chucknsd

HI there,

New to the forum. I am currently driving a BMW plagued with electrical issues since day one. I have had several BMW's over the years, but despite styling and performance, I am tired of going into the dealer for repairs.So it is time to depart German engineering for something less problematic.

I am currently looking at a new 2011 GS 350. I would prefer the V8, but apparently there are not readily available.

Anything I should be aware of regarding the GS350? Are folks overall happy with the reliability?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

welcome to clublexus!

yes, gs460 is custom order now mostly, very very rare car.

gs350, overall i think it's a good car. electronic wise i think it's very solid. drivetrain is also solid. small little problems like rattles and stuff here and there, but i think you will be happy with the car

drive it and see how you like it!

socal3gs

iTrader: (1)

that's what he said

HUSKERnKS

I have owned multiple years of the GS and have always had reliable performance. Agree with the comment about the rattles on the 3rd Generation GS.

jtrue28

I've got a 2011. No rattles for me, but I also didn't have any on my 2008. It has been much colder this year for much longer, so if cold weather is the culprit, I've had plenty of time to experience the rattles. I love the car. I've never owned/driven a BMW, so not knowing what you like about the BMW and what may be different in the Lexus...good or bad, I can't help you there.

You can get a 460...it's just special order only. Have you looked at the 450h?

austinGS

No rattles in my 2009 GS350. Only problem is that tires and brakes wear out too soon....cause I drive it hard!

Go test drive one as someone already said. You will like it.

*Batman*

Good decision. I'm on my first Lexus after 4 BMWs for the same reason.
My 325i at 50k miles would pull to the left for no reason and BMW techs couldn't diagnose it.
My 328ic would start to have engine overheating at 40k miles and again BMW couldn't solve it.
My 330ic at 30k miles had also sorts of phantom electrical problems ranging from car not starting, to lights going off, to some features working intermittently. And prior to that probably spent over a month in the shop if you add all the warranty claims.

Lexus are not as high tech as BMWs, but they work very well. No mechanical or electrical issues for me after 14k miles.

dunnojack

mainly small issues.

rattles. and side mirrors might malfunction.

that's about it. You don't have to worry about recalls......... yet.

designo

iTrader: (6)

You will be happier with the GS, but the brakes are gonna **** you off!

*Batman*

You can order a GS460. Shouldn't take that long. I would highly recommend it. It has the LS460 powertrain with the absolutely amazing 8-speed automatic. It also has an active variable suspension and power stabilizer which delivers handling on par with the dynamic handling package on a BMW 550i. Quite frankly you will find the stock suspension a bit soft coming from a BMW.

If you have the extra $$ and 6-8 weeks, it is well worth going for the V8. I really enjoy driving mine.

jjscsix

Zero rattles or any other problems on my 2010 with 16,000 miles on it. The only concern would be that a new one will probably be out in the next year.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

to be exact, a detuned version of the ls460 engine

OhOneWS6

I've got an 08 GS460. 45K on the clock and no rattles for me. I love the V8 and 8 spd trans. If your dealer has a pre-owned 460 to test drive it might help you decide.

tekjunkie

I have a 2010 GS350 and I hate the ride. I'm told it's partially because of the runflats. It's an ok car. There are a lot of things I like about it but I'm not so sure I'd get it again. I also came from a BMW(and MB).

OhOneWS6

When we were looking for our GS we drove several cars. My wife and I both noticed a difference in the ride of the cars with 17" VS 18" wheels. The cars with 18's felt much tighter. The cars with 17's seemed a little soft. We both much prefer the stiffer ride of the cars with 18's. I thought the difference may have been the variable suspension. I later checked and neither had this option. The only difference was the wheel size.

tekjunkie, What exactly is it you hate about the ride. Is it too soft, too firm? What wheel and tire package? Do you have the variable suspension?