Losiho

Well, I'm from Australia, but ; - for a start, how about stuffing up the timing belt service ? I had a hose clamp loosen from the radiator, and if the hose didn't drop just as I pulled into my garage, it would've cooked the engine. This happened 24hrs after the service. - I can also add FIVE separate visits to this dealership to try and rectify and squeak in my rear suspension. I took it to another Lexus dealer and they diagnosed the fault in 2 hours. - There was a clip that wasn't clipped in properly in the boot/trunk lining. I asked them to clip it in properly at service, they wanted to charge me A$350 for a whole new boot/trunk lining ! I can also add rude (depending on the service advisor), and completely lacking in courtesy or interest for cars out of warranty. Should I name them ? Nah, no point....I sent a 1,500 word, 4 page letter / complaint to Lexus Australia, who informed me that they'll look into it. ;)

Is it the same procedure for the 1995 LS400 ?

I purchased my 1995 LS400 with 130,000km (80,800 miles) on the clock. At the 150,000km service (93,000 miles) I switched over to Mobil 1 SS 10w30. I have now done 7,000km (4,400 miles) with the oil. Oil consumption has been absolutely zero, and there are no leaks at all.

My family have owned 4 Mercs over the last 20 years. All I can say is familiarity breeds contempt. The only area where I can say the Merc is superior is the ride/handling compromise. My 95 LS400 is just a little too soft for me. But every Merc, even the V8s, are a dog to drive in city traffic. The infuriating policy of programming the transmission to start in 2nd gear makes them so slow off the line. One of the Mercs we owned was a 1988 300E. A friend has a 1997 E320 - the drive is absolutely identical. Even though the E320 is a V6, the engine sounds almost the same as well

You guys are lucky to get an ES300 loan car over there. In Oz, the Lexus courtesy service car is an IS200 auto. Great car, zippy, fantastic handling and braking, but the engine and interior are hopelessly outclassed by the LS400 ;)

Great pics

Ok, I've been found out....I'm a foreigner in a US Lexus site ! :D :P My car is a 95 Gen 2 LS400. In Australian spec, the engine puts out 204kw, or approx. 278bhp. I think US specs quoted 260bhp, but I don't know how to explain the difference in power outputs. (260bhp = approx. 190kw, which is what Lexus Australia quoted for the 1st Gen LS400) You'll notice the side indicator repeaters, and headlight washers as differences to US spec cars. The compartment in the rear armrest houses controls for the audio and rear climate control system. I am the 3rd owner, I purchased the car in 2003. It has now done 154,000km / 95,000 miles. It is in mint condition. I recently completed the 150,00km service a few months ago, and changed the timing belt, water pump and front lower ball joints. If I could get rid of an annoying squeak in the rear suspension, I'd be even more happy with the car

My father owned a 1985 380SE and a 1989 420SEL in the 1980s. As mentioned, the transmissions fail, as well as climate controls, electric windows, power steering pumps (in earlier W126s) and the self levelling rear shocks will also need replacing. Still my favourite Mercedes shape, and imo so much better than the pig ugly W140 S Class that replaced it. If you haven't checked already, this page has some good info you may find usefull : http://home.concepts.nl/~vlimmere/index2.HTM

Thanks. Any help would be appreciated.

The left rear suspension on my 95 LS ocassionally creaks and groans. It does not make a noise over potholes and sharp bumps, but it does groan when turning into driveways, curbs, braking etc. In other words, the creaks seem to come from body movement, not sharp suspension movement. I have traced the squeak to the left rear shock absorber. Because the squeak occurs right at the top of suspension travel (just fractionally below normal ride height) I am guessing that the shock shaft and/or piston is causing the squeak. Is there any sort of aerosol spray lubricant or grease I can use to spray up the shock shaft ? I've heard that you have to remove the rear seats to remove the rear shocks, so that's a last resort. Any help would be appreciated - this squeak is driving me nuts