Wanting to break L*xus habit!!

[barneypooch]

Hi chaps,

First post - please don't hate on me!

Okay, so I'm a three-time LS 430 owner (that's one of those big Jap limos, for those of you who can't bear the very thought). I've had one for the past thirteen years or so (first was an original LS400).

Well, I'm bored, and I want sommat a bit more stylish (ie: a coupe). So
I fancy a w251 (is that right for a CL500?). Not being a millionaire I never buy these motors new. Usually about 16k.

I'm really taken with the CL500, but reading the various forums they seem to be a heap of expensive trouble. Apart from the one time someone crashed into me, I've never spent big money on servicing any Lexus, and it troubles me that a car like the CL500, in the same price/luxury bracket, doesn't seem to be as bomb-proof . Is that true, or am I over-reacting? And if I AM over-reacting, is there a "sweet-spot" for a used CL500? eg: 2004/70k? A point where any teething problems have been sorted, and a major service won't be required for another 10k? I know people say "be prepared for the cost of ownership" but WHY, FFS? My mate drives a 17 year old Nissan and it's never gone wonky, ever.

I can see myself getting yet another LS430, but really, I would like to have just ONE different car before I fekkin die (possibly from boredom)!

Thanks in advance...

 

[d w124]

First of all:Welcome to the forum.I need to uderstand how you never spend big money to service your Lexus?I had a GS300 before and it was my first and last lexus.If you like big salons,why not look for an S class?

 

[Chris Akabusi]

I was going to say why not go for a GS, one of the new shape ones?

I too am a Lexus convert and maybe its just my model of car, but it's defiantly not as well built as my old IS200.

 

[Will]

I think that the 215 CLs are beautiful looking cars, but likewise I have heard that they are quite expensive to maintain. In a different league to your LS430 I would think.

Quite a few expensive suspension problems, electrical niggles, even some problems with bodywork issues/corrosion etc.

Your best bet IMHO would be to buy the newest/nicest/lowest mileage car you can find, perhaps as an MB approved used car with warranty. A cheaper private sale car without warranty could be an expensive excercise if/when things start to go wrong.

Now that the 215 shape is the 'old' CL design, there's bound to be some bargains about for the last of this shape car. Compared to what they cost new, they do represent superb value for money - even perhaps with running costs factored in.

Will

 

[flango]

First of all:Welcome to the forum.I need to uderstand how you never spend big money to service your Lexus?I had a GS300 before and it was my first and last lexus.If you like big salons,why not look for an S class?

My old GS 300 was absolutely bombproof, never spent anything other than routine servicing which was also comparitively cheap at my local indy, that 3 litre Toyota motor is renouned for its longetivity and durability. think ours finall went t 189,000 when SWMBO got fed up of it

 

[barneypooch]

I do like big saloons, but as I said, I fancy a coupe (a big one!).

As to the question about servicing costs on the LS - I never had anything go wrong that warranted a main dealer's attention. On my first LS I was stupid. I let a main dealer do stuff like change a bulb, at 100 quid a pop. I soon learned that was daft. Standard (ie: almost any reputable garage) brakes, tyres, oil, air - you don't need a main dealer. But when you get REAL problems, like electrics, or ABC, you do need a main dealer.
My point is that I never had an LS that needed any of that major stuff, ever. But from reading on the web I'm getting the feeling that the CL500 does (or can) have major niggles. The big question is: are those major niggles enough to put me off, or do I take a chance? It's no good saying "don't buy the car if you can't afford to run it." IMHO, any car that cost as much as a small house when new should be built to last the lifetime of the engine , with little or no need for major attention.
The bottom line is that I do really want a big coupe, with more style than my LS, but I still want that LS build quality.
Am I being unrealistic?

 

[wemorgan]

Maybe the compromise solution is to spend £1k less on the car and buy a good 3rd party warranty to give you the peace of mind you're after.

The CL is a beautiful car in my opinion, so a cracking choice

 

[glojo]

I just had a quick check regarding our bullet proof Lexus LS430's

Automotive Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles for 2004 Lexus LS 430 V8-4.3L (3UZ-FE).​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
SSC4LC JUL 04 Recall - Automatic Transmission Replacement
SSC4LB JUL 04 Recall - Fuel Pump Replacement ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
LSC4LG NOV 04 Campaign - Navigation System DVD Update
LSC4LA MAR 04 Campaign - Lexus Link(R) System Removal ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
SB0090-08 SEP 08 Body - Upper/Lower Windshield Tick Noise
SB0085-08 AUG 08 Engine - Serial Number Location
SB0083-08 AUG 08 Body/Frame - Protective Wax Coating Information
SB0048-08 JUL 08 Vehicle - Certification Label Information
SB0034-08 JUN 08 Audio System - Abnormal Steering Wheel Control Operation
SB0026-08 MAY 08 A/T, M/T - Alignment Pin Service Precaution
SB0021-08 APR 08 Engine - Cylinder Head Cover Baffle Precautions
SB0015-08 MAR 08 ABS/TCS - Zero Point Calibration Information
PG007-07 NOV 07 Vehicle - Replacement VIN Plate Information
SS006-07 AUG 07 Electrical - Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM Battery Information
SS005-07 AUG 07 Restraints - SRS Component Disposal
TC008-07 JUN 07 A/T - 'World Standard' Fluid Information
EG015-07 JUN 07 Engine Controls - Bank 1/Bank 2 O2 Sensor Identification
DL001-07 MAY 07 Differential - Gear Oil Specification Change
PG010R-00 APR 07 Interior - Initializing Driver's Head Rest/Seat Position
TC002-07 MAR 07 Drivetrain - Driveshaft Replacement Precautions
SS002-07 MAR 07 Engine Controls - Techstream(R) ECU Flash Reprogramming
EL002-07 FEB 07 Air Bag System - Repair Manual Supplement
EL015-06 DEC 06 'Smart Key' (R) - Specifications
EL014-06 DEC 06 Cell Phone - Bluetooth(R) Compatibility
PG001R-06 NOV 06 Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles
BO005R-06 SEP 06 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Key Casing Availability
PA003-03 JUL 06 Paint - 2004 Year Model OEM Paint Codes
EG012-06 MAY 06 Fuel System - Fuel Tank Difficult to Fill
NV001-06 MAY 06 Interior - Front Seat Squeaking Noise
AX001-06 MAY 06 Audio System - SIRIUS(R) Radio Antenna Separation
AU001-06 APR 06 Audio System - Quick Reference Troubleshooting Guide
TC001R-04 FEB 06 A/T, A761 - Solenoid Identification
EL011R-05 JAN 06 Cruise Control - Laser Beam Axis Adjustment Supplement
EL003R-04 DEC 05 Keyless Entry - Adding Additional Smart Key Supplement
BO009R-04 DEC 05 Restraints - Seat Belt Extender Availability/Application
SS003-05 NOV 05 Audio System - CD Player Skip Verification
BO012-05 NOV 05 Interior/SRS - Seat Cover Replacement Recommendations
PG007R-03 NOV 05 Keyless Entry - Smart Key System Function Clarification
SS005R-01 AUG 05 Antitheft - Diagnostic Tester Immobilizer Function
BO004-05 JUL 05 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blade Cleaning/Maintenance
EL010-05 JUN 05 Electrical - Multiple Systems Inop./DTC B1211/B1212
EG012R-04 JUN 05 Engine Controls - Entering VIN After PCM Replacement
EL003R-05 APR 05 Instruments - No Picture Displayed From Backup Camera
EL004-05 APR 05 Instruments - Mirrors Don't Return to Proper Positions
EG007-05 MAR 05 Cooling System - Radiator Cap Inspection Procedure
SS001-05 MAR 05 Computers/Controls - CAN Interface Module Initialization
PA001-05 JAN 05 Paint - Iron Rust Contamination Repair
TC002R-03 DEC 04 Engine Controls - ECM Memory Reset After A/T Service
BR006-04 DEC 04 Traction Control - Intermittent VSC Activation/Lamp ON
AC005-04 DEC 04 A/C - Sensor Inspection Procedures
EL006-04 DEC 04 Instruments - Multi-Display Functions are Inoperative
TC009R-03 DEC 04 A/T - New 'WS' Fluid Usage Precautions/Applications
TC006-04 DEC 04 Engine Controls - Poor Low Speed A/T Shifting
PG004-04 OCT 04 Tire Monitor System - Information/Initialization
EL005-04 OCT 04 Ignition System - Ignition Switch Difficult to Turn
CRIB141 OCT 04 Paint - Chip Resistant Coatings
BO005-04 SEP 04 Body - Water Leaks From Rear Window Area
PG003-04 JUN 04 Instruments - Tire Pressure Warning Light ON
AC003-04 JUN 04 A/C - Compressor Knocking Sound
PA001-04 APR 04 Paint - Color, Scratch Resistant & Anti-Acid Paint
EG003-04 MAR 04 Engine - Drive Belt Chirping/Squealing Noises
EG002R-04 MAR 04 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P0133/P0153 Set
BR001-04 MAR 04 Brakes/Traction Control - 'Zero Point Calibration'
ST001-04 JAN 04 Steering - Steering Column Noise
EL016-03 DEC 03 'Smart Key System' (R) - Poor Performance
BO012-03 DEC 03 Interior - Seat Belt Extender Applications/Availability
SS003R-01 SEP 03 Engine Controls - ECU Programming Error Displayed
TC006-03 AUG 03 A/T - A761E Fluid Level Checking Discontinued
PA003-03 JUL 03 Paint - Paint Colors - All ​

 

[cl55 amg]

I love my CL55, great cars to drive. As for servicing cost. Service A £140, Service B £250 (with Independent) so very competitive. As for parts i think there no more expensive than a BMW etc..

I had my front Discs/pads done recently and it cost £240 fitted.


also you can get a full warranty for around £50 a month if you want piece of mind..

 

[greekCL]

I love my CL55, great cars to drive. As for servicing cost. Service A £140, Service B £250 (with Independent) so very competitive. As for parts i think there no more expensive than a BMW etc..

I had my front Discs/pads done recently and it cost £240 fitted.


also you can get a full warranty for around £50 a month if you want piece of mind..

Can you message me the warranty people details as usually they do not cover ABC Suspension problems


Now regarding the CL .... it will not be more expensive than any other car of its category to run!

It is all about luck regarding the problems! I do like to fix the car and sort out things and make it like new...

 

[JonnyCJ]

I had a 2005 CL500 and now run a 2003 CL55 Kompressor. The 55 is so much more powerful, looks a little better and I don't regret a single second of owning either - aside from not having a 55 earlier.

Do go for a good one though, FMBSH is a must in my opinion and spend the time looking round. I spent 18 months looking for my CL55 and had a CL500 as a stop gap.

Your price range of £16k should get you a 2002 non kompressor, I was after a 2003 onwards, which is the facelifted version, with kompressor and there aren't many around for sale - hence it took me a year and a half to find one.

Prices do seem to be creeping up and the ones for sale all seem to be silver with black. I wanted black with grey or tan interior.

 

[barneypooch]

Glojo - LOL! Love it! I take the point. I think maybe that was what I was asking in ghe first place If you look hard enough there's no such thing as bomb proof. Except Nissans.

As to these warranty thingies. Being a simple soul, I'd never heard of them. So I could, perhaps, shell out an extra few bob to cover me against catastrophe? Except, erm, ABC problems - which seem to be the biggest buggaboo, as far as I've read.

I'm sure you all know I'll let my heart rule my head (don't we all) and get the CL500. Ijust don't want it to cost me an extra five grand before I get it home (and I've had that before, with a Citroen, but I was a total **** in those days, not the proud semi-**** I am today!)

 

[cl55 amg]

get a CL55 AMG, more desirable and hold there price better

 

[JonnyCJ]

get a CL55 AMG, more desirable and hold there price better

Agreed (aside from the spellign )

 

[buccal]

That car seems dogged with electrical issues glogo ?

 

[FinstP]

I just had a quick check regarding our bullet proof Lexus LS430's

Automotive Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles for 2004 Lexus LS 430 V8-4.3L (3UZ-FE).​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
SSC4LC JUL 04 Recall - Automatic Transmission Replacement
SSC4LB JUL 04 Recall - Fuel Pump Replacement ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title​

LSC4LG NOV 04 Campaign - Navigation System DVD Update
LSC4LA MAR 04 Campaign - Lexus Link(R) System Removal ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title​

SB0090-08 SEP 08 Body - Upper/Lower Windshield Tick Noise
SB0085-08 AUG 08 Engine - Serial Number Location
SB0083-08 AUG 08 Body/Frame - Protective Wax Coating Information
SB0048-08 JUL 08 Vehicle - Certification Label Information
SB0034-08 JUN 08 Audio System - Abnormal Steering Wheel Control Operation
SB0026-08 MAY 08 A/T, M/T - Alignment Pin Service Precaution
SB0021-08 APR 08 Engine - Cylinder Head Cover Baffle Precautions
SB0015-08 MAR 08 ABS/TCS - Zero Point Calibration Information
PG007-07 NOV 07 Vehicle - Replacement VIN Plate Information
SS006-07 AUG 07 Electrical - Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM Battery Information
SS005-07 AUG 07 Restraints - SRS Component Disposal
TC008-07 JUN 07 A/T - 'World Standard' Fluid Information
EG015-07 JUN 07 Engine Controls - Bank 1/Bank 2 O2 Sensor Identification
DL001-07 MAY 07 Differential - Gear Oil Specification Change
PG010R-00 APR 07 Interior - Initializing Driver's Head Rest/Seat Position
TC002-07 MAR 07 Drivetrain - Driveshaft Replacement Precautions
SS002-07 MAR 07 Engine Controls - Techstream(R) ECU Flash Reprogramming
EL002-07 FEB 07 Air Bag System - Repair Manual Supplement
EL015-06 DEC 06 'Smart Key' (R) - Specifications
EL014-06 DEC 06 Cell Phone - Bluetooth(R) Compatibility
PG001R-06 NOV 06 Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles
BO005R-06 SEP 06 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Key Casing Availability
PA003-03 JUL 06 Paint - 2004 Year Model OEM Paint Codes
EG012-06 MAY 06 Fuel System - Fuel Tank Difficult to Fill
NV001-06 MAY 06 Interior - Front Seat Squeaking Noise
AX001-06 MAY 06 Audio System - SIRIUS(R) Radio Antenna Separation
AU001-06 APR 06 Audio System - Quick Reference Troubleshooting Guide
TC001R-04 FEB 06 A/T, A761 - Solenoid Identification
EL011R-05 JAN 06 Cruise Control - Laser Beam Axis Adjustment Supplement
EL003R-04 DEC 05 Keyless Entry - Adding Additional Smart Key Supplement
BO009R-04 DEC 05 Restraints - Seat Belt Extender Availability/Application
SS003-05 NOV 05 Audio System - CD Player Skip Verification
BO012-05 NOV 05 Interior/SRS - Seat Cover Replacement Recommendations
PG007R-03 NOV 05 Keyless Entry - Smart Key System Function Clarification
SS005R-01 AUG 05 Antitheft - Diagnostic Tester Immobilizer Function
BO004-05 JUL 05 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blade Cleaning/Maintenance
EL010-05 JUN 05 Electrical - Multiple Systems Inop./DTC B1211/B1212
EG012R-04 JUN 05 Engine Controls - Entering VIN After PCM Replacement
EL003R-05 APR 05 Instruments - No Picture Displayed From Backup Camera
EL004-05 APR 05 Instruments - Mirrors Don't Return to Proper Positions
EG007-05 MAR 05 Cooling System - Radiator Cap Inspection Procedure
SS001-05 MAR 05 Computers/Controls - CAN Interface Module Initialization
PA001-05 JAN 05 Paint - Iron Rust Contamination Repair
TC002R-03 DEC 04 Engine Controls - ECM Memory Reset After A/T Service
BR006-04 DEC 04 Traction Control - Intermittent VSC Activation/Lamp ON
AC005-04 DEC 04 A/C - Sensor Inspection Procedures
EL006-04 DEC 04 Instruments - Multi-Display Functions are Inoperative
TC009R-03 DEC 04 A/T - New 'WS' Fluid Usage Precautions/Applications
TC006-04 DEC 04 Engine Controls - Poor Low Speed A/T Shifting
PG004-04 OCT 04 Tire Monitor System - Information/Initialization
EL005-04 OCT 04 Ignition System - Ignition Switch Difficult to Turn
CRIB141 OCT 04 Paint - Chip Resistant Coatings
BO005-04 SEP 04 Body - Water Leaks From Rear Window Area
PG003-04 JUN 04 Instruments - Tire Pressure Warning Light ON
AC003-04 JUN 04 A/C - Compressor Knocking Sound
PA001-04 APR 04 Paint - Color, Scratch Resistant & Anti-Acid Paint
EG003-04 MAR 04 Engine - Drive Belt Chirping/Squealing Noises
EG002R-04 MAR 04 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P0133/P0153 Set
BR001-04 MAR 04 Brakes/Traction Control - 'Zero Point Calibration'
ST001-04 JAN 04 Steering - Steering Column Noise
EL016-03 DEC 03 'Smart Key System' (R) - Poor Performance
BO012-03 DEC 03 Interior - Seat Belt Extender Applications/Availability
SS003R-01 SEP 03 Engine Controls - ECU Programming Error Displayed
TC006-03 AUG 03 A/T - A761E Fluid Level Checking Discontinued ​

PA003-03 JUL 03 Paint - Paint Colors - All ​

Why are some MB owners so sensitive and defensive? It's worse than PC vs Apple or Windows vs Unix evangelists.
Just accept that there are better built cars out there!
So that's 2 recalls from Lexus in 2004 and nothing since? That's my definition of bullet-proof for a car.
I certainly don't lose sleep over TSB's on "Serial number location", or "Protective wax coating information" etc!

 

[glojo]

Why are some MB owners so sensitive and defensive? It's worse than PC vs Apple or Windows vs Unix evangelists.
Just accept that there are better built cars out there!
So that's 2 recalls from Lexus in 2004 and nothing since? That's my definition of bullet-proof for a car.
I certainly don't lose sleep over TSB's on "Serial number location", or "Protective wax coating information" etc!

Why areyou so sensitive?

I usually post TSB'sfor Mercedes-Benz and I accept they are not perfect, all I am trying to highlight is that there is no suchthing as a 'bulletproof' car. I guess the less complicated, then the less there is to go wrong, but to me the important thing is the after sales service. If Lexus spoil their customrers then that will usually get loyalty, but please do not say I am either sensitive or defenxive without knowing me

I think Toyota top all the charts for recalls, so am I being sensitive when I say that?

I would love to own a CL55AMG and yes it would have to be the supercharged version and NOT silver or black

 

[Smiley]

I have had several MBs and Lexus (Lexi?) + toyota. The Lexus / Toyotas were very very very good for reliability; in a completely different league to MB or BMW. In all the miles and miles and years I never ever had one problem; never a single electrical fault other than a couple of new bulbs; never had a a/c re-gas. I was and still am astonished - even more so as these cars were up to 12 years and 160k miles old.
If you buy a CL500 then do it for the style but be warned even the best one will not be as reliable as your Lexus and put some money aside to pay for the repairs. Watch out for rust; once that has got a hold you're f**ked.

 

[barneypooch]

Hmmmm.

So is there some sort of consensus here that the CL55 AMG Kompressor is more reliable than the CL500? I found a few nice ones last night for 18k, one just dropped (by a dealer) from 21k to 18. All silver or black, of course, but I'm not that bovvered.

And one more question - can anybody recommend a pet mechanic in the southeast who really knows his MBs and can do a really good pre-sale check? I've always used the AA, but a MB specialist would be lovely.

 

[nullogik]

I just had a quick check regarding our bullet proof Lexus LS430's

Automotive Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles for 2004 Lexus LS 430 V8-4.3L (3UZ-FE).​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
SSC4LC JUL 04 Recall - Automatic Transmission Replacement
SSC4LB JUL 04 Recall - Fuel Pump Replacement ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
LSC4LG NOV 04 Campaign - Navigation System DVD Update
LSC4LA MAR 04 Campaign - Lexus Link(R) System Removal ​

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
SB0090-08 SEP 08 Body - Upper/Lower Windshield Tick Noise
SB0085-08 AUG 08 Engine - Serial Number Location
SB0083-08 AUG 08 Body/Frame - Protective Wax Coating Information
SB0048-08 JUL 08 Vehicle - Certification Label Information
SB0034-08 JUN 08 Audio System - Abnormal Steering Wheel Control Operation
SB0026-08 MAY 08 A/T, M/T - Alignment Pin Service Precaution
SB0021-08 APR 08 Engine - Cylinder Head Cover Baffle Precautions
SB0015-08 MAR 08 ABS/TCS - Zero Point Calibration Information
PG007-07 NOV 07 Vehicle - Replacement VIN Plate Information
SS006-07 AUG 07 Electrical - Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM Battery Information
SS005-07 AUG 07 Restraints - SRS Component Disposal
TC008-07 JUN 07 A/T - 'World Standard' Fluid Information
EG015-07 JUN 07 Engine Controls - Bank 1/Bank 2 O2 Sensor Identification
DL001-07 MAY 07 Differential - Gear Oil Specification Change
PG010R-00 APR 07 Interior - Initializing Driver's Head Rest/Seat Position
TC002-07 MAR 07 Drivetrain - Driveshaft Replacement Precautions
SS002-07 MAR 07 Engine Controls - Techstream(R) ECU Flash Reprogramming
EL002-07 FEB 07 Air Bag System - Repair Manual Supplement
EL015-06 DEC 06 'Smart Key' (R) - Specifications
EL014-06 DEC 06 Cell Phone - Bluetooth(R) Compatibility
PG001R-06 NOV 06 Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles
BO005R-06 SEP 06 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Key Casing Availability
PA003-03 JUL 06 Paint - 2004 Year Model OEM Paint Codes
EG012-06 MAY 06 Fuel System - Fuel Tank Difficult to Fill
NV001-06 MAY 06 Interior - Front Seat Squeaking Noise
AX001-06 MAY 06 Audio System - SIRIUS(R) Radio Antenna Separation
AU001-06 APR 06 Audio System - Quick Reference Troubleshooting Guide
TC001R-04 FEB 06 A/T, A761 - Solenoid Identification
EL011R-05 JAN 06 Cruise Control - Laser Beam Axis Adjustment Supplement
EL003R-04 DEC 05 Keyless Entry - Adding Additional Smart Key Supplement
BO009R-04 DEC 05 Restraints - Seat Belt Extender Availability/Application
SS003-05 NOV 05 Audio System - CD Player Skip Verification
BO012-05 NOV 05 Interior/SRS - Seat Cover Replacement Recommendations
PG007R-03 NOV 05 Keyless Entry - Smart Key System Function Clarification
SS005R-01 AUG 05 Antitheft - Diagnostic Tester Immobilizer Function
BO004-05 JUL 05 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blade Cleaning/Maintenance
EL010-05 JUN 05 Electrical - Multiple Systems Inop./DTC B1211/B1212
EG012R-04 JUN 05 Engine Controls - Entering VIN After PCM Replacement
EL003R-05 APR 05 Instruments - No Picture Displayed From Backup Camera
EL004-05 APR 05 Instruments - Mirrors Don't Return to Proper Positions
EG007-05 MAR 05 Cooling System - Radiator Cap Inspection Procedure
SS001-05 MAR 05 Computers/Controls - CAN Interface Module Initialization
PA001-05 JAN 05 Paint - Iron Rust Contamination Repair
TC002R-03 DEC 04 Engine Controls - ECM Memory Reset After A/T Service
BR006-04 DEC 04 Traction Control - Intermittent VSC Activation/Lamp ON
AC005-04 DEC 04 A/C - Sensor Inspection Procedures
EL006-04 DEC 04 Instruments - Multi-Display Functions are Inoperative
TC009R-03 DEC 04 A/T - New 'WS' Fluid Usage Precautions/Applications
TC006-04 DEC 04 Engine Controls - Poor Low Speed A/T Shifting
PG004-04 OCT 04 Tire Monitor System - Information/Initialization
EL005-04 OCT 04 Ignition System - Ignition Switch Difficult to Turn
CRIB141 OCT 04 Paint - Chip Resistant Coatings
BO005-04 SEP 04 Body - Water Leaks From Rear Window Area
PG003-04 JUN 04 Instruments - Tire Pressure Warning Light ON
AC003-04 JUN 04 A/C - Compressor Knocking Sound
PA001-04 APR 04 Paint - Color, Scratch Resistant & Anti-Acid Paint
EG003-04 MAR 04 Engine - Drive Belt Chirping/Squealing Noises
EG002R-04 MAR 04 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P0133/P0153 Set
BR001-04 MAR 04 Brakes/Traction Control - 'Zero Point Calibration'
ST001-04 JAN 04 Steering - Steering Column Noise
EL016-03 DEC 03 'Smart Key System' (R) - Poor Performance
BO012-03 DEC 03 Interior - Seat Belt Extender Applications/Availability
SS003R-01 SEP 03 Engine Controls - ECU Programming Error Displayed
TC006-03 AUG 03 A/T - A761E Fluid Level Checking Discontinued
PA003-03 JUL 03 Paint - Paint Colors - All ​

On initial appearance the list does seem shocking but since we haven't got the equivalent list for a Mercedes S Class for the same time frame we can't deduce anything from this.

For balance, could you provide a list for the Mercedes S Class for the same time frame 03 - 08?

The number of TSBs means nowt. Look at the list closely and you'll see that quite a few of the items are relatively minor, some are just providing updated information - marked as BOLD. I don't see anything on that list that would cause me major worry if I were an LS owner.