Pamperme

And yet again, clarification is required: Sport should NEVER be at the expense of Luxury. What your statement highlighted in bold is really saying is "the Lexus became LESS luxurious (but we'll call it "sport" to mask this fact.) It's suppose to handle better too".

If the goal is to put up better performance numbers, kudos to that, but if it comes at the expense of luxury, it's a problem!

SBlexus

I never see another 460 in the service ever when I'm getting an oil Change, and that's all I've ever taken my car in for. By the way the titanic was unsinkable, and we know how that story ends. Every car has its issue including the 430. The 430 was nice for its time just like my 98 gs400 which I still own which was pretty much problem free, but I wouldn't pick either over a 460 or the 600. Sorry I love my 460L that's why I bought it.

Bob04

I am very happy for you. It sucks to buy a car and be disappointed with it like I did with my 460L.

But the 430 is generally accepted as more reliable than the 460. Just ask your dealer or service guy. The guys that work on both of these cars every day know the deal.

wanderer99

Just curious - what size rims did you have on your 460L?

Bob04

It was the bigger wheels, 19" if I remember correctly. Had the horrible Bridgestone EL42s on them to begin with. I replaced with Michelin Primacys and the ride/noise was improved. But when I finally got rid of it and started down the road in the 430 I traded it for, it couldn't believe how much better the 430 was in ride comfort and noise isolation.

wanderer99

Thanks Bob. I know exactly what you mean about the 430's ride comfort.

So the 430 when released came out with 16" rims as standard and 17" as an option. This was later increased to optional 18" size. It's acknowledged here that the 16" equipped cars ride better than the 18" ones, which makes sense given the greater sidewall of the tire. We're talking 225-60/16 (16") vs 225/55-17 (17") vs 245/45-18 (18") sizes here.

For the 600 though it's 235/50-18 vs 245/45-19. I was thinking that maybe the 18" combo would give a better ride on the 600, but this isn't a lot of sidewall difference. I may have to at some point try out the smaller rims on my car to see if that improves the ride....

GXAlan

Having experience with BMW 18 vs 19's and experiencing the stiffer sidewalls of the AS3s on my LS460 Sport, I would definitely say that tires make a difference. The same way that "we" (the market) all want what was previously crazy amounts of horsepower now, the market likes big supercar rims. The 528i goes 17" stock!

I would say that advances in tire technology have helped us use low profile tires without the harshness usually expected. With the 5x120 bolt pattern, you will probably find a lot of success with smaller rims or even upsizing the tires.

Key is to make sure the rims fit over your brakes...

Pamperme

Taken from Consumer Reports:

2014 Mercedes S550
"Ride comfort is truly extraordinary in the S550. Even compared to its direct competitors, it stands out with remarkable absorption and a steady, calm and stately demeanor. Bumps and ruts disappear under the S550's 19-inch tires and standard AirMatic suspension as if they weren't even there. Ride motions are small yet slow, imparting a feeling of steadiness and composure that persists regardless of surface or speed. The highway ride is a serene, smooth glide."

2014 Lexus LS 460L
"The Lexus flagship sedan delivers luxurious, highly refined, and fuss-free motoring with a comfortable and serene ride. The LS glides silently and nonchalantly over just about any road surface with excellent isolation and absorption. It has an exceptionally quiet cabin, and all seats are very comfortable and the rear is sumptuous even by limousine standards."*


2014 ls600hl??????
(no word on the 600hl. Perhaps had consumer report tested it it may have rode even better than the s class according to them. Who knows?)

So according to consumer reports, the s class has the best ride. Their test further showed that it handled exceptionally well and it still had 19 in wheels. My point? Wheel size doesn't matter, the magic is in the suspension. If Lexus (a premium LUXURY sedan) wants to up its sport, Great! But it better NOT be at the expense of Luxury -keep it quiet and keep it smooth as glass. Mercedes has already proven that it CAN be done per Consumer Reports.

peteybabes

Sooo Pamperme, are you getting a LS400, LS430, LS460, LS600, S550, or Equus? LOL!

There is a LOT of information/opinion in this thread, and i'm wondering if you have made a decision?

Now for my opinion , I ride with 19's with aggressive summer tread in the summer and the ride is "ok". when i switch to 18's with michelin all-season tires it is a huge difference and reminds me of my 430 again.

Pamperme

As of now, I'm sticking with my LOVELY 430. But I may be going the LS600hl route in the near future. I want a magic carpet ride, ultra quiet cabin, COMPLETE isolation from the road, decent handling, every option imaginable, a plush interior, FLAWLESS reliability, and the most important thing of all..........I want a BIG DISCOUNT! I NEVER pay full price.

SBlexus

"Ride comfort is truly extraordinary in the S550. Even compared to its direct competitors, it stands out with remarkable absorption and a steady, calm and stately demeanor. Bumps and ruts disappear under the S550's 19-inch tires and standard AirMatic suspension as if they weren't even there. Ride motions are small yet slow, imparting a feeling of steadiness and composure that persists regardless of surface or speed. The highway ride is a serene, smooth glide." This sounds great for marketing but, I've driven the 14 and the bumps doesn't disappear. The car rides great but the bigger wheels with smaller side walls makes a huge difference in ride quality.

wanderer99

This is cool - so you've got a set of both 19 and 18" rims for you 460L? What type of tire are you running on the 19's?

SBlexus

Thanks and sorry you got a lemon, good luck on the 430. I still think the 430 was the best car out for its time I have nothing bad to say about it. I only see the ES and the IS in for service maybe because they're more affordable.