Great comparison, however I noticed a small error in the specs that you show in the beginning of this showdown. You state that they both have a wheelbase of about 200 inches. Eventhough these are quite big cars with long and very long wheelbases respectively, I guess you meant that the overall length of these cars is more or less 200 inches. Their wheelbases are considerably shorter. Greetings from Amsterdam, NL

That LS will run 750k miles longer than that Beamer.

BMW: better looks, interior, overall luxury. Lexus: more reliable

We have both cars in our collection. A Platinum Edition in silver 2000 LS400 with just under 100k miles and a 2001 740i in Titansilber with 72K miles. The LS we would drive across the country without hesitation, the 740i only goes as far as AAA will come to tow it back to the estate for free. Great content and thanks for the comparo!

LS cause driving is more fun than fixing

Golden age of large luxury sedan. Everything has been going downhill since.

This lexus will still go more miles than new 7 series

BMW probably has more features, but the Lexus IS far more reliable, cheaper to maintain, and just as good looking. I’ll take the Lexus

Having owned both these cars- let me give my two cents: The BMW wins in the design department, hands down the better looking car. Similarly, the interior on the E38 is way nicer than the LS's. Driving an E38 M-Sport is also a much more engaging and fun drive than the Lexus, a great handling vehicle for a car so large. However, the Lexus wins in terms of reliability. Not even close on this one. Never one issue with the 1UZ-FE engine, and that car feels like it will stay running forever. Build quality feels pretty great for both cars. That's just my experience having owned both these cars for a couple years.

Personally, the Lexus wins for me!

In context the LS400 and 430 are arguably THE best cars ever engineered and are far more reliable than any BMW. The Lexus 1UZ-FE is a legendary engine.

I like both of them: the Lexus for its smooth, warm and simple styling, like a cashmere sweater; the BMW for its sharp edged coolness, like a Hugo Boss suit. The BMW however is the more special of the two cars - the one that you want to wash and detail; the one you look forward to driving; the one that draws admiring looks and engenders greatest pride of ownership.

7 series body with Lexus engine and mechanicals the perfect car

I bet the BMW can’t do 1,000,000 miles

I have owned similar vehicles in both BMW and Lexus. (98 750il and 2001 Ls 430) and I can say both vehicles are very nice. The 750 was more performance oriented while the Lexus was more of a isolation chamber type experience. In my personal experience however the BMW was a nightmare in terms of reliability. Propitiatory engine management on the BMW meant a trip to the dealer every time the check engine light came on (which seemed like a weekly affair) and the cost of parts was exorbitant. The Lexus, on the other hand, was 100% reliable during the 5 years I owned it. Not one single issue whatsoever. So If you ask me....Winner is Lexus!

I have owned Five older Lexus over the years, two 400's, a 2003 70 km LS430 Update and a 2003 43 km LS430 along with a SC430 and without any doubt the LS400 Update (5 speed) blows them all away. I have gone back to the LS400 because it fits me like a glove, is quiet, quick, smooth and elegant. It is stunningly reliable and unbelievably economical for a four litre V8 with almost 300 hp. My current car has almost 200 kms on it and drives like a near new car. Everything about it blows me away, the brakes are brilliant, the A/C and heating is great, the comfort is outstanding and the turning circle is like one from a small car. I have been watching the used car listings for five years to find a very low kilometre car to buy and keep forever. I've just found one with 45 kms and while it costs twice as much as others listed - I'm buying it because you just can't buy a better car for the money.

Love both of these. Wanted an E38 ever since i knew about them a decade ago. The exterior AND interior styling of the E38 is much more striking. But currently own a LS 430 myself so i have to hand it to Lexus/Toyota. I need that refined cloud-like ride for racking up all those reliable highway miles. Great video!

Whahaha no contest! The BMW is ten times more gorgeous! The Lexus is ten times more reliable and thereby probably also ten times cheaper to maintain. Pick your poison. Great vid as always. Kind regards from Amsterdam

I have a friend who owned the BMW (purchased new). He thought it was the "best" car ever made. Then the problems began. Eventually his wife refused to drive the thing fearing stranding (yet again). They never ask anymore how my '98 LS400 is doing. They know the answer. Like so many others, mine is still all original except for wear items like wiper blades and brake pads. I think the suspension comment you made refers to the air suspension models. If it ever fails, the starter is difficult to replace. IMHO, always avoid the dealers for "service". They tend to be hard on batteries and when even one cell becomes weak, all sorts of apparent electrical gremlins pop up (e.g. stability control or ABS errors or even engine management problems). Load test the battery and for diagnosis and replace it. All the "problems" disappear at once. I've been around a long time and the late LS400s and some of the LS430s are the best cars ever built anywhere. I've had experience with everything from Bentleys to Beetles. But I have not driven the Toyota Century...maybe some day.

just sold my 1996 ls 400 after owning it for 19 years. 95k miles and a great car. original sticker was $89k+,

I recently had to choose between these two for my first car but I went with the 7 series.Its been a wild ride with the power steering leaks,coolant reservoir cracking and the right rear window no longer opening but they were fixed with the help of my dad and uncle.Its been fine with the only thing left to replace is the fog lamps.If you like the attention it does get looks and is very unique to the point people at work tell me they have seen me driving around certain parts of town and the driving experience is amazing as well.

Man those E39/E38 interiors are hard to beat. I've had 2 E39s and it's very impressive how well they hold up visually and quality wise.

I'm a bmw fanboy but lexus' reliability is just impeccable. I mean there are so many of these where I live that parts are dirt cheap (used obv). But man you can beat the living hell out of these cars and these just won't die. Plus the weather here sometimes reaches up to 50°C and the car just keeps going.

Team Lexus 😎

Love this video series! I have always thought that the E38 7s are very handsome cars. Timeless style!

BMW now stands for "bring more water" because they are spontaniously catching on fire!!

I have 218k miles now on my bmw (750 e38) and never had any big problems 😅

I almost got both at different times but ended up with neither, the 7series I remember the exhaust sounding so sporty and making a U turn and it taking the turn so easily, plus it had power. The LS I really wanted, it was the polo green color and the leather still smelled new even though it was 7 years old at the time, miles was about 80k maybe lesser. I would take the Lexus hands down, it was just so quiet and had power on tap. If it wasn’t for the salesman playing around with the price I would had gotten it.

Absolutely superb review, the conclusion was perfectly weighted and spot on. Great reviews as always, as a video editor by day I appreciate the time and effort that goes into making a video for people! Don't listen to complaints or criticisms, keep it up

i prefer the lexus but maybe with another body color, this color looks like dirty and aged light grey paint but why bmw have 750 badge, reminds me people with an 116d and M stickers lol, also does turn signals works on old bmw? because i never see them in action

I'll take both. -;) one for Saturday and one for Sunday driving.

Both are two of my favorite cars to look at, few sedans can compare to these two. The LS400 in the video already has aftermarket wheels, it would look better with larger wheels with lower profile tires. That would also help with the handling feel but take away a bit of ride comfort. Not all LS400s had the Nak unit, if this car had one and an owner removed it then that's a real shame.

BMW is only worth when new, when get older get rid of it, meanwhile lexus is worth when you use it for long time, lexus never let you stranded alone on street

I'm not hating on you guys, the video is well done. But the valid comparisons might include a Jaguar or Mercedes vs the BMW. The Lexus 400 marked the end for GM and Ford, and did eat Mercede's lunch in the luxury category. The Lexus is simply in its own category, the smoothest, quietest, most comfortable, and most reliable, etc., ad nauseum. Perhaps comparing the 400 to a pro grade sewing machine or a Honda Goldwing might make for a closer competition. The others have "character and personality." If you have double the money over a 200,000 miles ownership, and if you don't mind inferior build and material quality... go for the additional "character and personality." As for me, I have or do own cars rated the top three most reliable: Lexus, Porsche, and Toyota in order from most to least! And I do own and love my most expensive to maintain 2003 BMW 330 cic, so don't hate on me too much! LOL.

Great comparison! Both cars I am interested in. I had their little brothers in the past, a 2001 540ia and a 1998 GS400. Both great cars, the BMW was the driver and the Lexus was just comfy but so reliable. Looking for a highway cruiser to take kids to sports and keep some miles off my truck. Would love to hear your thoughts on a direct comparison, 2001 Lexus LS430 against the 2001 BMW 740iL. The one on my list is a 2001-06 LS430 with the Ultra Luxury package. Seems a better comparison. The Ultra Lux package has better rear seat options more in line with the 740iL. One thing though, that long wheelbase is NICE and keeps me thinking as my kids only get bigger. Still searching!

These generations of LS, 7-Series, and W140 S-Class represent the best era in automotive design at any point in history. They are my 3 favorite sedans of all time. I do have a Car And Driver magazine from April 1998 where they tested these 3 in addition to Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ8. LS400 won first place because of the stunning quality and value. 7-Series was a close second due to performance and driving dynamics. The value gap on each has closed and they are and have been similar in price in the used car market in the US. Seems Canadians prefer the 7 Series though and I think they are more prevalent there. Be warned should you decide to buy one, you will have to set aside a fund to maintain and upkeep. Even the ultra reliable LS400 needs new parts over time. In the Washington DC metro area the LS, 7, and S are a dime a dozen including 90's era models. People will spend the money to keep them on the road and are rarely crushed unless totaled in an accident. Anyway, thanks for the side by side comparison. It is refreshing to know there are many other enthusiasts who appreciate these fine cars.

I have 280,000 miles on my 1999 LS400. I've found that The suspension parts are cheaper if you by them yourself and then price the labor out to different shops. Big O Tire wanted to charge me $1800 to replace the two lower A-Arms which come in 4 parts-two per side. I can buy all 4 for a direct replacement for $300 and get a shop to put it on for a couple hundred dollars. I've already replaced the top Arms, End Links, and had the Transmission fluid changed and filter cleaned. Next I am getting a new power steering air control valve because when I start my car a puff on white smoke comes out and the Heater control valve then I'm done. I will be putting BC Racing Coil Overs, Drilled and Slotted Rotors, Wheels, and a Vinyl Wrap.

The Lexus LS400 is the most reliable cars on earth.

If you’re commenting to complain that the Showdown isn’t fair due to the BMW being a long wheelbase, then you didn’t watch the entire episode.

Lexus hands down had a 90 and own a 97 great classic cars had 93 7 series what a headache that was

BMW = king of money pit kingdom Lexus= king of real quality

Quality wise, the BMW can't compete because it's over engineered thus requiring more maintenance.....whilst the Lexus is basic in engineering, but excels in quality due to not being over engineered! I own a 7 and 3 series. So I should now!

I'm devoted to Toyota, but if I've ever where to buy a bmw of sorts, this beautiful 7 series would be it. They are both timeless looking vehicles.

I have a 1997 LS400 Coach Edition w/ factory Coilover instead of air. It handles really well despite the “washy” feeling near center of the steering, once you get used to the car it’s very predictable and usable in a spirited manner of driving.

E38 is authority on the road !! Nothing can beat it’s stance !!

I own a 99 740i M Sport and I love it. It's such an engaging car to drive and one of the greatest automotive designs in history. There's no denying it can be an expensive car to own though. However, if you're buying one, I think you go in accepting that. I love the LS400 too though, it's a great car in every way. Simple design that looks good and unmatched reliability. It's a car that I would put far more trust in for daily driving and road trips than the BMW. All in all I think it depends what you're looking for. The E38 seems to be the more special, hot ticket car right now but I think the LS400 is catching up. It has it in all of the right departments and the history of how it started the Lexus brand is very interesting. I'd love to own one someday in addition to my E38.

so you'd buy the 7 series because you will get more attention from BMW fan boys?

I've had both cars and both were amazing. The Lexus however probably had the edge for ultimate comfort and luxury

I have a 96 740 that I have owned for 15 years. It has been fairly reliable considering it has 205000 miles on it. There is something very likable about these cars. I agree it's a good DIY choice. I am always replacing suspension parts. Some parts have worn our multiple times

What would be an acceptable mileage car to purchase for everyday use? ( I have my eye on a 2007 LS 460 with 127k Miles) Thanks and great video!

Only Lexus

Very good video without bias, and a fair comparison of both cars. That's a very refreshing take! I owned a '99 740iL with around 230K miles on it in 2011. I owned a '95 LS400 a couple of years ago for several months; it left enough of an impression on me to pick up my current daily a few months ago, a '99 LS400 with 195K. Additionally, I owned an E34 540i/6 for a few years, so I have a little more ownership experience with the M60/M62 than I do the 1UZFE. That said, I completely agree that the E38 and UCF20 have their good and bad points. For the E38, I liked the interior layout better than the LS400. However, I've noticed that the LS400's interior appears to wear better than the E38; under average care the plastics/compartments/etc tend to hold up better and there is this air of 'everything works more or less as intended'. Another plus point of the E38 is the handling; there is much less body roll while still maintaining a composed, comfortable ride. The LS400 is very 'wallowy' especially around town and on mountain roads(I live in Colorado, so I do have an excellent choice of back roads to blast on). It's a very composed car on the highway and can handle high-speed sweepers, but doesn't really present itself as something you'd want to be spirited with on the backroads. In contrast, the E38 felt like a much smaller car in the handling department and was competent enough to have a little fun in. Both the E38 and '99 LS400 feel about the same acceleration-wise; the LS400's lighter weight definitely helps here. Oddly enough the E38 got slightly better fuel economy; I was able to average 31mpg on a full highway trip while the LS400 averaged 29mpg on the same trip. I'm primarily a fan of manual transmissions and don't particularly like automatics. However the 5-speed autos on both the E38 and '99 LS400 were perfectly responsive, with a possible edge to the LS400. The 4-speed A340E in the '95 felt sluggish and unresponsive in comparison; I drove around in sport mode most of the time to get it to kick down when I wanted it to. The 5-speed A560E in the '99 is a different story. I haven't touched sport mode except for a couple of times to see if it made a difference; it does but not enough to feel like it's necessary unless I want to hoon a 3700lb luxobarge. :D Where I will break off is the ease of service and cost of repairs/maintenance. The LS400 has a few flaws as was pointed out in the video; the front suspension components do get eaten up, the timing belt/water pump replacement at 90K is costly(the indy I go to has quoted me $1200; dealer cost is about $1500), and the starter replacement is about as involved as an M60/M62 valley pan gasket job(which I've done before, real big fun there!). However, in comparison to what I handled collectively on my E34 and E38 those feel relatively minor. On the E38 I had the transmission lock up on me in 2nd gear at one point, which essentially scared me out of the car. I also had a water pump blow up on me, leaving me stranded. As I didn't really have the facilities to DIY those, shop costs were definitely up there. On my E34 I was constantly chasing down vacuum leaks and running issues after the valley pan gasket replacement job. At the end of the day it was unfortunately totaled and helped fund my weekend car('88 Celica GT-Four). The LS400 is definitely a car that you can DIY on; I won't touch the timing belt job but I handled most of the general maintenance(fluids, plugs, filters, and the VVTi OCVs that decided to take a powder) relatively easily. The OCVs are the only actual repair I've had to do to the car, and that took me maybe an hour and a half to take care of. At the end of the day the E38 is still one of those timeless classics that I'm glad I got to cross off my list of cars to own. I loved the styling and the driving experience. Playing chauffeur with the girl I was dating at the time and her friends to special events was a wonderful memory, amongst others. However, with one high-maintenance unicorn in my stable with nearly impossible to locate parts and the fact I want another late-'80s turbocharged Toyota, it's probably best that I stick with the LS400 to waft down the road in reliable comfort that will allow the ST165/MA70 combo I've wanted for years to rip my wallet apart whenever they so desire.

So unfortunate that you have only 7k... I subscribeb, and i hope you will hit 10.000 very soon

I hear you say in your original video review for the Lexus, that the sound insulation is really good. I have an e38 735i, and I'm considering trading it in for this Lexus, though I haven't driven the Lexus yet. How was this car compared to your e38 in terms of sound insulation, is it quieter or about the same ?

The LS 400 is the best most reliable luxury sedan ever put into production. A beamer is a nice car but if you like electronic issues and unreliability overall, the BMW is your car.

That BMW 7-series was hard to beat, on of the last great BMWs! but take the next gen 7-series and the Lexus wins hands down!

lexus way better

LEXUS😍💪🏻💪🏻

Not sure if Canada got them, but the Infiniti q45 was a great sporty alternative to the LS. The late 90s model was a bit of a performance dud but the original 1990 and 2002 model onwards were top class sport luxury cars. Plus the newer has a turning radius like a golf cart

BMW is reliable as hell, mine is at 250k and no leaks and no smoke whatsoever, original m62 engine and everything just regularly maintained. I have a 2000 BMW 740i

Subscribed i love this channel

Well bear in mind Lexus LS in the US is spartan compared to its C F package in Japan (Toyota Celsior). It was bundled to us taste and to sell with minimal fuss and options to be added as supposedly it came "loaded". Well not compared to other versions around the world though.

I have a 1999 Lexus GS400 and still drives great. Repairs are cheaper because you can use Toyota parts for some stuff. Paint is hurting though.

Lexus i like to. Thanks

Wait, I may have missed it, but why not the 2001 LS430? Updated design, and 4.3L engine. More comparable no?

It is really something how I saw this video. I just bought a 2006 LS 430 for my daughter to drive. She will NOT be driving my E-38.

Great detailed information my man,your a pro at this,one question though,did any of the LS400s come with heated and cooled seats???

Had a 1995 LS400 and was very impressed with it.Never had a problem with it in 136000 miles.Cheap to maintain too.

Great video

Lexus ls 🔥👑

Lexus vehicles are rock solid. My LEXUS ls430 2001 Has 276000 miles with original starter and alternator. My Lexus ls460l 2007 has 155000 miles. Another beautiful car!!!!!

Owned an e38 and I'm about to own an ls.. BMW has it in looks but I can't bare the maintenance that I'm used to so I'll try the Lexus and get back to you

That Lexus most likely will start and drive everytime on original parts for 30+ years, I probably will take BMW if I were to work on it myself or it is second car (have first car if/when this won't work and need repair)

Lexus still probably drives like new car..

I’d own both cars. They both are winners!

I appreciate the effort put into this video, but when I watch a car comparison, I want and expect to hear about the nuanced differences in the driving experience and handling. Instead, I got a detailed analysis of the domelights.

It's funny seeing the prices you posted on the 740 il. I bought mine at 140,000 miles for six hundred dollars,...and drove it from Boise to Topeka two days after I bought it.

for 99 the lexus LS400 had optional massaging and reclining rear seats. with remote audio controls BTW

Personally I would take the BMW because there a WOW factor to it compare to the Lexus that looks very conservative. The 740 is timeless 😍

A '98 LS400 has been my daily driver for 21 years....glorious years. Perhaps that starter will fail some day and, yes, I do know where it's (unfortunately) located. But it hasn't failed yet, so I'm happy.

A drag race between the Lexus and the BMW would of been nice.

I was hoping there would be an in-depth comparison about the handling/ride/performance differences

BMW stands for broke my wallet

I would prefer the bmw only because the interior doesn't look like a 99 Camry. I would choose The Lexus engine tho

I really *love* LEXUS, but the 7-series looks way better and classier than this LS gen' to be honest!

Lexus all the way

I owned a 1990 Lexus and now own a 2000 BMW 740i. For reliability get the Lexus. For fun to drive , get the BMW. If you want to have more of your $$$ for family vacations, your 401K plan or your bank acct, that darn Toyota product (Lexus) is the best bet. As I write this, I want you guys to know that my BMW is down again :-( . This time it's a major maintenance. Timing chains/ guides kit has been ordered and I'll be doing the work myself to save the labor fees. Hahaha. The jokes on me because my daily driver is a 2002 Tacoma Pre-runner 2-7L.

I actually like the pre facelift e38 more!

Interestingly I owned both of these. There is simply no comparison. The BMW is far superior. For those talking about reliability or long term life, the BMW was far less costly when I added up all maintenance and repairs. The LS had a timing belt replacement every 100k and I sold both at just over 200k miles. Today I'm approaching 200k on an Audi A8L that has also proven less costly than the Lexus. My main complaint with the LS was with regards to replacing the front suspension components at a cost of $1200 every 80k or so. That combined with the timing belt costs and it was EXPENSIVE. Also, who designs an engine with the alternator below the power steering pump and to change the starter we had to remove the intake manifold. Come on Lexus, this is ridiculous. Also, after driving the LS for 6 years the styling became really boring. My choice? The Audi A8L hands down.

If you compared 93 Lexus LS 400 versus a 2011 BMW, almost the same exact things would be said

Oh boy, those beige colors looks much better than todays colors. :D

I’m from Texas and like how the Canadian LS400s have headlight washers. How hard would it to find a rust free ls400 in Canada

Japanese cars age like fine wine while German cars age like milk with a early experation date...Lexus has a better resale value compared to a BMW because out of warranty no one wants to deal with a German car problems thats why you can get a used one so cheap even a Mercedes AMG.

Are these cars drive-by-wire? How was the throttle response in both (from the moment you push the pedal down by 1 milimeter to the moment the engine revs) - is there a delay, if so, in which car s the delay more pronounced?

99? Bmw. But back to the ls400's, and I'll take the lexus. Btw, this is a 430, isn't it?

400....Quietest....smoothest....best built.....most reliable......most enjoyable car I have ever owned.......they simply will never be anything like it again....the sound system is truly incredible too....I bought the 460 and it was a terrible drive compared to the 400.....had 400 7 years.....460 six months...enough said.

If I had to choose one, extremely low miles and near mint condition, I’d be very tempted to pick the BMW. Yet at the end of the day I’d still take the Lexus. Not quite as sexy but won’t kill you on repairs. Also I think the interior materials did wear better.

Interesting comparison. I don't like BMWs much , just don't like the look of them , never have though I am sure they are pretty solid cars . A little too complicated for my liking , but then all vehicles are getting that now. I've liked Lexuses ever since they first appeared back in 89 or 90. I love Toyotas generally . Have had several completely trouble free ones over the years (couple of vans , a Crown and a pickup). The only one thing wrong with the big Lexuses - FOR ME - is the centre console and floor mounted shifter. I HATE floor shifters in anything. If Toyota had made the big Lexuses with a clear floor in the front and a column shifter it would be perfect for me , perfect in a car this size.

I own an immaculate 2001 740i Sport with 52,000 miles on it, my old man has a 2000 Lexus LS 400 with 198,000 miles on it. Guess which costs more to maintain ?............. the Bavarian Beast! Not that my car is unreliable, far from, it’s just the LS 400 does not give trouble. It doesn’t burn a drop of oil at 10,000 mile service intervals. Handles like a boat 🚣‍♀️ tho!

i like the E38 better...