Hey CL community.

I've recently taken ownership of a 2011 ES350. Car is in great shape, and it's meant as a daily to drive for another year or two.

The only thing I'm missing on the ES compared to newer cars is a decent head unit. The current audio is very basic compared to modern standards (no Nav version). I've been out of the audio game for a long time, but I still enjoy nice things

Anyone have any recommendations which fit the following criteria?

• Supports steering wheel controls
• Good quality phone audio
• Supports bluetooth. (nav and android auto are plusses, but not musts)
• Integrates cleanly into the current dash. Either with a 2-din kit or something that comes with full plastics
• Max budget: about 300-500 (since I'm not planning on keeping the car too long)
• Plan to self-install

Thanks in advance!

 

I upgraded a 2008 non-NAV back in 2015. This info might be a bit dated but it still works for me. Most of the pictures in the thread no longer work.

Audio upgrade.

I have been satisfied with Pioneer and have been eyeing this sucker for my other car. It’s currently $300 ($240 open box) with free install although I see you plan on DIY.

Pioneer DMH-1770NEX

You’ll need this dash kit.

Metra 99-8162G

Plus this harness to retain your steering wheel controls.

AXXESS AXSWC

You might also need a harness. Pretty sure I put one of these in too.

Metra 70-8114

If you want wireless CarPlay, look into this which is currently on sale for $70 and referenced in post #38 of my thread above. I see you seem to need android audio though so you might look for such a converter or a different head unit with built in wireless android audio.



Hope that helps and good luck!

 

2 volt preamp output disqualifies that unit IMO. It's nice otherwise.

 

I must have skipped over the part saying you only intend on driving it for a year or two. In that case I would go for a much cheaper head unit like this.


Otherwise I'd skip the install and go for something like this which should pretty much accomplish all you desire plus you get to take it with you when you sell the vehicle.

 

4 volt preamp output head unit:

Pioneer DMH-2660NEX

 

Complement codejd's view:

Carlinkit 3.0 only support Apple CarPlay for iPhones.

While 4.0 supports both Apple CarPlay for iPhones and Android Auto system for Android mobiles.