rcpeters

Can anyone tell me what was the first year the SC430 supported playing MP3 CD's just like regular audio CD/s?

Habious

I think the answer is "never" but, others can give their opinion.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

correct, never. only the new gen5 nav system with ML supports mp3 cd i believe (2is, 3gs, 4ls)

rcpeters

Since I posted this question, I searched autotrader and cars.com for used SC430 cars for sale which included MP3 in their descriptions. I know this is not a very definitive source, but the only two SC430 cars that came up were 2004 models. Both had ML radios and navigation. Perhaps, that is the year that started having CD players that could read MP3 CD's.

Maybe I should research reviews, test drives and factory spec sheets on-line, year by year for more reliable data on this subject.

More forum comments and input will be greatly appreciated.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

no, like i said, it NEVER plays mp3. i had an 05 sc430 and it only played cd. i wouldn't just trust autotrader, or maybe the owner put in vaistech or whatever that adds the ipod capability (to play mp3)

but the cd changer in the car with the ML system, it just doesn't play

ClaytonW

If someone would still need this information: mp3 is supported for 2010 model year only. There is also a new generation of the navigation system and bluetooth support.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

Hmm if this is true. Would putting a 2010 head unit into an older sc430 allow proper mp3 via cd-r capability?

NAmVet68

I have a 2008 SC430 with the standard ML audio system & it plays MP3 CDs and Bluetooth (phone, not audio) without any problems at all.....I never knew there was an issue with them.

If there was a change, it would have been in the 2006+ model years when they went from a Gen 2-3 NAV System to a Gen 4 NAV system, and added Bluetooth phone support.. I'm pretty sure they did a few minor updates to the ML audio system at that time.

The 2010 went to a completely new NAV with higher resolution display (Gen 6) & Audio system that supports iPod/ÚSB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming capabilities, and an available XM® satellite radio receiver (and has no Tape Deck).