One issue I don't like about my LS is I feel it has insufficient padding. My older Lexus ES was much more comfortable.

I don't know why Lexus tries to make their cars more "German" with the stiffness. People that buy a Lexus LS want luxury.

Has anyone ever taken it to an upholestery shop and put new/more foam in the driver's seat?

 

I remember someone doing a added or re-padded seat about 3 years ago. I don't think it was that successful. I have also read of people ordering a new seat bottom cushion from lexus and having a shop install it...not sure on results on that. I agree that for some (me included) the seat bottom is not very comfortable - feels hard and poorly padded. And my car has a virtually mint interior so the seat cushions have very little wear. The front seats in general feel as if they were made for really large people.

 

Totally, Mine done right at purchase at 55k now 197k still supportive and sturdy. Talk to a auto resto shop, bolster up the air support yur golden. 150 bucks, they also took out some of the slack in the stretched seat deck leather.

 

Was it an easy, straight forward job for them?

I have no problem with the price, my concern is getting some hack that doesn't know what he's doing.

My seats have the ventilated option, I never use it though, I'd have no problem blocking it off, it's worthless in my opinion.

 

Easy job blocked air a little but worth it. Custom seat deck and back just tell em how you want it built..

 

BradTank
Had new foam put in my front seats as well. Local shop with 50 years of experience. The foam in my 430 seat cushions was thin,completely compressed and hard as a rock. Per my instructions the upholster flattened out or leveled the seat cushion. It is so much more comfortable now. A long road trip is a pleasure now.The heated seats still work well. Have not tried the cooling effect yet but since it was marginal to begin with I won't be concerned if the new foam restricts the air flow. Money well spent!

 

I'm thinking about doing the same with my 02. Does anyone have a cost estimate??

Thanks,
Harry

 

This topic is extra hot!
Anyone got any pics? I will not go with losing seat cooling (and it DOES WORK on cars in ok condition).
One local shop said it's 'no problem' to use porous cushion (non-orig).
But i'm hesitant - exactly for same reason as BradTank - don't want some bozo to ruin the car.

 

The best assurance to know that you won't lose the cooling is to find an upholstery shop that has experience in repading a LS430. They should be able to show you how their replacement material is similar and will actually allow cooling to work (not just tell you it will be ok) . If they can't do that, walk away.

 

Yup, good tip.

 

ya I've owned 5 Lexus's and this is the first one where the seat gave me problems. I actually had to see the doctor because of it...terrible sciatic pain!!! Never had it before getting my 04 LS. I just decided to use an old man pad, but it's only comfy for an hour or two then it becomes unbearable for longer road trips. I'm working with an upholstery place locally to figure something out.

 

Not too sure about the seats being that bad in the LS. I have 130k+ on her and its still supportive. On the otherhand, i'm a pretty slim guy @ only 207lbs.

 

Mine feels like there is a rock under my right *** cheek!

 

LS430 seats are hard. I once drove a rental Lincoln towncar and those seats were plush. I am talking about only plush factor here, not the leather material. LS430 seats are so huge that they could have easily put in little more padding but they might have chosen not to because of the cooled seats feature..

 

I agree and will be tackling a new seat pad shortly, the seat in my LS 70k miles is IMHO a POS compared to the seat in the GS with 170k miles.