Exterior differences of '00 - '05 ?

[Quinton]

Since getting our 00 LS I've noticed other LS's around town. I've seen some of them have a cutout in the rear for the dual exhaust whereas ours does not. I am assuming the cutouts are in the newer models??

What other differences are there?
I see the newer ones have what look like a better cupholder solution. If I were to buy the newer style from a salvage yard does it bolt right it AND is it a pain to do?

Any other differences?
Thanks!

 

[itsnotmydaddys]

correct the newer, i believe 03 and up, have the chrome cutout exhaust tips showing.
as far as switching out the cupholders i checked a month ago with my lm dealer and the part is interchangable from all the years. the guys said it "should" just swap out perfectly with no problem. the price was 360 thought so i decided to wait until i come across some useless money, right now im getting these 20s for 1700 so i dont have the money for the center console. let me know if u do i though im very interested,

 

[SurfjaxLS]

You can replace the cupholder, I don't think it is too hard. I just suffer with the user unfriendly 2000 console.

The cutouts are on the 2003-2005 and 2002 LSE. 2003-2005 have 2 tone tailights, and partially cleared turn signals. Also, they have only about 2/3 chrome trim (non sport) on the front and rear bumper.

 

[LennDawg]

i changed out my 2000 cupholder with a 2001 cupholder ( thats the year they started making the permanent holders and not the flip outs ) it was an easy swap, you just have to make sure the colors match with yours... you do, however, have to take off the top piece with the cupholders on it and the 2 side pieces of the center console... or you will have a gap on the side next to the E Brake where the flip out cup holders were...

 

[Quinton]

LennDawg - I'm not sure what you mean by that?

Are there any differences in the engine or cooling system etc from our 00 to 05 ?

Is the 06 suppose to look the same?
Thanks

 

[LennDawg]

theres the piece i bought, it is from a 2001 LS... now that darker top piece comes off of the whole thing, then the vent piece in the back comes off and you are left with the lighter piece.... now that lighter piece comes apart into 2 pieces, theres are screws in the middle of it you have to unscrew in order to disconnect the pieces... now if you only take the darker top piece and put it in your 2000 LS and disregard the bottom light pieces, you will be left with a little gap where i marked an arrow in the picture... not really noticeable but if you are picky about things like that, it is best to use all the pieces...

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

The 2006 LS will only be available in a V-8 sport with the LSE option appearance. Basically a LSE, they are supposedly creating a new wheel for the 2006 model year also.

 

[GrayGhost1]

Here are Engineering Changes to the 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 Lincoln LS:



07/15/99 - V8 Rear end changed to 3.31 was 3.58
07/15/99 - V6 MTX rear end changed to 3.07, was 3.31 *
07/15/99 - Autumn Red paint replaces Cordovan
Sep 99 - Base models start shipping with wood trim steering wheel.
12/15/99 - PCM Software Updated
Jan 00 - Seat heating elements revised
02/28/00 - Sport: spare tire changed to 16" full size on a steel wheel - was 17" on super silver wheel
02/28/00 - Sport Model: Sub-Woofers deleted from Alpine Audio
02/28/00 - V8 Models: Adjustable rear headrests deleted
02/28/00 - V8 Models: Rear Half-Shafts updated
02/28/00 - Front Sub-frame connectors (re-inforcements) added. f/r weight balance is now 52/48 - V6 & 53/47 - V8, was 51/49 - V6 & 52/48 - V8
02/28/00 - Rear upper shock absorber mounts changed
07/17/00 - Start of production for 2001 Model Year Lincoln LS:
------ Cup holders on console changed, larger, folding cover deleted
------ Traction control added to V6 MTX (standard)
------ Advance Track now optional on V6 MTX
------ Glow in the dark manual trunk release
------ Rear seat child seat tethers changed
------ Power point added to rear of console
------ Valet Key (switch) added
------ Compass added to electrochromic rear view mirror
------ V8 emblem added to passenger side tail light on V8 models
------ Chrome 17" 5 spoke wheels optional on Sport, Std. Premium
------ Polished 5 spoke 16" wheels now standard on Base V6 & V8 models
------ Premium Package added
------ 6 CD in dash changer now standard with Sport & Premium models
------ RESCU option is deleted
------ New paint colors: Medium Charcoal Green, Medium Cypress Green, Pearl Blue, Aqua Blue, Ceramic White (Premium model only)
------ Deleted paint colors: Dark Green Satin, Graphite Blue, Deep Wedgewood Blue, Vibrant White, Estate Green
Aug 00 - 5R55N 1st gear ratio changed to 3.22, was 3.25. This also changes 2nd to 2.42, was 2.44.
10/18/00 - PCM code updated effective
Dec 00 - Analog cell phone option (code 518) discontinued
Mar 01 - Sport & Premium spare changed to 17" mini - was 16" full size on steel wheel.
Jun 01 - PCM calibration updated - note the software is the same as the Nov 00 update, New update just corrects which models it is applicable to.
07/16/01 - Start of production for the 2002 Model Year Lincoln LS:
------ Intake air-box changed
------ V6 Exhaust system changed
------ V6 HP 220 @ 6,400 RPM, Torque 215 ft lb @ 4,800 RPM (was 210 @ 6,500 / 205 @ 4,750).
------ V8 torque is now specified as 261 ft. lb. @ 4,300 RPM (was 267)
------ 6 CDX in dash now standard on all models
------ 7 spoke 16" brushed alumium wheels replace 5 spoke (std base models)
------ 7 spoke polished 16" wheels now optional on base models
------ Full Alpine system with sub woofers standard on Sport.
------ All Season Package, heated seats & Advance Track replaces stand alone options.
------ Aspen Green paint color replaces Medium Charcoal Green
------ VCS system now optinal uses Motorola Timeport phone and requires Sprint airtime.
------ Model arrays V6 Base, V6 Convenience, V6 Sport replace package options (i.e. Sport PKg, Conven Pkg etc.)
------ Valet switch deleted
------ 132 MPH Governor added to V8 models
------ Engine oil is now 5w20 synthetic blend (was 5w30 conventional)
Sep 01 - V8: Cam chains changed to eliminate resonance (whine)
Sep 01 - 5R55N 5th gear changed to .71 (was .75) 2nd becomes 2.29 (was 2.42)
Sep 01 - RPM of 1st to 2nd gear upshift is increased
Jan 02 - Rear Half-shafts updated
Jan 02 - Silver Birch paint color replaces Silver Frost
Jan 02 - Charcoal Grey paint color replaces Midnight Grey
Jan 02 - Retainers for wire in power window mechanisms changed to metal part.
Jan 02 - LSE Model added, Black or Silver Birch colors only
Feb 02 - Vivid Red Color optional at extra cost for limited time.
Aug 02 - Vivid Red Color in no longer orderable
Jun 02 - Headlamp covers revised
07/15/02 - LS V8's start shipping with FL-218 oil filters (was FL-2008)
10/21/02 - Production start of model year 2003 Lincoln LS
------ 3.0L V6 Engine: Variable cam timing is added, new intake manifold, new exhaust manifolds. Ratings are now 232 HP @ 6750 RPM and 220 lb. ft @ 4500 RPM
------ 3.9L V8 Engine: Variable cam timing is added, new intake manifold, new 4 into 2 into 1 dual chamber exhaust manifolds, new cold air / throttle body arrangement, compression ratio is now 10.75:1 (was 10.55:1) and new fine tooth cam chains. Ratings are now 280 HP @ 6,000 RPM and 286 lb. ft. @ 4,000 RPM
------ Electronic throttle control is added
------ PCM code is extensively updated for new engines & ECT
------ Redesigned engine mounts (V6 & V8)
------ Engine fan is electric (was Hydraulic)
------ Alternator and power steering pump updated to reduce noise
------ V8 rear end ratio is now 3.58:1 (was 3.31:1)
------ Exhaust systems are updated
------ Polished straight back exhaust tips are added
------ ZF Servotronic II Steering box replaces Visteon unit
------ 5R55S (synchronous shift) transmission replaces 5R55N
------ SST now allows 1st gear starts in SST mode
------ Sport models now use aluminum rear brake calipers
------ Revised suspention tuning including larger shock absorbers and new anti-sway bars
------ Advance Track software is updated, to improve understeer control
------ Rear shock absorbers now have internal rebound springs
------ Spring rates are reduced by 10%
------ Updated hollow rear axle shafts
------ Tuned masses added inside front doors to reduce vibration resonance
------ Cabin sealing is improved by 20%
------ Front center arm rest has a sliding cover
------ Electric emergency brake assist is added
------ Front & Rear subframe mounts are updated
------ V6, 5 speed manual transmission model is no longer available
------ Electric Parking Brake replaces manual parking brake
------ Console is updated and enlarged
------ Heated and Cooled front seats ( 3 range) replace 1 range heated only seats (not available on base models).
------ Heated rear seats are now optionally available.
------ V6 base & Premium models now come with P225/55VR16 tires (was P215).
------ Automatic Windshield wipers are updated Generation II system.
------ THX Audio / DVD Navigation System now optional
------ Rear Parking Assist now optional
------ HID Headlamps now available (V8 Models only)
------ Front and Rear facias are updated
------ Fog Lamps now have round reflectors
------ Front Grille has chrome trim around the entire grille
------ Front Grille vertical blades are different in shape and color
------ Rear tail lamps are smaller and now have multi-color lenses
------ Rear licence plate trim is revised.
------ Folding rear view mirrors added to Premium Models
------ Puddle lamps added to rear view mirrors
------ Electrochromic driver's side rear view mirror added (Sport & Premium)
------ Keypad entry added to driver's side door
------ Front windows are now one touch automatic down and up
------ Power adjustable pedals added
------ Center brake light is now "high mounted" at top of rear window and uses LED's
------ Numerous interior updates include enlarged storage compartments, material upgrades.
------ Sunglass compartment added to front of headliner.
------ Dash board center stack is now Satin Nickel finish (was black).
------ Moldings below doors are now 1 piece
------ Instrument cluster graphics are changed
------ Interior grab handels now are folding with damped mechanisms.
------ Sun visors are now dual units.
------ Air Bag restraint system is now new generation Advanced driver and front passenger dual stage with occupant position, weight and seatbelt usage sensors.
------ Front & rear floormats are now 20 -oz. Shiva carpet with Maslite backing.
------ Rear seat reading lamps are now directional.
------ Base models now come with Black Laquer interior trim panels, all leather steering wheel and leather shift knob.
------ Sport models now come standard with Aluminum interior trim panels
------ Premium models now come with real American Walnut Wood interior trim panels.
------ Base model audio system now comes with single CD and audio cassette.
------ Premium models now have larger headrests which include adjustable rear headrests.
------ Glove Box CD changer is no longer available.
------ New 7 (14) spoke 17" machined wheels on Sport models
------ New 8 spoke 17" chrome wheels on Premium Sport models
------ New 11 spoke 16" painted wheels standard on V6 Premium & V8 Base
------ New 11 spoke 16" polished wheels optional on Premium model
------ New paint colors: Medium Steel Blue Metallic, Light Tundra Metallic, True Blue Metallic
------ Ceramic White paint is now optional Tri-Coat at extra cost and available on all models
------ Deleted paint colors: Medium Cypress Green , Aqua Blue, Pearl Blue, White Pearl Tri-Coat
------ New Two-Tone Interior colors: Dark Ash / Medium Ash, Espresso / Medium Light Stone, Black
------ Deleted interior colors: Light Graphite, Truffle, Light Parchment, Medium Parchment, Deep Charcoal
03/03/03 - Side Curtain front airbags now optional
03/03/03 - Aspen Green Metallic paint is discontinued
03/03/03 - Vivid Red Metallic paint is again orderable, option at extra cost.
03/03/03 - Interior wood trim option now available on V8 Sport models
07/14/03 - Scheduled date for start of production on 2004 model year Lincoln LS
------ V6 Luxury Array replaces V6 Base Array
------ V8 Ultimate Array replaces V8 Premium Sport Array
------ Heated and cooled seats are now and option on V6 Premium and V8 Sport (was std.)
------ HID headlamps are now optional on V8 Ultimate (was std.)
------ HID headlamps are now available as an option of V6 Premiuim
------ Moonroof is now an option on V6 Premuim array (was std).
------ Moisture sensitive windshield wiper function deleted from all models.
------ Rear Park Assist and Side Curtain Air bags only available bundled in "Safety and Parking Option".
------ Lincoln Soundmark label now used on Alpine & THX systems
------ Soundmark systems now have provision for Sirius satellite radio (late availability).
------ Sirius Satellite radio optional as dealer installed kit (late availability).
------ Front Grille ribs are now painted "Mediuim Platinum" was argent grey.
------ Complementary maintenance now 12 months / 12,000 miles (was 36 / 36,000)
------ Deleted Paint Colors: Ivory Parchment Tri-Coat & Light Parchment Gold Metallic
------ New Paint Colors: Cashmere Metallic tri-coat and Light French Silk Metallic
------ Deleted Interior Colors: Espresso/Medium Light Stone & Dark Ash/ Medium Ash
------ New Interior Colors: Dark Stone/Medium Light Stone and Shale/Dove

* '00 MY V6 MTX models were late availability. It is not clear if any V6 MTX models with 3.31 were actually shipped to dealer / customer orders.

 

[IL-LS]

so the new LS's dont have moisture sens wipers..? I like the feature! ( know I may be the only one)

 

[GrayGhost1]

so the new LS's dont have moisture sens wipers..? I like the feature! ( know I may be the only one)

It isn't standard like it use to be. It's an option now.

 

[01lssport]

Can you do a straight swapwith the V8 rearend in a V6 for the lower gears. I know it's not much change but every little bit helps. Just wondering if its a direct replacement.

 

[bigpappy33]

i was wondering if it is possible to fit the 03+ rear bumper with the exhaust cutouts on a 00-02 model. just wondering if it would fit. they do look good.

 

[GrayGhost1]

i was wondering if it is possible to fit the 03+ rear bumper with the exhaust cutouts on a 00-02 model. just wondering if it would fit. they do look good.

From my understanding, The rear bumper will not fit without some modification the top of the bumper where it meets the trunk. There was an LS owner on another club that put the 2004 and up LSE body kit on his 2002 LS. There was some modification his body shop did the rear bumper.

I'm not saying it won't fit. It's just not a direct swap.

 

[2001LS8Sport]

Gray...that is a WEALTH of information!! Thank you!!

If you're looking for a used LS, this should really help you decide what year will meet your needs. Thanks again Gray.

 

[mayhawboy's LS]

From my understanding, The rear bumper will not fit without some modification the top of the bumper where it meets the trunk. There was an LS owner on another club that put the 2004 and up LSE body kit on his 2002 LS. There was some modification his body shop did the rear bumper.

I'm not saying it won't fit. It's just not a direct swap.

The reason that the bumpers are not a direct swap is that nearly the entire rear end of the older vs. newer models is different. Its hard to see if you don't have two models side by side. I wanted to do the same and wondered why the newer models looked better than the older ones. Here's what i found. The tag surround is different: the tag surround of the older models is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, whereas the newer models it is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. The bumpers of the different year models reflects the differing sizes. I wondered if the trunk lids may have to be changed also (I think they are different, just from looking). What i wanted to do was change the rear lights to the newer model's and noticed that the lights (on the trunk lid) were actually smaller and were tappered different like the tag surround. As far as the cutouts for the exhaust pipes i plan on taking a dremmel or type of cut off wheel and making my own cut outs, then install straight pipes w/ chrome exhaust tips. I don't like the look of bent pipes that turn out under the rear valance. What I plan to try is to replicate the cutouts on a newer model by actually tracing the cutout onto a piece of poster board or something of the like and transferring the lines to my bumper (I have an '01 Premium). It should work if i take my time.

 

[fuzzyb]

Wow, everything I ever wanted to know
A+++

 

[Kelleyo]

so the new LS's dont have moisture sens wipers..? I like the feature! ( know I may be the only one)

My 03 has them and I like them.


Starting with the 04 and newer many decontenting efforts started like the removal of the door sill emblems.

 

[Kelleyo]

Can you do a straight swapwith the V8 rearend in a V6 for the lower gears. I know it's not much change but every little bit helps. Just wondering if its a direct replacement.

Not sure I understand. You want to put a gear set from a V8 into your V6? or the other way around? I don't think it matters. What you need to do is see if you have the 3.31's. If so you can swap in the 3.58's... It matters not whether it is a V6 or V8...

 

[natevines]

Strange how those wipers went from standard to being an option, seems like a needless regression...
Anyhow, not a big deal. I hate them. They suck at detecting moisture. My windshield could be drenched and it'll take a minute for them to get going.

 

[MDavis0424]

My understanding is they got rid of them due to customer concerns. It wasn't changed from standard to an option, very early 2004's had them, but after that they were no longer available, they're not even mentioned in the 2004 manual. I don't know if this works on the early systems, but on the 03-04 systems if you unplug the rain sensor the wipers work in regular intermittent modes.

 

[gcwimmer]

I have an early 2004(manufactured 05/03)with moisture sens wipers and are mentioned in my 2004 manual. They work great for me here in the high desert of Northern NV when we get rain on that weekend in January.

 

[MDavis0424]

In my owners manual (built July 03), the lighting section shows the wiper stalk with the auto setting, but in the wiper section the auto setting is gone and not even discussed as an option. 90% of the time they worked great, but every now and then they would take a break and let the windshield fill up with mist so that oncoming headlights left me totally blind.