I just bought a 07 es 350 with the navi system. two things I've noticed that the map is extremely out of date and currently looking for the update disc, and there is no Bluetooth audio. I want to at least be able to use Bluetooth and have a up to date map so if any suggestions and possibilities of changing the navi system for an aftermarket display with something like android auto and apple carplay so I don't need to worry about an outdated map and can use Bluetooth, otherwise is there a way where I can add Bluetooth without using a Bluetooth to FM adapter. Any and all suggestions and tips are appreciated.

 

I use this- the aux input, charger and cables are in the center compartment and I ran the device along the side and stuck it right below the volume control

 

What are you plugging the aux out into? I don't recall a 3.5mm input available to plug into on our car stereo?

 

Aux input should be in the center armrest compartment- lift the armrest open and you should see it

I have the 2007 es350 ultra luxury package- see if your model came with it- I dunno

this is from a GS but you get the idea...

 

Thx, I think I recall seeing it now. its my wifes car, so I don't pay that close attention to it. but when I do drive it, i want bluetooth !

 

looks like they have a new one out :

 

Nice- it works really well. Clear audio during calls and music. of course you have to control music/calls through your phone but once I start a playlist, I just use the BT receiver to skip songs etc...not a big deal that I can't see the song/artist. I usually know what I'm listening to anyways

Phone calls I answer the call with my Iphone BUT I do sometimes have to hit the speaker option on the iphone where a menu populates that allows you to choose which device you want to use for the call (Iphone, speaker, BT device)

again not a big deal for me

 

If you've got that aux plug and a cigarette lighter plug inside your center console, that's the way to go - I do that in my es350 and it works perfectly. The stereo does Bluetooth phone calls natively (I have the mark Levinson, not sure if that's standard) but my stereo audio connects through the bluetooth transmitter hooked up in the console. I wish I could add native Bluetooth audio, but the Bluetooth hardware in the radio was from before audio was supported and just does phone calls.

As for maps, I've updated my 2007 a few times with ones I've found but they're expensive if you buy the official DVDs, no way around that.

 

The Grom Vline has been mentioned many times on this forum and has problems but could be worth it for you. I installed it on my '09 ES with nav and use Carplay on almost every drive. The upfront cost of the system is not cheap but I wanted a stock look and easier integration than replacing the entire stock head unit. Mini-pc is in the glovebox and wires run behind stock unit to plug in (think slightly bigger than a Raspberry Pi). As a bonus I get an extra USB port from the computer I use to power my dashcam. All things considered, having CarPlay in a 13 year old car looking stock is worth the price.


Pros:
Apple CarPlay
Good quality phone calls when using included mic
Siri commands available when using included mic (send text, change music, etc.)

Cons:
Expensive
Very buggy to justify spending full price on the unit and harness (nearly $700). I've had the unit shut down mid-drive, leaving me with no navigation, wireless CarPlay still does not work to this day (disconnects mid drive), and constant updates are released that don't help all that much. I'm finally on a stable version using wired CarPlay where the only issue is the unit won't boot up maybe one in 50 times I start the car.

Feel free to reply with any questions about install, etc. The Vline threads are active for other models but not as much the 5th gen ES due to its age I'm guessing.

 

The vline looks like it is plug and play installation. that is another pro, no wire splicing, etc.... looks pretty cool, there is a V2 out which version do you have? maybe you need a firmware upgrade??

 

I have the V2. agreed, definitely an easier install than some aftermarket units since it retains factory screen and all controls.