05WineLS

I have a 2005 LS430 and my Dad has a 2002 LS430. I also test drove one other 2005 LS430 before I bought mine. In all three cases, the seats in this car are so lacking in padding that it feels like I'm sitting on a metal frame or something. Is this just the way these cars are, or am I missing something? The rest of the car is so smooth and quiet, it seems like a travesty to have such uncomfortable seats in it. Is there a way to pump the bottom of the seat with air or something? The seats in my Mercedes absolutely blow away the comfort level of those in the Lexus. What's the deal? Does anyone have any suggestions?

jimbosr1

replace the foam padding in the drivers seat.did mine and its day and night difference.after almost 2 years and still comfy.

warminwisc

I got my 04 premium with 55 k miles and seats where bottomed out like U said, I took em to a auro upolstry shop to repad em. My current 04 Sport seats(no real difference in the seat) are still nice and sturdy supportive to 165k miles to date. Not sure if some got crapier foam or what?

5t341th

iTrader: (16)

Before I bought my LS, I test drove a few. I had one experience where the seat was terribly flat. The owner must have been a very heavy guy.

warminwisc

tahts prolly true but I am 260 lbs this seat has held up, last seat at 60k was toast when I got it, but never met the guy who owned it.

05WineLS

Thanks for the responses everyone. I guess I will have to take the car in and have the seat repadded. I thought about doing that when I bought the car, but wasn't sure if it would make much difference, being as how all three of the LS430's I had driven felt the same way. As it is, it really detracts from the comfort level of what is supposed to be a luxury ride, so I will bring it in. I know of a shop who can do it too, because I had a guy make a bracket for the driver's seat that enables me to move it back about an an extra five inches. He said he would charge about $250-300 to repad it. Does that sound like a fair price? If so, I think I know what I can get my Dad for Father's Day now too.

caverman

You need to move the seat back 5"???? Man, you must be tall. I'm 6' 5" and have no need for more leg room in front.

toddmorr

yes, the padding foam does wear out on these seats, seems to be especially bad on the 01 to 03 models as my 01 was flat as can be, with only a 120 lb woman or 150 lb guy driving the car. My 05 is also flat although not as bad, with 90k miles. 250 bucks sounds high. Am leaning towards getting it done as well. Might DIY. Would also like to know the absolute best foam for this kind of work.

by the way, my 05 LX470 still has nice comfy seats at 130k miles, my 01 LX was fine too. I would have expected the LS to use foam at least as good as the LX but I guess not. The LX is an unbelievable vehicle in so many ways.

Jabberwock

It is possible to buy a new OEM internal seat cushion from Lexus and have that replaced. That would fully preserve the ventilated seat function. And I agree the seats on the LS430 could use some more padding. Making car seats that are comfortable for most size drivers is a lot harder than most people realize. The seats in the LS430 seam to have been designed to accommodate some very large people. When we were shopping for LS430s there were huge differences in the condition of the seats in these cars - some seats even in low mile cars looked and felt like they had been used by a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

tallcaguy

Completely agree. Just wish the MPG wasn't so bad. Is it really 12-14?

Damian@FI

I just did the foam in mine, like new.
It's travelled 300,000 kms, so it was time.

XJSFan

Is this a DIY job?

jimbosr1

i did it myself.ordered replacement pad from lexus and it took about 4 hours from start to finish.
i have experience using hog rings and a hog ring tool.its not hard to do just has a learning curve.
the most important thing is the seats are very unfinished as in very sharp metal and without wearing gloves during removal and handling the seat pan and the install of the seat you can cut your hand.

Johnhav430

I find the seats to be soft, but imho it's not from being worn. I draw this conclusion by checking the passenger seat, as well as the rear (driver seat should naturally be worse for wear).

I think they are durable, unfortunately I had to carry all kinds of junk in my car for work (can't wait to wash and vacuum), and I was saying if my seats are torn my employer will see the repair on my expense report! Nothing happened though....

I would say just make sure there is in fact something worn out before replacing. As car seats go, I think the LS has very soft and non-supportive seats, by design....

Johnhav430

btw I have sport seats in my 335, and when I switch back, I feel like I'm being hugged and my thighs lifted, so the side bolsters and thigh support (adjustable) is totally different than the LS430. In comparison, the BMW is very hard. Two different philosophies imho....