This list was compiled by a member of another forum. This will help you identify the changes made throughout the life cycle of the LS.
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.
