RFeldes

I hate to say it but the LS is a different breed...I've driven ES loaners and it is more like a Camry than an LS. An LS with 20-30k miles is the way to go..IMHO..better yet, go drive them both and you will see what I mean. ;)

That fan will not cut on until the condensor get's really hot. Normal.

With you Steve on that one...The Mercedes is still the Flagship and pinnacle. I love my 430 but the s550 is a standard that Lexus has a ways to go to topple. Reliability is still the question.

Okay Guys, my finaly analysis on the S550 compared to my 02 LS430. The 550 has gone back to Forida for a while. 1000 miles in 13 hours. DRIVING FOOL..lol.. As you could tell, I was impressed with the 550. Just took a spin in the 430 and will tell you, for the money, a fine machine. Hence, the money, the S550 is probably the the height of auto engineering inside and out. Keep in mind 5k miles versus 72k miles and 5 years. If I was to buy today and had an extra $25k I would choose the 550. Don't know the 460 and have never driven one, but have seated myself in one. Not at all more impressive than a S550. The finest auto I have ever driven, and I have been in a few. The 430 is like a comfort zone and "reliable". $25k difference, If you have the bucks then a S550...We will wait and see the reliability of the 550 versus the 460 but as of now, for the bang for the buck step up to a 430...from your 400's, you will "not" be disappointed. I hoped I have served you well and will keep you posted on both cars.

Did the airbags deploy? Hope you 2 are okay.

"Roundhouse Fisticuffs"

MEOWWWWW!!!!!

Some pics of the S550.

Actually, my friend bought the S550 with two options. Standard is a heated leather steering wheel and he opted for the leather/ wood, not heated..since he lives in florida. He also opted for the rear seat and back window sunshades. MSRP $89k. Not bad. Has everything else as standard that I have except parktronic and no heated rear seats. Been in NOLA and trying to hook up with Blake so he can give his opinion. I know he will like the headroom and seats. LOL...Maybe.

Blake, you are certainly invited to seat yourself in a S550 and we can take notes..Let me know and we will hook up my friend. I think you will be impressed. Still Love the Lexus as it took us back and forth to New Orleans yesterday..no problems...front and rear radar sensor/jammer ..2 hours home in the Lexus...lol... You will like the Merc. though , If you are looking for lots of room and lots of toys.

Thank You....You Too!!! ;)

Sorry Den I'll opt out....I was wrong.

The "Command" seems to be very straightforward and simpler than the idrive nightmare. No night vision and no heated rear seats as in the LS. I believe it to be a rear passenger option although there are rear popdown vanities.The suspension feels more subtle and has an uncanny ability to handle a rough section of road over the older LS. I have not driven the car in sport mode. He did have a pull to the right problem caused by a brake piston malfunction which was taken care of. Call in number three on a car with less than 3,000 miles. The steering is looser than the LS, which I find interesting. The ride, set to comfort, appears smoother than the LS but no quieter. The seats and headroom are defintely more comfortable as the LS has never adjusted for bigger framed people and I find that hard to fathom for a Luxo auto, as Lexus needs to take a serious look at their accomodations for us larger framed guys. There are a million buttons on this Mercedes and all programmable by the owner as opposed to Lexus where you have to "take it in" for the Dealer to alter. Keep in mind I have an 02 and do not know how that has changed. Another interesting point is that the Mercedes "hides" their buttons in places all over the cabin as to be inconspicuos but Lexus seems to put them in your face more as a show whereas Mercedes is more subtle. At night the Mercedes shines. Really cool lighting and then you see all the buttons. Dash, what can I say...Very cool!!! 02 Lexus is gaudy and one of my biggest complaints..whereas the Mercedes is low key but elegant and easier on the eyes. There it is so far guys...It's been taken back 3 times for minor problems and my LS only goes in for maintenance..overall, the Mercedes is more refined and has that "Class" and the Lexus is a safe bet for reliability. Will keep you posted.

Observation number 1...The heated seats on the Mercedes are "Toasty Warm" unlike the 430 which take a while to heat up to "Kinda Warm". No big deal, but it has been butt warm here, in other words cold for us. Not to you guys up north "butt" , play on words..LOL worth mentioning. The night visuals are outstanding and the cabin lights with the ambiant airline rope lighting is impressive. The ride is comparable to the Lexus as well as the noise level. So far so good and keep in mind I am comparing an 02 Lexus to an 07 Mercedes. He has had problems with service and not due to the car but mainly mis-communication which refers to the nav system updates and headlight adjustments that have been updated. . Car feels bigger and more refined, can't explain it yet..just a feeling. Still concerened about reliability but nothing as of yet. Still feels more "grown Up". Will keep you guys posted as I go.

Steve, In all honesty it seems a "class up", if you know what I mean. Of course he paid $89K. I will be taking notes these weeks and pictures and get back to you guys.

02 LS430....Mine 03 BMW 325 Sport....Fiancee..Hurts my Bum!! The car, not Her :D 07 Mercedes S550.... On loan for a month starting tomorrow while my buddy is in Europe...Poor me!!!!

On mine, it is located in the lower glove box.....If you are referring to the cabin... If you are referring to the engine air filter it is passenger side/ front of engine compartment..square box. 4 clips.

Gunnut...You should find what you need to know here....... http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...solenoid+screen

I think this will be moved to the "General Discussions" Forum....But in reply, I listen to XM.. Blues Channel "Highway 74".

Welcome to the club, Will

Check out the whole trick..... http://www.glumbert.com/media/cyril

Update.....Ding fixed at Dent Masters...Good as new for $85.00 I feel better..LOL

I like DC's idea of a trailer and hitch on your car or the wife's...you could store it at a local storage facility where they keep motorhomes and boats...Boats? a nice Ranger Bass boat on the back of the LS. Hmmm

Not your grannies vette Blake...lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4omnXNfOjSY...ted&search= Turn your volume up!!!