Why do I see some 1998-2000 LS 400's that have wood grain on the upper and lower portion of the steering wheel and have wood grain on the gear shifter, while others have no wood grain? Is this some way to identify what other options may be on the car? Probably a stupid question- I own a 4th gen but entertaining the idea of getting a 98-00 as a 3rd car. As I look at a few for sale, I have noticed this subtle difference in the steering wheel and gear shifter- I'd appreciate any insight into what this means. Thanks,

 

I believe the 98 w/o the wood grain is the late production of the 97 before they officially switched over. The later 98-00 all have wood grain & it's a very nice touch & nice upgrade to the interior.

 

98 it was an option. 99 it became standard. any car older than 97 never came with wood grain steering wheels from the factory.

see/read more here:
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

 

superfast nailed it, not really an option, just production thing..