richardd

We are about to take delivery of our RX400h and i just occured to me that I have never seen anything about MP3 capability for the stereo system! Is it possible that this car does not have MP3 playback capability? What about with the Mark Levinson system?

If this is so I am really shocked. Even BMW has had MP3 CD playback for a couple of years

willinak

RX But whdya expect for $50k

BMW

Crazy, isn't it.

JZA80MHU38

Yes, I feel disappointed that the RX400h, being marketed as a "high tech" vehicle, doesn't come with a MP3-compatible CD player.

But think about it. Yes, there are quite a few of us on this board complaining about the lack of such functionality, but we have to understand that, the target demographic of Lexus, in general, are in their late 40s or early 50s who really don't care about MP3s -- and I bet most of these drivers/owners probably don't even know how to download a song or burn a CD. It makes life so much easier for the sales rep (less things to explain during new car go through), the dealer (one less option to take care of, one fewer mistake to be happened), and the production line and purchasing dept (all US export RX400h will only have one CD player, only one part number to deal with). All these end up with higher profit, lower cost, better service (or less chance to give worse service because the process is simpler).

I think for every mass-production auto manufacturer the goal is to make as many customer happy as possible. Lexus does the job well. Look at MB and BMW, yes you can better "customized" your vehicle, with that added "personalization touch", but look at their level of service and also the product reliability.

spwolf

probably 2007 MY will have it (all new Toyota's are getting it). Since you have 6 cd in dash changer, it is not an huge deal - IMHO.

JZA80MHU38

I would rather have a IPod connector or a SD/MemoryStick drive. Hate burning CDs

willinak

Oh, no........does that mean if you are 59, as I am, I can't rip my own CD's (using EAC for more precise digital rendering) and play Jethro Tull, Aqualung Live @ 98 db whilst cruising in my wifes RX?
Gawd, I'm glad I drive an old '03 M3 SMG w/ my iPod feeding direct into the head unit.

Well, enough already. I still think it is a travesty that there in not a AUX-IN plug, and SAT ready on a technological marvel such as the 400h. Just my $.02

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JZA80MHU38

Willnak, I think you describe it the best. The scenario is, there are people out there, like us, who would like to have MP3 playback capabilities in our cars' stereo system, but we are the "minority" among Lexus's focus group/target customers. Does your wife really care if HER RX400h really plays MP3? I bet the case is, like my wife, who's the primary driver of our RX400h, doesn't really care if the machine plays in what media as long as she deliver the order, and the husband (in this case, me, or us if you have the same experience) burned the CD with the songs she wants, and get it delivered to her, and whenever she switched on that "machine", she gets the music she wants.

I have a MP3 headunit installed in my 97 BPU daily-driven 6-sp Supra TT back in 2002, now all I listen during my commute is AM610.

LexFather

The brand new 2006 GS doesn't have I-pod either, the IS 250/350 (younger market) has both though.

SGT

Yeah, big oversight.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The IS250/350 doesn't really have an iPod jack either but it does have MP3. It does have a 1/8" AUX audio phono jack to accept any audio input via the phono jack. I do have to say putting an aftermarket system in the non navigation RX330 system wasn't that hard but it was a PITA to do. Now I can play almost anything want from DVDs to MP3's and even use an iPod interface if I wanted to, but if all that came from the factory like the new IS350 Navigation/ML system it would have been so much easier

M3 Bob

Which aftermarket system did you put in?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Here is a link to a post when I first started working on it. Since then I added the Alpine 6 disk DVD changer, lowered the car with Eibachs, and painted the roof hatch spoiler and lower bumper trims body color.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=169913

RX400fan

I am a 59 year old female who owns an iPod and almost didn't buy the RX400 because it lacked an integrated connection to the audio system. I am glad I did buy it because I love the car, but I would really like to find a way to hook up the iPod.

Which systems have people used successfully? I have read about ICE-Link, iCruze, and vaistech.

RXR

just use a cassette adapter

takeshi74

Given that the last response prior to yours was about 10 years ago I think they found their solutions a long time ago.

No one option is a best it for everyone. I wouldn't use a cassette adapter but sound quality is a priority for me. YMMV.