rookie619

just wanna say hi to everyone on this forum...visiting from the e39 forums. I currently have a 2000 528 and am thinking about selling it for a 99-00 gs400. just have a couple of questions:
what are the common problems people have w/ the v8 model. the bimmer is a blast to drive but to maintain and repairs are expensive to say the least. plus more aftermarket products for the lexus.
what's the avg price of a 99-00 gs400 currently and also about how much should i expect to pay for a jdm explosion kit? thanks for all the help in advance.

doug_999

Your 528 (especially if it has the sports package) will easily outhandle the GS. However, as you can imagine, a GS400 will have superior straightline performance. Once you have a V8 however, you are doomed, it is almost impossible to go back. Stick with a 99-00 GS400 and you can't go wrong.

D2-AUTOSPORT

Welcome Rookie!

Although the E39 BMW falls into my top 10 best looking cars when modded, I can understand your problem.

The GS4 would be a very large jump in power for you with the obvious reliability improvement. Also GS4 maintence can be carried out by almost any competent Toyota savvy mechanic!

Most common problem areas of the GS have NOTHING to do with the drivetrain (other than the low idle annoyance)

Minor things like:
Door actuators
Headlight Condensation
etc etc

Hey man do what you think is best, and best of luck with your choice. I'm not sure of the Explosion kit price!

GS4Will

real explosion kit from japan, ~$3500/set; or you can get good quality copies for ~$4-500/set in ebay


e39 is a great handler/llook good too..but the i-6 lacks power, imho..so, if that is what you crave, the switch is a no brainer.


price: depends on condition/model yr/mileage:

~$27000-33000...from many ads i have seen..if you are looking for BLK/BLK with navi/xenon/spoiler, let me know and i will show you my 99 GS400 garaged/pampered/always parked in ding/dent free zone

bmgs400

I didn't have a BMW when I did my searching for a sedan to fit my taste. I've recently owned a 92 3000GT VR4, 02 Tundra, 96 T100. My experience with Toyota caused some bias, but what works...just works.

I like to keep thoughts simple when buying a car. I have to admit I didn't test drive a BMW, but read very good comments about steering feedback and handling...and 540i was a candidate. So how did I finally decide...it was simple...I just did it again...do a search for BMW 528s (or 540) for sale in Boston area and compare to Lexus GS400...results...for model year 97~2000 there are 70 used 528s for sale and only 14 GS400s....why?

The only logical answere...Better consumer satifaction for the GS4...PERIOD.
Heck, I'm amazed at the available performace parts...fun car this GS is.

It's winter in the great north woods, but we had a warm spell so I took the GS out for a spin new years eve...I'm still WOW'd by the impecible engineering...from the first turn of the key...the quiet yet powerful engine wakes up...Ltuned exhaust growls...steering wheel puts itself in my hands...ready to go...BYE.

jcramair1

YOU CAN DO IT!! I would say look for a clean GS with low miles and mod the hell out of it...But then again who the hell am I to say that ....

doug_999

Yea, the fact that the combination 528/540 easily outsold the single model GS400 - by way more than a 5 to 1 margin probably has nothing to do with it. Oh and ya threw in an extra year of production for the bimmers as well.

bmgs400

rookie...my 96 T100 I've had since 97 is a quadcam V6 3.4L which I've been told by various mechanics is a very good engine...it has 242,000 miles and is my daily work truck I drive 100+ miles/day...original engine and auto tranny. I'm sure my GS400 V8 quadcam 4.0L which has 106,000 miles will easily reach 300K.

gs400998

My first Lexus was a 93 LS400 and not a single problem when I traded it at 95K miles. I expect my GS4 to be as reliable as LS4. I found my 99 GS4 with navigation package and 26K miles on autotrader.com earlier this year.

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Not sure where you received your information, however from my own personal experience (AKA-OWNED ONE) , a Sport Packaged 528 will NOT EASILY outhandle a stock GS. PERIOD. This is stock vs stock. Just curious what your definition of handling is and how you based you opinion.

Hameed

I was in the exact same situation back in November 2002 when I had a 96 E320. Expensive to keep on the road (but obviously not as well handling as a 528).

Looked at the competition and narrowed it down to two choices - the BMW 540i sport package or a GS400 with some modding.

I ended up with a GS400. Why? Very simple - two main reasons,
1. I could not afford a brand new 540 (and not have to worry about reliability) and
2. Everybody and their dog had one. On my 15 minute commute to work everyday, I would see at least three or four 528/540's.

For the two reasons above - the GS400 fitted my requirements perfectly. I have sunk some money into my GS, but it now handles better than a factory sport package 540i (other than the steering feeling). It does not ever see the inside of the dealership other than for routine maintenance and looks so HOTTT to boot! What else can you ask for? The new GS maybe.......................

doug_999

I had a 540 with sports package and that doesn't handle as well as a 528 with sports package (528 is better balanced and has rack & pinion steering). Now, my 540 easily outhandled my GS430 (per me and every car magazine) so it would reason that the 528 would outhandle the GS.

3dog

iTrader: (1)

doug you should trade cars with rookie. ivan

doug_999

Ivan, you know I can't go back to a 6 cylinder!

Plus, if I did that, I couldn't sell you the parts that don't work on my car

3dog

iTrader: (1)

just kidding you. i know you can never go back. ivan