Just bought 2004 LS 430 sport with ML package 18" wheels smart key black on black 78000 miles, looks great inside and out, records spotty, mechanic checked out ok, trunk button bad (melted!) and mechanic says needs motor mounts and transmission mount and brakes for $9700 private deal. Paint perfect, not wrecked, oem glass, and everything works. Tires rotted so replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport a/s 3 Plus 245/45 r18 100Y xl bsw. $1,013.19 with $70 rebate coming from Discount Tire.

Also at same time replaced tires on my 2006 ML with 90,000 miles running Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/45 r18 100Y xl bsw with 25,000 miles on them with 245/45 r18 96v sl bsw MCH Primacy MXM4 for $937.84 with $70 rebate coming. (They gave me some warranty adjustment for old tires.) Did not maintain the old tires pressures well so probably wasted 5000 mile or more, but I sure did like them when they were new.

I was off my game and sort of in a hurry with logistic problems getting two cars done. Not sure I got right tires or good deal, but both cars handle well and how bad can top rated Michelin's be? I have long history with Discount and they manage me well.

Just thought I would share.

Austin, Texas

 

Why did the Michelin tires on the 2006 only last 25,000 miles? You mentioned a pressure loss issue, but that still seems horribly low. Replaced due to age?

Congratulations on the 2nd LS! Being the owner of 2 is a fun club to be in..

I 'm a little surprised about the need for engine mounts at 78K. My 2001 has 193,000 on it and exhibits no signs of needing mounts. I did replace the trans mount at 165,000 miles, but only noticed a slight improvement. Most notably when backing up.

Share some pics when you can.

 

Being that your car is in Texas, with the heat and improper tire pressures, I'm not surprised you needed tires after 25,000 miles. I also question your car needing transmission and engine mounts as both of the items are very really replaced. FYI.....The Michelin MXM4 is the my tire of choice as I have been riding on a set of them for the last 3,000 miles. Extremely quiet, one of the best tires in the rain, and handles very well. However, I am not expecting great tread life with these tires and I'm ok with it. If I get even close to 30,000 miles here in Florida with 95% city driving I'm thrilled. Rather have a safe, great rain tire that is super quiet than saving a few dollars with another brand. I've never been disappointed with any Michelin I've had on any of my cars.

 

i Just got a set last week, but opted against the a/s 3 or the sports simply because it's not a sports car and i need higher mileage tires. I ended up with the Primacy MXM4 price matched from costco at discount tire. $916 out the door plus $70 mail in rebate.

The car had pilot MXM4's and the new primacy i got are quieter (duh) and once we had them rebalanced (shimmy at 60mph, unstable on sweepers) they were fantastic. I've got about 200 miles on them so far.

I use the sports on my M3, where i don't mind getting 15-20k out of them. Couldn't justify them for the LS with 214k on the clock.

 

Agreed, having the PSS on my 335i, I see objects stuck to the tread when parked. I don't think the LS430 can benefit as it simply does not have the chassis, and on the other hand, why sacrifice tread life when the car cannot benefit from the tire? It's like a beginner deciding they are going to purchase the best golf clubs, or the best super G ski. no benefit and makes their life more difficult...

Then again, I would like to get the Pilot Sport A/S 3+. Because those can be had through Costco, and they're probably not worth it, but just one of those why nots...

 

Yeah on the mounts....my indie showed me my car on the lift at I think 86k...he said yours are all fine (wouldn't you know the Lexus dealer said they need replacement ugh). I have already purchased the mounts plus the trans mount. I hope this isn't one of those deals like tires where they say it has a 6 yr. life, meaning I may not get them on for 4+ years...

 

I paid an independent mechanic who seemed to have done good work for me before (and who specializes in Lexuses) $165 to check out the car before I purchased it. He diagnosed the mounts as bad. The car vibrated on when driven. When I replaced the tires vibration was almost nonexistent and I have not had it aligned yet. One good thing about having a spare is I could check the engine motion when I revel it up against my other car and if my new (to me) 2004 needs mounts so does my 2006, and it does not vibrate. I suspected the inspector was wrong, but you guys helped me decide. Thanks! Not sure of a definitive way to check and I have searched the forum.

Ran tires low unintentionally and negligently. And it may not be a sports car, but I like sticky tires and sometimes drive pretty hard on the curves. Little better than new tires to improve handling.

 

Good morning everyone. Has anyone put continental tires on their LS? If so, what are your guys experience?

I bought my LS a few weeks ago and it has Ohtsu tires on it (cheap) but have about 85% on the tread. Since this car will be my daily commuter, I will run these down before putting some nice ones back on. They are okay tires, but definitely not my choice.

 

I've got 110 on my '04 ML Sports. At idle, could feel a little vibration in the shift lever and steering wheel. Did the engine and trans mounts. The old engine mounts were starting to split and the trans mount def need to be replaced. No more vibration.

 

On Michelin, Costco has a good deal right now, the typical $70 off 4, and an additional $60 if you use the Costco Citi....every little bit counts imho.

 

I just got a set (4) of the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 plus for $857 and a $70 rebate from Michelin to boot from Pep Boys here in Puyallup WA. They are so much more quiet than the two different set I got from the dealer when I bought it. Top rated tire and decent enough reviews to sway me. Had to have them rebalanced because evidently the mechanic forgot to take off the old weights or something like that. I do have 2 very good used tires to sell. 245/45 18r.