cpr_carpenter

I'm liked to get a GS400, but was wondering, all things being equal, which year should I get? 98,99 or 2000. What options should I stay away from? How reliable is the touch navigatin system? Price range for a 2000 seem to be around $22-24K. TIA, cpr_carpenter

The Mercedes Forum swears by Leatherique. I have no personally used it so I cannont comment. I have seen some pics MB owners have posted before and after. Quite amazing. Here is the MB moderators comments on it: http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.js...ol_1_Num_122%2F

however should you have problems it is common practice to simply convert the suspension over to a standard spring system....it's half the cost and just as easy for the tech to do. hey...just so you know if you get the nav system it's 600 bucks every time you want to update it, cause that nav system works off of a hard drive rather than a dvd. Lextech2k3, thx for info, I'll keep it in mind!

Wow! I was gone for the weekend. Thanks for everyone's response. SW03ES, I appreciate the the detailed difference between the GenII & GenIII. One thing not mentioned is the air suspension. I guess you have to watch out for this on any model? Also thanks all for letting me know that LS400 isn't that difficult to work on. I was looking on autotrader(online) in Jacksonville, FL in a 200 mile radius. '98 seem to go for lower to mid 20's, while the 99's seem to go for mid to upper 20's. Somewhat higher than what you mentioned SW03ES. Does that sound about right? Any other suggestions to find cars? Ebay? (I've never used ebay, seems scary to buy a car over internet.) Thank again to all!

I currently own a MB 300E '92. Though it's a nice riding, solid car. It doesn't have the reliability of a Toyata. My standard has been my wife's Toyo Corrolla (built in Japan) wagan 240K miles with original clutch. I have a few questions 1 Where are LS manufactured? Japan? If in other countries, what years did they start building them in other countries. 2 From the post I've read, it looks like there is a model change in 98. Is there that much difference that I should lean to one over the other? 3. I consider myself an intermediate DIY mechanic. How difficult/easy is it to work on this vehicle? ( I know having the 3 volume Manuel is a must). Is this vehicle OE, over engineered (OE>Not better just more complicated. MB tends to OE). What I gotten from reading many of the Posts, is that LS400 is a wonder, reliable vehicle. Have to keep away from air suspension and make sure the 90K service has been done. BTW, I went to the pinned post by Matthew_McNally, on FAQs, but there is nothing there. Am I looking in the wrong place? Thanks in advance for any and all replies.