouldn't twist to fit into the support holder. One job tends to follow another. Now must wait for a dry spell to paint, remembering that when you lift the bonnet after rain, the water will drip right down onto those pipes. Doh!

It won't be difficult to spend the Thou. I've spent £170 on brake parts and I can't do the job myself these days so labour costs to come. If battery on way out that will be another £60. £29 for 2 Exhaust Gaskets - labour cost to come. Cambelt and all parts and labour I see someone had quote £600, though dealer says £390 (but mentions Cambelt only). No point in not doing the job completely with new water pump and tensioner. Water expansion tank leak I may have fixed. Sensor gets done up too tight and causes a crack to appear. Replacement if needed must be £45? We'll see. I plan to put LPG on the car and this will cost about £600 if i do most of the work for a single point system. Martin, the S class is a lovely car and I use my present one as a Carrier of stuff to France (took over the frame of a King size Bed in it two weeks ago not to mention a boot full) but the Straight six 320 is not really enough power for such a heavy car unless you are travelling light. Also its on LPG which is essential with cost of Petrol. The V8 420 or 500 was an alternative choice to the Lexus or the CL Version of the W140 but in the end I decided I liked the look of the Lexus and the V8 engine was sold on me..The Model shape of the W140 series is not everyones cup of tea. Its a big beast to park and earlier models don't have sensors. Wouldn't go for any later than '98 S Class as suspension issues with later Cars. Lovely ride but rust is a real issue. Being on the Sea front doesn't help. Older cars certainly cost for repairs but their value for what you get at purchase is I feel, a great deal.

Thanks for your advice - . It feels and I think looks, like a lovely car. Who said they are ugly? Smooth and quiet. I see that the vent rotates under the steering wheel but perhaps a Flap is not closing as it should. The Battery may not have been fully charged when I got the car? Its quite possible. I'll bear in mind the point about saving battery power. Looks like the tubes under the P/Steering reservoir may have been changed (black painted?) Can you clarify Malc, on the Radiator point you make? Is the fluid cooled via pipes within the Water Radiator? For £1k its a lot of car and I bought it without going to see it as it was 200 miles away. Had it traliered to me and that cost was included in the price. .Happy to spend the same again if needs be just to know that it's going to give me reliability!

Just returned from a 1200 mile return holiday to France and it was to be my last in my Mercedes S320. I've been looking forward to using the Lexus and am awaiting on DVLA for number plate change. Getting a bit apprehensive about this car which I so much want to love and use after six years with the Merc. Can't afford to run both. I've only driven the Lexus sixty miles since I bought it, and today I'm beginning to think I may have bought a money pit. Already I've bought brand new front and rear discs and pads to be fitted as I couldn't believe how spongy the braking felt and there is so much play on the pedal where vital fractions of a second spell yards of extra stopping distance. OK these are service items, clearly neglected to date. Today, I've taken the car a mile up the road and never have my sphericals been so cold which is a good sign that the Air con is working - BUT, despite pressing the button for the flow to be at face level, I'm still getting an icy blast on my trousers. Whats this all about? OK the Climate display is blank and can be replaced £100 purchase from US for a DIY job. Not seen anything in UK but for LHD its only 45 bucks and even 20 bucks for a Chinese import. Why no RHD other than on ebay US? Seating position. OK I 'm just over six foot and Japanese cars may be made for smaller beings though the US market demands ample space. A bit lower headroom than what I'm used to, but comfortable enough. . The Cambelt Q. I can't answer. At 114k miles and 20 years old it should need changing and if only I new for certain that it hadn't already undergone this expense. The previous owner (bar one) passed away and so no service history since 2009. Good thing it is non-intereference Engine, but will I feel confident on those 1200 mile trips? Its hand dipping time again. I read on here that the earlier models (although the reference was to Imports) don't have the ATF flowing through the Radiator. From a lucky experience the AT cooling pipe corroded and fell off my Merc Radiator right outside my house last year spilling the ATF and barely allowing me to park the car. I thought this is one scenario I won't experience with the Lexus. But will I? I think the AT flows into the Radiator on the right hand side looking in the engine bay. I don't see a seperate cooling Rad but stand to be corrected - hopefully. Not an experience I'd like repeated in my lifetime. Saved the Merc Autobox but if I'd been two hundred yards away, who knows the damage, Just before buying the car the previous owner had a "power steering " leak but its not from the two pipes which look as though they should have been replaced same time. Thats another problem just waiting to happen looking at the state of them. A job I can probably manage to do myself.. Also, the battery was flat or insufficient to start the car on our return from hols after two weeks.. Is this common or just another service item at the end of its life? Will test when I get the time I really want to love this car as I don't change cars often and I was so influenced by the fact that there is so little rust on it in comparison to the Mercedes rot everywhere, that I may be spending shedloads of cash to keep it on the road. It does feel superb to drive and I've had V8's 5 litre Mercs before and do love the sound and feel of the 4 litre engine. A real plus! Sorry about length of winge. I'm sure I'll persevere or where thicker trousers!

If you have the code from the VIN plate then try these people. Alternatively, they will probably help you with tracing which numbers are the code if you ring them and have a photo of your plate to hand. I have found them very helpful in the past for Mercedes paint and bought two tone pots from them for my Lexus. http://www.auto-paint.co.uk/carpaint/ ps On my 93 model UCF10R the codes are on the bottom line first three figures and then again the next four figures

bought these rear dics and pads - looked good value - will let you know how they perform. Can't fit for a couple of weeks. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS400-UCF10-01-93-12-94-Rear-Brake-Discs-Pads-/170655061180?

As parked on Seafront get loads of Seagull poo laced with chip fat and sand making a nice cementy green mess especially when the grockles hit Town in the Summer. On horizontal surfaces best to just put a swab of wettned kitchen roll on the offending blob and remember to go back in twenty mins or so and it lifts off quite easily. If its dried up then leave a bit longer but keep it wet.

Thanks for that and I'll go for the package. Just purchased front and back discs and pads via ebay - the rear grooved and dimpled came with Mintex pads for £85 which is a great price. Had a bit of a trial getting the right parts for this car. Suspect others have had similar problem with changes in disc size and caliper manufacturer. Reminds me of problems with a 93 MR2 G Limited I once owned. Perhaps it aToyota thing? I want the Lexus to be in top order before I part with my S320 which has one last trip of 1200 miles return to France before it is sold and the Lexus becomes my chosen chariot of choice. Fingers crossed all will go well.

Can anyone tell me the bore size of the 93 LS400 ? I've just been quoted £32.86 for replacement gaskets, bolts and nutlock for the joint between cats and "Y" pipe. I already have s/s bolts and nutlock and at £10.95 each for the gaskets it seems a bit steep. Sure I read somewhere on here that a guy paid £3.00 each for them from parts co. and I've seen 2.5 inch and 3.00 inch on ebay for only about £3.50 each. Trying to save some of my hard earned if I can.

Its a dilemma. Bought the car last week with 114k on the clock. No dealership service history but regular with various garages. Says in service record 3 services with AA from 53k to 63k (2004) then Spa Auto for six services to 94899 (2009) the last of which says Full service plus brake pads +MOT. Phoned them but no record of the car. Then only a 2011 repair service. Unfortunately no invoice evidence that cam belt changed. I can only wonder if AA service centre would have recommended change but that would be ten years ago anyway. Tempted to think has been changed once. The engine being a not-interference engine I may take the risk but don't want to end up in rural France with a broken belt. Toss of a coin me thinks!

Only its Dollars $125. but may be prohibitively expensive for carriag e and as you say VAT at 20%. Anyway not come back to me so ar.

Thanks Ambermarine. I only need it for a trailer which is used rarely in France to take rubbish and plot waste to the dechetterie which frankly is less than a mile away from the peasants cottage we bought a few years back. I have taken both a box trailer and an open braked trailer over there fully loaded (and I mean fully loaded!) with the Merc 3.2 L(now to be sold) and it did no harm. six hundred mile door to door journey. Towing things is not my idea of fun but on those open roads its no bother.

A Gillet for every person travelling is a must have. Always, but always Stop at stop signs even if there is not a car in sight as Gendarmes have a habit of watching these stop places from hidden vantage points knowing drivers will think its pointless to stop when the road is clear - instant fine in cash and don't waste your time arguing. Also if you have radar detection and they spot it in your car then you'll be in serious doodoo. If its something they can't take out and stamp on, then it could be worse. About the Mobsters car I've only just bought a Lexus and my W140 S320 Merc is probably more of a "Gangster car" but I've never been stopped on French roads. Only at the border control at Calais have I had an inspection. .When the rear window mechanism failed going over, and I couldnt repair it before getting back to the UK, so French Border Control at Calais were very interested as the window was nowhere to be seen, just cardboard and duct tape over the area. They asked me to open the boot and had a cursory glance. Usual tools and customary booze. Waved me to close it and I lightly pulled it down with the hand plate (no dirty hands on the actual boot) and of course it self-closed. The Customs Frenchman called me back to open it again as I think he must have thought there was some small person inside who had pulled it in, as it creaked shut. Laugh. With regard to Deflectors I'm surprised that the Car Booklet doesn't give any diagram of the positioning of Deflectors? Merc book does. I always use Silver Duct tape and long ago stopped buying those things you get from the AA or on the ferry which are pricey and diffcult to remove the tackiness. Tape does the job just as well and is easily shaped by adhering a length to a piece of greaseproof paper first. Actually it can be cut more precisely to shape than those AA things.