As opposed to a cable that stretches and requires regular adjustment and/or replacement to work like new? I've never in my life driven a vehicle with a regularly-used mechanical parking brake that still worked perfectly, unless it had had work done recently to make it so. The one in my 12-year old E90 is used every day, has been adjusted twice, and once again won't hold the car on the driveway. I think I have to have the cable replaced at this point, because I don't think I have any more threads to tighten the adjusting nut.

By contrast, the EPB on our 6-year-old Q7, also used every single day, holds 100% as tight as the day we brought it home from the dealer. It also releases automatically if you somehow forget. Give me the modern solution that works the same for the life of the vehicle any day and twice on Sunday.

As for solenoid failure, you do know your transmission has solenoids that actuate hundreds or thousands of times per day, right? You don't have to replace those weekly. Nor should you have to replace one that gets used <100 times per month over the life of the vehicle.

 

I thought about using the app to roll down the driver's window and getting in Dukes of Hazzard style but I'm not sure what's worse, that or climbing over the console. Either way both are bad solutions.

I didn't know that was a thing, I'll have to check the forums to see what the issue is and how long it will take to fix.

 

I agree with you that mechanical Stretch-O-Matic parking-brake cables could be a PITA by needing regular adjustment (usually to two or three audible clicks on the ratchet). But hand-operated brakes, with the old T-Handle under the dash or pull-up lever on the console, did have one useful function on vehicles with three-pedal manual transmissions....they were handy for preventing or minimizing roll-back while starting out from a stop with the clutch on hills.

 

Not S Class sedans. This is the first one.

 

I like an electric brake as long as it's a direct to caliper system and not a awful "motor with two cables leading to the rotor drum" type like on the LS460. That has all of the disadvantages and none of the plus sides of a direct to caliper electronic one, the electrics are nice since they always clamp hard, can auto retract for a brake job, and are much less complex than any other type.

 

Wait hold on, was both the outer AND inner handle dead?

 

Nothing beats a handbrake. IMO. Verrrry satisfying to use. And it's wrapped head to toe in leather and nice stitching.

 

LOL I’m a little slow today. Inside handle works so I could open it that way.

 

Okay that's good you have some way to get the door open! I would just use the window control via phone to lower it and reach in for now, hopefully they get it fixed within a month.....

 

when I was Toyota to get an oil change. I once asked about my cracked exhaust pipe. They quoted me a repair that would require the replacement of the exhaust manifold as Toyota used a one piece exhaust manifold/cat that they claimed required the engine to be removed to complete. I went to any independent and they cut and added a new y-pipe type fitting and a few other parts and welded it all in for $300.

I agree. My parents once had a Cadillac in the 90s that had auto e brake release, it fail to release the brake…so it was towed to the Caddy dealer

Yeah. I would rather have a key to twist as well. I really dislike my push button compared to me keys

Guess I saw a retro fit 1980s model.

The auto brake has its benefits for sure. I just like the simplicity of the pull

how long were you running at that speed

 

you know now that you mention it... that is specific to toyota isn't it? thanks mike, that is a nice little bit of trivia to have lol

until you said that my guess would've been the CRAWL lever since that's a toyota specific acronym

 

there's actually a real truth here lol

yea i remember driving a new 200 series several years ago (the last model year of the 6-speed!) and after only a few short moments having this massive wave of superiority and invincibility just completely wash over me! i suddenly got the urge to want to drive through things and like smash down a big gate or something lmao

the LS 400 feels light on its feet despite the velvety smooth and aristocratic ride, but the Land Cruiser is clearly a truck... just one that's been better designed and more optimized than any other, all the truck-y elements are delivered in a way that creates an experience and not gets in the way of one

 

Do do do.....



Even the way the limiter cuts in is refined (but sucks). LS430 will go 160. However limiter is like this big soft hand that stops the all the fun.

Jill, these will run all day at these high speeds. I've done it but at night.

 

both of my cars are fantastic for never needing to downshift out of the highest gear... the combination of lots of torque and very little aero drag / excess weight makes for fantastic long distance haulers!

also since it's apparently the time to post racy speedometer pics here's the best i got lol


unfortunately nothing was recording when i've hit the limiter at 155 lol... 0-150 is only about 20 or 21 seconds in that car and i'm always impressed by how little space is needed to quickly do a pull to those kinds of speeds and casually slow back down like nothing even happened haha

 

On my 1994 GS300, I had an exhaust leak and replacing the part was $1600 because it’s one piece including the cat converter iirc. My independent mechanic told me to go to a muffler shop and gave me a recommendation. They did some welding to fix the leak and it was about $100.