Re: 89 405 DL driving impressions

Trygve D. Oye (tryg@u.washington.edu)
Fri, 12 Jun 1998 11:08:08 -0700

I took that piece of plastic off the steering wheel housing and found it to
be full of high-density foam. I always figured that it was actually some
sort of crash protection to come between your knees and the steering
column. I'm probably wrong, but it seems plausable. I do know that the
rated protection for the driver in the 405 was rated above average and the
passenger, excellent. (courtesy of Consumer Reports).

My 405 S seats bothered me for a while, until I dedicated some serious time
to adjusting them. I don't know anything about the DL seats--I imagine they
have the same adjustments. Admittedly, it took me a while, but at 6 feet, I
am feeling pretty good when driving around. I am, however, going to try and
retrofit some power seat drives from the Mi16 into the car. That,
hopefully, will let me be able to make quick adjustments while driving,
while giving me a little lower position in the car. I don't like sitting so
high up. As far as the lower back is concerned, I'd try to play with both
the boldsters and the inner knob as well. They both effect how the other
works.

-Tryg

Steve Leung wrote:

> I registered my 89 405 DL automatic two weeks ago and put 500 miles on
> it so far. Below are some of my driving impressions compared to my
> daily driver (85 505S 5 spd XN6 wagon):
>
> After driving for 30 or more miles on the 405, I could not walk normally
> because of back aches felt. I don't have this problem with the 505
> wagon. Must be seat shape/ support and driving position related.
>
> The 405 with an automatic has better acceleration than the 505 wagon
> with a 5 speed. Surprisingly, the big 505 wagon gets better fuel
> economy than the 405, 27 mpg for the 505 vs 26 for the 405. This is
> unbelievable considering the wagon is at least a 1000 lbs heavier.
>
> The 405's ride is very twitchy compared to the wagon. You feel every
> road irregularity. The wagon, with it's long wheel base, soakes up
> every bump in stride. There is no comparison in ride comfort. The 405
> on the other hand will outhandle the wagon in the twisties.
>
> Driving the 405, my right knee is an inch from the lower plastic cover
> of the steering column. This plastic cover unfortunately is not rounded
> but has a sharp corner that lines up directly with my knee cap. I
> occasionally bump into it. In a front end collision no matter how slow,
> the knee will hit this sharp corner and it's going to hurt like hell.
> On this point alone I'm going to sell the 405. It will appear in the
> next issue of Bargain News, the local CT want ad.
>
> Steve