Before I get murdered on this post, I DID do a search first to no avail. My question is this: How can I tell if I have a true "sport version" versus having a "luxury version" with the sport wheel upgrade? I do not have the badges on my fenders. I bought my car last year and within 4-5 months, I replaced the aging shocks due to one going bad at 125k miles. I had all 4 replaced with OEM parts for a "sport" version and it rides superbly. However, my best friend bought an '04 with the sport package, with identifying badges on the front fenders, and his car seems to sit a bit lower than mine when parked. Could it just be my fairly new shocks (now with almost 10k miles on them) or his "well-worn" shocks with about 75k miles on them?

 

It is my understanding that if the car was equipped with the sport package it had a lower ride height and stiffer shocks. I've also read they have larger sway bars and stiffer bushings, but I dont know how true that is.


I think the way it works is no badge, no sport package.

 

Verify via the vin number through a dealer.

 

Or contact mylexus.com, create an account for your VIN, and then ask for a printout of your cars equipment list.

 

Where do you find that option on the mylexus site??

 

Select "Contact Us" , select email, and send an email requesting the info.

 

This is the list of Sport Option features for the 2005 LS430:

SP ($220) Sport Package (N/A with CL or UL) 2006 = $800 MSRP
+ Euro-tuned Sport Suspension
Springs
Shocks
Front lower control arm bushings
Rear sway bar bushings
Rear sway bar - 1 mm thicker
+ 18” polished-finish alloy wheels with P245/45R18 tires

SX ($1920) Sport Package with Chrome Wheels (N/A with CL or UL) 2006 = $2500 MSRP
Includes: SP Euro-tuned Sport Suspension
+ 18” Chrome Wheels

Interestingly, it does not include the Sport badge, but I don't think that any were manufactured without it.

 

Mine is a true sport package without the badge. Definitely sits a bit lower than a comparable year LS430 with the air suspension. Not sure if the badge was removed by previous owner, but there seems to be no trace of it at all.

 

Regarding the sway bars, the sports rear is the best. I have already replaced mine and the improvement is noteworthy. Looks like we all share the same front bar but the sport bushings are more firm. I may replace my front bushings soon.

 

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure all "sport" model come with the fender badge. But at this age, who knows if the badge was removed at some point.

There is no documentation to it, but I do notice the sport model usually sit a little lower, and they do have different OEM springs. But then I also seen non sport model that sit low.

The ride height is determine by the spring alone, the age of the shock have nothing to do with it.

BMWboy, from what you described, your car is not a sport. Which is a good thing actually, I found the sport's A-arm bushings making the ride harsher with no real handling benefit.

I converted my entire UL's suspension to the OEM sport suspension without the bushings, it feels absolutely perfect

 

I marvel at the LS for what it was in 2001-2006 every day I drive it. Unless ya need a ultra calm ride I found the badged model to be an upgrade all around with a little better handling. I am sure eevry LS rides different to a degree.

 

Correction never drove an Ultra just premium and ML

 

I still marvel at it today, I still haven't driven a car that drive better. Mine you I have driven everything except the new Phantom and Mulsanne.

 

Sport models before the facelift will have identifying fender badges