VKP

Evening all ! 

Its been a while since I last posted, owning and using my LS400 has been a joy [a little difficulty with power steering last year but a new pump and pipework from amayama.com and all is now well again]. Other than that it has been the usual consumables and plain sailing. Bought @ 126k in 2014 now on 187k -  still charging up and down the M6 and M40 regularly like nothing else on the road.

Finally decided to charge up the Air conditioning (refrigerant bottle and and trigger from Halfords) doesn't seem to be a leak but the air is still not cold. I have an on screen warning to check the climate screen and a flashing AC button on the climate screen itself and now if the AC is on when I start the car, I get a 5-10 second Foghorn sound (seriously, its a head turner!) and then nothing. I replaced the relay myself and decided to get a new drive belt which went on during the last oil change service {six monthly oil changes suits me}. 

My guess is that the compressor cranks up, something is causing the noise and the compressor then shuts down. Any opinions and advice on this gratefully received. 

ps - Just agreed terms on an 2005 LS430 Facelift - going to run both cars for a while until I'm happy with the LS430 and then either mothball the LS400 or find a good home for it. 

Cheers 

V.    

Hi Neil

Got a '98 LS400 MK4 in the end - Delighted with it

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/92456-bought-and-paid-for/#entry878897

Knocking sounds on sharp braking could be control arm bushes rather than the arms themselves.....they can be trouble to source depending on which ones they are

I had a deafening "rattle" sound when braking over uneven/cobbled surfaces - Bushes identified by mechanic as the problem (perished rubbers over time)

I have replaced lower control bushes with "Febest" ones which I doubt will last very long - Strut bar bushes I have on order via Amayama.com

My knocking sound is considerably reduced since the lower bushes were replaced, and I expect it to go completely once the Strut Bar bushes are done in a couple of weeks time

Outstanding!

Feeling like the "Cassette Adapter" solution I'm using to play music and (badly) make calls from my phone sounds pretty shoddy, (and looks untidy)

Have recently upgraded my phone and retained my old handset, so I am considering a pay as you go sim so that it can become my permanent "Car-phone/music player" - forwarding my mobile calls to the "car phone"

Just need a cheap/clever Bluetooth solution to do away with the casette adapter...

Any ideas/experiences gratefully received

Thanks

Viren

I have also read posts that advise changing to water pump (no sense changing the belt only to have the water pump fail and foul everything up anyway)

I recently bought my car and had both belt and pump replaced (it was due and it is peace of mind)

Viren

Mousehole......

one of my all time favourite places (have been a regular visitor for 20+ years , my friend lives in Chapel Street, opp the Post Office!) ....

if you fancy chatting about cars while your down there, Graham (owner of the Pilchard Press, cafe near the harbour car park) is an ex car trader (and does a decent Sausage Sarnie too!)

Have been having bad dreams about negotiating the harbour car park when the inevitable visit next occurs...

Many thanks for all the replies,

I did think initially that it was an underpass/low light situation (a la Titch LS) and this might still be the case.

Will get the battery's health checked and keep an eye on it for now

Cheers,

I have started to notice a regular flickering in the Sat Nav screen (just enough to draw my attention but rectified before my eyes close in on the screen , quite annoying)

I have read in another post that this could be indicative of an alternator problem - I am concerned that left unchecked it could escalate in to a major issue.

Please post if you have any insights in to this symptom - if I can isolate it to an alternator then I am keen to get a replacement in ahead of time to swap it out at an opportune moment

If anyone knows the precise part code for the Alternator on a 1998 MK4 VVTI that would be most helpful

Thanks in advance

Viren

I am only in week 3 of MK4 LS400 ownership - I don't have much experience of Prestige motoring (and setting their costs of purchase and ownership to one side) I have never experienced such a smooth and refined driving experience.

My brother is a long time Mercedes enthusiast (W123 and W124) I can't wait to get his verdict on the MK4

Got that knocking sound when "jabbing" the brakes and pronounced rattling that's been identified as "lower control arm bushes worn out" on my 1998 LS 400 MK4 (121k miles)

Ambermarine - Are the replacement metal/rubber bushes you've seen on US eBay made by ROCA ?

Hi all,

detailing of the interior continues, the leather is responding well to a weekly clean (saddle soap and Beeswax/Lanolin polish arriving next week).

Cleaned out the Air Con Filter and febreezed all the air vents (I have auto glym air con sanitizer on hand if this doesn't fox the feint stale smell when first in the car with the air on)

The real let down are the seat belts, they are very dark which in a beige interior is so noticeable

Really don't want to have to try cleaning them - has anyone replaced their front seat belts? is it a tricky job?

VKP

Cannot argue with that reasoning.....good decision!

Thanks Mark , can wait so will look at Amayama

Hi All,

My mechanic says that my d/s/f drop link needs replacing (although both sides have a pronounced knock when the wheel "drops" )

So I'm going to get the pair done - My local parts supplier has quoted me sub £30 per link made by "First Line"

I think First Line is their preferred manufacturer but I wonder if there are better quality parts out there for not much more money

As always, many thanks in advance

Viren

Drove in to work today,

This car definitely encourages a sedate/stately driving style

Saved close to £400 on my car insurance thanks to the Meerkat!

Polished up with Autoglym, cleaned the interior leather in the front and gaffer taped the split, black rubber trim under the front bumper.

Off to The Lake District Tomorrow!

I have inlcluded a picture of the windscreen upright - it looks like there is a black powder coating on top of the chrome? that has started to come away hence the metalic blotches.... any ideas anyone?

Thanks

Viren

Bought my first Lexus !

1998 LS 400 Mk4 Red
Beige Interior - Just driven back to Manchester from Amersham (Bucks) -
Slight "humming"? from front right wheel area .... 16 year old leather interior needs a good clean... my mechanic has had her up on a ramp already and he thinks all is well, other than a drop link on the D/S/F

AC blows cold (but not freezing cold) - engine oil was a lovely cleanyellow , and smelled as it should - auto box oil good aswell

Amazingly crafted machines, what a first drive (M40 , M6 Toll, M6) - Cruise Control working as normal, trip screen showing 29/30mpg @ 65(ish)mph

I think the rear sounds a teeny bit rattle-ey over smaller potholes - no such problems over speed bumps however -

The rust that was mentioned by the seller is rear wing/rear near side door (unrepaired scrape) - just seen a noticeable spot of bubbling at the
front wing where it meets the N/S front headlight -

Front seats need livening up (no tears but pretty well unwashed since forever!) - Centre armrest cushion is badly worn and unslghtly (good job
its mostly covered by my elbow most of the time - but something will need to be done there)

For sale @ £1650 - try as I might to get a better deal we shook hands @ £1500 ..... being valeted now - I think I have got a very genuine carhere sold by an old school gent of a car dealer (working out of his home).

Time will tell, but as most of you already know - I just drove back 3 hours with some initial trepidation......followed by a long, uninterrupted grin !

Will post photos soon ...

Viren

Looks like a very tidy example - congratulations

I'm hoping to be collecting my first ever LS 400 (a mk4 1998, red with Tan interior) tomorrow morning

First task if I buy it is driving it home (from Bucks to Manchester) with a restrained right foot!

A reversing camera - sounds like a very sensible mod......

Viren

Thanks for that guys, seen OEM gas struts on US amazon for $60 (for the pair) including shipment - Suits me

advert link:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/lexus/ls/postcode/m203qx/radius/1500/sort/default/price-to/2000/onesearchad/used/saved-search-id/2c929a02478715ce01478baa020d000a/page/2

Going to see this candidate on Tuesday morning in Bucks

Sounds like a very nice gentleman (dealer based from home) - Tells me that Lexus Oxford have maintained the car from 40k to 120k (including cambelt service at approx 75k)

Called Lexus Oxford, they were reluctant to part with a lot of detail (citing the data protection act) but they confirmed the cambelt service, their substantial relationship with the car over time - their last service contact with the car being sometime in 2013.

The negatives mentioned the seller were:

1) The gas struts holding the bonnet open were weak and needed replacing

2) There is a small piece of corrosion around one of the wheel arches

3) The Wheels need refurbishing (clearly visible from the pictures)

After my wasted journey to B'ham on Monday - and the corroborating info from Lexus Oxford - I thought I better put some money down to ensure I at least get first refusal

Any advice on how to get cheap replacement gas struts , and idea on wheel refurb costs (Manchester/Cheshire area) would be appreciated

Excitement is growing ........... "legitimate" club membership beckons

Cheers,

VKP

Many thanks for all you replies - I feel the LS400 calling .... (and I wince at £500 Vehicle Tax on the later GS models)

Thanks so much for the replies.....plenty to think about - I am ready to be "wafted" and there is no doubting the LS400s Iconic status (amongst the knowledgeable)

I noticed this LS400 offered locally to me - I assume the car is a Jap Import given who is selling the car

http://www.alljapanesemotors.com/inventory/lexus-ls-400-4-0-auto-4-dr-saloon/

Are their any particular considerations/pitfalls if buying a Japanese Import car? ... and (as always) I'd be very grateful for your opinions on this particular candidate

Thanks,

VKP

Sorry.... I should have said the 450 mile round trip is roughly every six weeks !

New to the world of Lexus, I have started by looking at the LS400 (Mk4) as the car to go for but am now wondering if I should consider the GS300 also?

I now commute to work on a scooter which means my Lexus would only be used for a thrice weekly, 35 mile round trip (mostly Motorway) and a 450 mile round trip to London)

Currently drive a Pug 406 Hdi Execitve which has just topped 151k miles (70k of it whilst in my "care") in typically workorse fashion but it is time for a bit more refinement and bit less tiredness post long trips

I saw this car advertised and might go see this week.... any Insights, opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201406275357094/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/2000/page/1/model/gs/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/onesearchad/used/postcode/m203qx/make/lexus/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/seller-type/trade_adverts/radius/1500?logcode=p

Thanks

VKP

The B'ham car dealer sold the car on Sunday night (apparently) - oh well, they say never buy the first one you see but as I didn't see it I guess I am still at Square One!