Patsum

if you were looking used.. what have you driven that actually compares to or exceeds the quality of your LS? I know many will say nothing but for those of you who have. Please share.

Year/Model/Make and what was better and what worse.

BOOGEYMAN4

7 series after 95, I'd trade my LS for one any day of the week.

Patsum

Really? I see post 95 7 series going for what the LS 400 sells for if not less in my area...

I would only worry about reliability with that

BOOGEYMAN4

97 and up are a beastly piece of machinery!

moat

hey, my BMW trained mechanic tells me that too! Which year and which model and options 7-series are best to look for?

I don't know BMW 7 series well, do they run on air suspension too?

I converted my 93 LS from air to regular spring+coil years ago because of cost of repair, but now I miss my air suspension. I recall how I felt I was in a airplane flying when I was on the highway with air shocks. For me, those were the good old days -- 19 years ago.

I wonder if I could convert everything back to air? But at what cost? Probably should not do this given the car is 19 years old.

BOOGEYMAN4

E38 from 98-01 would be the best model imo, not sure if they ran on air suspension though. The suspension is typically stiffer on these cars. More sport in the E38 compared to the LS's we own if you ask me.

Patsum

I have given them a series looking at...
Most come with all the features our LS do

Actually they come with more....
they may not be as quiet or as smooth or reliable. but sportier
E38 series-----
RWD
trac
abs
4 wheel large discs
High 200 to low 300 HP V8 engine
all the same electronic goodies.. heated seats and mirrors and windows..
Projector headlights
long wheel base
5 SP electronic trans
fully independent suspension
14 speaker stereo... holy crap.
dual zone climate control with INDEPENDENT FAN CONTROL
power seats/mirrors/windows
Rear heated seats as well and front heated seats

I see them selling for $3-6K between 130,000-200,000 miles

Is there anything the LS has the 7 series doesn't? or vice versa

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

BMW is not known for their longevity compared to Lexus yes? You don't see many BMW's passing the 200,000 mile mark. I also like the 7 series but I doubt the overall quality is the same. If you look at the Edmunds owner reviews they all say they love their cars when they are not dumping tons of cash fixing them.

Patsum

That is what I am wondering

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Another car that has good longevity but not the refinement are the Crown Vic's and Grand Marquis by Ford. I know it is a Ford, but it is no coincidence why it is by far the number 1 choice of taxi drivers. Very easy and inexpensive to fix + very good reliability overall.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the LS will be more reliable, if something does go wrong it will be cheaper to fix, easier to find parts for, and less of a bmw to work on. Also, same exact age and you'lll notice that overall, less of the electronics have gone south in the LS.

as for the radio... http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...mparison-tests

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

not exactly a luxury car though, is it...

Patsum

interesting audio article.

two of the things I wish the later LS400's had are projector headlights and the separate fan controls for passenger and driver. Also it would be nice to throw in a variable butt warmer instead of on or off

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

No, not the same level but the loaded versions are a pleasant drive and their reliability is what I am considering to be a key factor. I would sacrifice some features for reliability any day.

http://www.edmunds.com/mercury/grand...r-reviews.html

Raddison

@Lavrishevo, Have you ever driven a panther chassis? You're giving up a lot more than "some" features. Haha.