GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

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Old 04-01-08, 02:14 PM
  #16  
L3XOTIC
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go for the GS430. Dont make the same mistake i did going with the 300 thinking of "V6" means better gas when its not a big difference.
Old 04-01-08, 02:14 PM
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KevMMA
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I went with a GS 300 over a BMW because I've heard about so many little things going wrong with BMW's. I'm very pleased with my GS, however it isnt very fast and it does feel floaty as stated earlier.
Old 04-01-08, 02:18 PM
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Vadim540i
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Well there's things going bad which are not so little, for example 540's runs very hot and you need to replace entire cooling system once every 60-70k miles, for I6's it's little bit longer, but cooling system problem is still there, guibo joint, and lots of other problems... I've been a while (also I'm member) on bimmerfest forums, and most of the threads about what's going wrong with our cars today lol.
Old 04-01-08, 02:21 PM
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L3XOTIC
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Lets clear things up about BMW's and the BS people state

I currently own a 2005 325CI as well with 40K miles. Ive had it one year(no issues)

Here is a LIST of OTHER bmw's ive had that NEVER gave me an issue

1995 BMW M3 w/88K miles
1998 BMW M3 w/125K miles
2001 540I w/72K
2003 745LI w/55K

None of those cars gave me issues. I kept each for atleast 1-2years.

i WILL say they WILL give you issues definitly after 100K unlike a Lexus/Toyota.
Old 04-01-08, 08:14 PM
  #20  
evil00017
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Originally Posted by TruPlaya26
The 430 is fast in a straight line and on the highway (I've raced and beat a 540i on the highway, not sure if it was 6-speed or not though), but it's like a boat around corners, unless you upgrade the suspension ... But i can guarantee you the 2GS beats the 540i in comfort AND reliability hands down

I second this. I beat a 540 on the freeway in my 400. I dunno if it was manual or auto though.
Old 04-01-08, 08:32 PM
  #21  
GSteg
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GS400 and 540 auto are about even. 540i 6spd is another story..
Old 04-01-08, 09:01 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Vadim540i
Hello! Right now I own 2000 BMW 540i, 6 speed sport. But I'm thinking to move to Lexus, because I had a lot of reliability issues with my current car. I need something more reliable. So my question is, Lexus gs430/300 what's difference between them(except performance), what model is more reliable, is it real that lexus gs430 is THAT boring to drive and it isolates your from road(well of course I will compare to my current 540i).

Thanks.
Welcome. I've ridden/driven/modded GSs and 540s including the 6 speed. My findings.
GS with TRD Sways handles flatter than 540, let alone if you add springs/shocks or any other handling items.
GS with L-tuned ECU or 430 ECU has no match for steering feel of the 540
Speed is evenly matched, GS is a tick faster with the automatic but its 100% a drivers race.

All are reliable. GS is more isolated, again, its the steering. GS is more floaty than a 540 at illegal speeds. GS is quieter and the interior is more techy with the optitron gauges and optional NAV.

Both lovely cars, good luck!
Old 04-01-08, 11:16 PM
  #23  
sirblinks
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Originally Posted by evil00017
AH I didnt know that.


thats weird, my car is an 02 and my system is pioneer???!?!?!?!?
Old 04-01-08, 11:41 PM
  #24  
swat1727
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Originally Posted by kenkaniff
If you want handling better than a BMW, it's possible.

"That being said, you should honestly go for the GS430."

"If you have the money, get an '03 SportDesign with the SADDLE interior. Hottest possible GS you can get."

Keep us posted! ClubLexus is a great forum and truly is one of a kind.

.
sports design only comes in gs300...
Old 04-01-08, 11:42 PM
  #25  
swat1727
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Originally Posted by L3XOTIC
go for the GS430. Dont make the same mistake i did going with the 300 thinking of "V6" means better gas when its not a big difference.
we dont have v6...
Old 04-02-08, 05:34 AM
  #26  
TruPlaya26
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Originally Posted by swat1727
we dont have v6...
To clear things up for L3XOTIC ... The GS300 comes with an I6 not V6 ...

Back on topic, the only Bimmers to date which have beat me in a race are: 335i, M3 (I think an 06), & 760Li (was expecting to get my a$$ kicked but it was fun anyways ), I've raced 540's before and never lost, on highway or street, but once again I don't know if it was auto or manual I also smoked a nice new 530i this morning on the way to work (not a big accomplishment but it was fun seeing the guy's face when his shiny new Bimmer got blasted )
Old 04-02-08, 06:56 PM
  #27  
qgoat
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Originally Posted by Vadim540i
My 540 6 speed does 0 60 in 5.5, and 1/4 mile in 14.0. I don't think lexus can do that. Well I wish gs430 had 6 speed. How much does it cost to upgrade suspension?
Have you actually clocked your car or are you going by what the mags say? The reason I ask is because there have been mags that have clocked the gs4 at 5.4 0 to 60. Its even on wikipedia!lol
Old 04-02-08, 07:39 PM
  #28  
kevs98GS4
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I blasted a 6spd at SELOC dragday not to long ago. at the time had kandn intake and tt lsd installed......but i was also over .5 quicker on every run! so it should be faster stock too!
Old 04-02-08, 08:44 PM
  #29  
LEXUS_KID
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WELCOME Vadim540i
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