Sleepyboi

iTrader: (4)

Didn't alot of the colors change? Like the GS400 was pearl white? and the new GS's are crystal white? The paint is more metallic? i might b wrong so pls correct me if i am.

Ex996

Don't get me wrong- I want volume buttons, but I have big hands and I have trouble with little buttons, unless they're on a blonde of course. Anyway, I think the BMW steering wheel is the best in the business (M Sport wheel).

girvan

Here’s a random change made earlier:

The ride height was lowered 0.7 inches between the 98 and 99 models and the drag coefficient went down too.

Of course the original 98 first release brochure could have been wrong and got cleaned up in 99.

Has anyone had a chance to check out two cars next to each other from 98 and 99?

jmecbr900

I know this is a little OT, but I want to know the diff between 99 GS400 and 2000 GS400. Any?

Threxx

Another question I have: when were side airbags added? I've read one site that said it wasn't even available until the GS430 came out, and then another that said it's been standard on the 400 since it came out in 98, but optional on the 300 starting in 98 or 99 (can't remember). Which is correct, or are either?

By the drag coefficient 'going down' do you mean numerically down, or down in performance? Numerically down would mean like from .29 to .28 and that would be a good thing. Which do you mean?

jmecbr900- The only noteworthy change I've learned of so far is the addition of a computer-controlled brake-force distribution system. Kind of like ABS, except it's working all the time instead of just during low-traction situations. Basically helps to keep the car more 'balanced' during braking, also helps to decrease pad and rotor wear and fade also from what I understand. Whereas ABS just pulsates your brakes extremely quickly when it detects a loss of traction, which no regard to where the car is headed or how it's balanced.

Lex-Tech

The transmission changed to a wide-ratio when it got the 4.3L engine, and the exhaust tips were slightly larger.

dipstick

Two things: I like the look of the 2001 steering wheel much better than the older one with e-shift. It would be nice to have e-shift, but I am ok using the gate shifter, which I do just about any time I drive. I think the alpine silver is brighter and silverer than the "goldish" millenium silver. I think the silver used on Audi and VW is the best silver. Also, the hyper silver 17" alloy wheels don't match the millenium silver paint, and it looks odd to me. Millenium silver w/chrome wheels looks better. Just my 2c.

Silver Ghozt

For me, the loss of e-shift was an abomination. I much prefer the gs 400 for that reason alone.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i believe it's all about emission

KILLERGS4

LIST FROM LEXUS!
here are some more you guys left out...
CHANGES MADE TO THE 2001 GS 430

Standard Features:

4.3-liter V8 engine with VVT-i
Revised headlamps, grille and rear combination lamps for sportier look
Meets Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) certification
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
New wheel design
Front and rear side-curtain airbags (SRS)3
Additional wood paneling
*Compass
*Water-repellent door glass
Lower rigid bar Child Restraint Seat (CRS) anchor
*Larger exposed dual exhaust
*Glass markings changed to "Lexus"
*Steering wheel with chrome LEXUS logo (nice touch)
Fuel cap tether
Two front-assist grips
Occupant-detecting front passenger airbag cutoff mechanism
Impact-detecting door-lock release system
Optional Features:

New exterior colors: Black Cherry Pearl, Mystic Sea Opalescent, Midnight Pine Pearl and Blue Onyx Pearl replace Antique Bronze Mica, Imperial Jade Mica and Spectra Blue Mica
Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System
Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio switches

Threxx

I thought the GS400 has had HIDs standard since it came out in '98, correct?

Actually now that I think of it, I've always heard they have 'xenon' lights. Is there a difference between HID and Xenon?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

they are the same. from 01 they became standard instead of option

elclassico

it is more metalic, i like it better. i have noticed the difference, both look good, but if i could id rather have a 2000 i think.

elclassico

ive seen a ride that was just that, millenium with 17 alloys. looked fine. i agree the old grey matches better, but i think those rims would look good with alot of colors. doesnt look odd at all. i thought it looked good, but it didnt match exactly. but didnt look odd????

doug_999

Could not agree more. The volume buttons and even the track up/down buttons on this steering wheel are completely useless to me. You have to move your hands to use them - if you are going to do that, why not reach for the radio. My BMW sport steering wheel was perfect.