Is the Grom V-line CarPlay worth it?
 

So, I have a 2012 E350 with 99,000 miles.
Looking if adding a CarPlay system like the GROM V-line is worth it at $700?

Has anyone had recent experience with this unit? Not worried about install, but if the value is there? The screen itself is nice to utilize, and I still often use the GPS, but more and more, less and less.

I've been debating about it.
Spoke to my local auto electronics guy - and (for me) it will be well over $1,000 installed and all that.
I personally couldn't justify it when for free I get all the functions by running a wire from the aux port to my phone which is attached with a vent clip.
For $500 installed all-in I probably would have did it.

In you are looking into the VLine VL2 system, and interested to save $120, we plan to run the group buy order. The buying period will start January 10th. If you are interested joining the group order, please pm us your email address. We will add you to our group order list.

I have the Grom vline installed. I’ve had it about a year now. It’s great when it works. I use Waze all the time now. My podcast player, Downcast also works well.
The big problem is that every time I update my iOS the vline gets buggy and crashes often. When I clear evething and reinstall like a new install, it works again. Technical support is very helpful.

Also, it needs to start from a cold state when it’s been off overnight. The cold boot take a minute or so and doesn’t always take. After it’s started it boots rapidly, meaning it starts up quickly after a short stop at the market, for example.

One last thing, my phone call quality is terrible. It is probably the mic. The one provided by Grom seems like a cheap POS. I haven’t had luck finding a good one online. They all seem like they are the same $10 mics.

The iOS updates create the havoc from time to time, and not only in VLine CarPlay integration. OEM stereos with CarPlay experience the same. Usually rebooting / reconnecting helps. As for the microphone, check the mic positioning, make sure it is not exposed to many noises, and close enough to you. We recommend installing by the rear view mirror or driver side sun visor. Some users installed it to the cluster gauges panel.
You can also adjust the microphone gain, as shown here:

Does anyone have an ballpark on what it costs / takes to install it?

Depending on the shop, about $200-$350
If you are handy enough, you can also do the install yourself, check our YouTube channel youtube.com/gromaudio for DIY install videos.

Does the VLine VL2 in a 2010 ES350 use the OEM Mic?

no. It uses a supplied mic and mine sucked. You can also use the OEM phone system by choice if you pair your phone to the car. I did it but there was alway some confusion which one would work. I ended up using the Vline but never had very good connections.

Is there any after market radio for 2010+ that supports OEM mic? Preferably 2010-2012?

The VLine VL2 for 2010 ES350 LEX6VL2 model currently uses the aftermarket microphone. We supply the microphone with the system so you do not need to order any extra parts.
In addition, this system will soon be coming with the updated power interface cable that will have the factory microphone integration plug. We anticipate this switch in about two-three weeks. You can check the product page for more information:

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex6.html

In addition, for the microphone to work well in your vehicle with the GROM VLine VL2 system, we recommend adjusting the microphone gain. This setting is available in the VLine settings. Here is the how-to video:

For the microphone to work well in your vehicle with the GROM VLine VL2 system, we recommend adjusting the microphone gain. This setting is available in the VLine settings. Here is the how-to video:
We recommend setting the microphone gain to 65 for the aftermarket microphone setup. You can adjust it manually as well, and you can also experiment with the microphone gain for your liking.

The other thing is to ensure the microphone is positioned away from noise and close to the driver as much as possible. We recommend placing it near the rear-view mirror and directing it to the driver.

It will be an additional accessory I assume?

No, it will be updated MCFLEX6 power interface cable that will have the mic plug for the factory microphone retention.

Alright I will be on the look out for it thanks