Just back from a trip to the mountains of northern Thailand. The highest peaks rise to 2000-2500 m above the sea level. The decends back down are most of the time steep and going down 1000-1500 m in a short distance.

I found the GS300 pulling strongly up even the steepest climbs, but was not fully comfortable with the decends. Using manual gear choice (S-mode), 1st gear seemed most of the time way too short, while 2nd gear was a tad too long letting the speed and revs go up easily. The result was that I needed to use the brakes - instead of engine braking- more than I would have liked to. Had to slow down a couple of times when the brakes started to smell bad. No damage done to the brakes, but I thought that the standard brakes are truly underperforming in mountain driving.

My friend following in a 330Cd had no problems whatsoever. I can see the Bimmer's brake rotors being considerably larger (I presume they are also ventilated, at least in front) and the gear reatios more suitable for the mountain descends.

... a bit disappointing I have to say. Could not enjoy the steep downhill sections as I wished. Anyway, I do not think I'll make any upgrades to the brakes, as they still survived the ordeal undamaged.

 

Where exactly did you go?

 

You were disappointed at the braking performance, but your not gonna upgrade them??

 

brakes are always great upgrades imho

 

^agree, if I were you, I'd try upgrading tot he gs350 4 piston brakes. that shoudl help quite a bit.

 

For example Inthanon mountain (2550 m), Ang Khang mountain (2100 m), Mae Hong Son to Pai (decend from above 2000 m to below 1000 m, fast 3rd gear descend with dozens of turns which really tested the brakes)....However, the most challenging mountain roads were narrow such as the one from Doi Inthanon to Mae Chaem (Route 1192) and in particular Route 1340 (narrow hairpins and very steep climbs and descends) near the Burmese border to Doi Ang Khang, a route normally not used to approach the Ang Khang mountain.

Agree with the reasoning to upgrade the brakes. Unfortunately it does not really make sense for me now, as I'll be leaving Thailand next year and will sell the car. Moreover, I'll most likely be looking for a performance upgrade for the replacement car, a V8 or a hybrid might do the trick.

 

I have been up and down Doi Inthanon 4 times. Once in 4x4 Hilux, once in a Fortuner and twice in a C230. Pretty decent roads up there. I been to Mae Hong Son once but did not drive and that was about 20 years ago. We took 108 via Hod & Mae Sariang. The other way was too dangerous, not just the road but robbery and such. For us in the US, think 3X PCH or about the same as Tail of The Dragon .

 

108 Mae Sariang to Hod/Hot offers a truly amazing scenery. Plus the road surface is in excellent condition. Actually most roads are in pretty decent shape. Then again those which are not, are full of pot holes (a stretch of 105, 1175).

The narrow and steep mountain roads are dangerous for sure, with many drivers cutting blind corners.

 

I think your friends 330 is lighter as well as designed more for sport driving

 

I don't see the GS line as being a driving machine (sorry, borrowed that term from BMW). I have always admired the GS line and never thought I'd be able to own one what with the high cost of entry into the world of Lexus. The CPO program changed that for me and I now have a very beautiful GS300. I see this car as a decent performer but not a road warrior. The steering feel is heavy (as is the car) and I think more designed for comfort driving. I just do not see it working on the twisties and hills without some serious chassis and brake upgrades. If you had a burning smell, I'd say your brakes were overheating and brake fade could have easily ensued. If you value your safety, an upgraded set of pads at the very least may be necessary.

 

I think the current gen GS is actually a couple hundred lbs lighter than the BMW or M when comparably equipped. They managed to save some weight from the 2GS. compare it to the awd RL, which is over 4000lbs! the awd gs is around 3700.