zorax2

Hey - thanks for the confirmation! So do you think (or have any basis to believe) that they will continue to publish updates for the hard drive based systems? I'll bet part of the reason they will go back to hard drives is that they can minimize or eliminate copying of the DVDs. Additionally, they can control the number of hard drives by requiring the cores be returned. I'm also guessing that the hard drive can access the data much faster than the DVD based systems.

I just got the navigation update for my '99 LS 400. I installed the hard drive and when I checked the map info the software reported the data as July 2004. The Lexus part number is PT219-F5CPX-01 2005 Lexus Hard Drive Navigation System Update . I asked the parts manager and he said this was the latest update according to his computer. I paid $260 for the update and installed it myself as it took less than 10 minutes. Can anyone confirm that this is the latest map information? Is anyone aware whether Lexus or Denso will be updating the hard drive in the future? It would seem like they might as they required me to return the old hard drive as part of the exchange.

Well - I just got back from the Lexus dealer for a replacement headlight lens assembly. Lo and behold, the new assembly (about $385) includes the leveler assembly which is normally a $125 part by itself. I found that out after I asked for my old headlamp back and saw the original leveler still on it. Perhaps it's not possible to easily remove and reinstall the leveler which is why you are having problems? Is there anyone that has had luck disassembling the HID light assembly on the 99 - 00 LS400s?

If I understand correctly, the end of the control arm must then end with a "C" type clamp fitting that attaches to a circular fitting in the housing. Are you absolutely certain this is how it works? I would guess you're right, but I'd hate to pull hard and break the inside pieces to bits. The other problem, as you mentioned, is how do you get the piece to snap back in once you've polished or replaced the lens?

I removed both light covers with no problem (parts #8 and #9) in the linked schematic. HID Schematic I could twist the leveler (part 12) out of its socket but could not get the arm of the leveler to disconnect from the lamp assembly.

I’ve searched through the forums and haven’t found instructions as to how to remove the leveler (motorized thing that tilts the HID bulb within the lamp assembly). I was able to remove my headlamp while unfortunately damaging the turn signal next to it. The turn signal is a real tough one to get out but must be removed to get access to the headlight. Once the headlamp was out, I had no trouble removing the bulbs. However, I was stumped by two things. How you remove the leveler? It appears to be permanently fastened to the interior assembly. Secondly, how do you get the wires to the HID light out of the assembly? I had no problem with the “brains” but couldn’t figure out how to get the wiring harness out of the headlamp assembly. I called the local Lexus dealership and none of the technicians had ever changed out a headlamp lens assembly. Apparently, they usually replace the whole assembly at roughly $1,200 instead of simply replacing the housing for around $400. My hope is to get this figured out so that I can try to remove what appears to be condensation etchings inside the housing. Thanks in advance for your help!

Having just purchased a used '99 LS 400 with these issues, remember to check the condition of the headlamps for condensaton (expensive or time consuming to repair) and the condition of the hoods struts (about $75 - $125 each for OEM struts).

Great information! I'm trying to follow the same logic you did. Other than some mechanical issues - the Power Steering is in my mind the only critical issue, my car looks fabulous inside and out. Paint and interior are very nice, I've got full records and have owned the car since 40K miles. I listed the vehicle today in the local paper which included a listing on Cars.com for $3,495 or best offer. My thought is that it is better for someone to buy my extremely clean vehicle knowing the repairs up front as compared to spending $5K to $8K for a similar vehicle and having to spend for the same repairs on those vehicles. Hopefully it's priced reasonably. If not, I'll be making some adjustments. Thanks for the advice! It'll be interesting to see how this goes.

No - I'm going to try to sell the car "as-is" and complete.

Does anyone know of a good independent Lexus repair shop in the Twin Cities? If so, what was your experience? How were the prices? I live in the northern suburbs and it seems that the import specialists I"ve called all seem to want to use parts they've purchased from Lexus - so no savings there. Second, most of them have labor rates close to that of Lexus so there isn't enough savings to make it worthwhile to go to them. Now, if I could buy OEM parts online at a discount and supply them to an independent with a reasonable hourly rate that truly knows Lexus vehicles - that would be a winner! Any suggestions? Oh - I just got a '99 LS400 with 75K and will be selling a '91 LS400 with 175K.

Nope that wasn't me. Wow! It's hard to believe someone would pay $4-5K knowing the PS Pump and A/C need repair. The KBB lists the Private Party value as $4,910 exc, $4415 good and $3795 fair condition. However, by their definition, my LS is not in fair condition due to the mechanical work needed. My car does have the heated seats and Nakamichi. This one is paid for but I did pull the trigger on a clean 99 LS400 with 75K, navigation, heated seats, etc. My wife is thrilled with it. So I've definitely got to sell the '91. So do all of you believe it's reasonable to ask (and expect to get) $4K for it with the list of items I've given?

Within the next couple of weeks, I plan on purchasing a newer Lexus – most likely a ’98 to ’00 model. This is in part driven by the fact that my wife thinks that will be a better choice than continuing to maintain the ’91 to a high standard. I bought the ’91 in 1994 as a CPO vehicle and have had nearly all the service done at the Lexus dealership. I’ve got a set of Michelin MXV4 Plus tires with a lot of wear left in them. Cosmetically the car looks great with glossy paint and a very nice interior including heated seats and the Nakamichi. I’ve already replaced the A/C head. I replaced the lower ball joints and also had new spark plug wires and other electrical components replaced at the dealer. In general, I’ve done everything right with maintenance without deferring anything. The car runs as quiet as ever and remains a pleasure to drive even with 170K miles on it. I still love this car as much as ever in many ways. Nevertheless, the usual maintenance issues are starting to appear in spite of me giving the car meticulous care: 1. PS Pump is beginning to leak. Dealer quotes about $1850 to replace pump and high pressure hose. I’m guessing this could be done at an independent for less than $900. 2. There is apparently some buildup on the rear air suspension struts. I haven’t had any sagging or other problems yet so this could probably be left go for a while. Options include dealer w/ OEM parts for about $1,850, independent with reman struts at $495 each plus labor or a coil-over conversion. 3. The A/C Compressor and receiver/dryer need to be replaced. Unfortunately, I had an import shop “repair” my A/C system rather than Lexus. I think I ended up being a guinea pig as the shop replaced virtually everything else in the A/C system to the tune of nearly $3,000 over multiple visits and I still ended up with no A/C – lesson learned! 4. When having the vehicle inspected for potential repairs, the dealership commented that the rear main oil seal may need replacing at a cost of $970. I’ve never noticed any oil consumption so I imagine this could be deferred for a long time. 5. The antenna mast sticks about 3” out. The motor is still good but I think a new mast is about $60. 6. The front brakes will need replacing soon – dealer estimate of $320. 7. The timing belt and water pump is normally replaced at 180K. Given this is a non-interference engine, this could also possibly wait. As you can see, it seems to make no financial sense to my wife to continue to maintain this car at the Lexus dealership. If I could swing a wrench or find a way to do the maintenance inexpensively, the story might be different. So – what is a car like this worth? What should I ask for and more importantly what should I accept for it? I think it would be an awesome car for a student that would last a long time simply by replacing the PS pump and driving the car ‘til it can’t go any longer. The car might also be a great car for someone with mechanical aptitude. And, shudder to think it – but parting out the car might be valuable (though I’m not willing to do that myself). Also, where is the best place to try to sell this – the local paper, Cars.com, AutoTrader.com, eBay? Thanks in advance for your advice!