Bluetooth upgrade?
Bluetooth upgrade?
I'm looking at a new IS250 - base model for the Southeastern region - 18" wheels and HIDs. The only way to get bluetooth functionality is to buy the NAV system and the only way to get that in the Southeast is with ML and Luxury package - which jacks up the price into IS350 territory.
The salesman at the dealership says no bluetooth available but I wondered if there's an aftermarket system that will intergrate with the Lexus handsfree system?
The salesman at the dealership says no bluetooth available but I wondered if there's an aftermarket system that will intergrate with the Lexus handsfree system?
If you just want BT handfree calling without paying the insane lexus Nav price you can just buy a nice $300-400 garmin GPS unit. You'll not only get -more- nav features than OEM, you also get bluetooth handfree calling, and for a couple grand less.
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 2
From: Candyland
If you just want BT handfree calling without paying the insane lexus Nav price you can just buy a nice $300-400 garmin GPS unit. You'll not only get -more- nav features than OEM, you also get bluetooth handfree calling, and for a couple grand less.
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
You beat me to it!!! yes, this is the best method. The Garmin is nice and loud enough to both receive and project your voice. Prices have really come down on these units as well.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
If you just want BT handfree calling without paying the insane lexus Nav price you can just buy a nice $300-400 garmin GPS unit. You'll not only get -more- nav features than OEM, you also get bluetooth handfree calling, and for a couple grand less.
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
(but if you do decide you want to special order in NC, lemme know, I can give you the name of the guy I got a great deal on my special order 350 from in Durham)
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Driver
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: FL
get aftermarket bluetooth kit...
I did it for my old IS250(non-nav)
I bought...
CK3100(Parrot)
plug and play harness
KUDA mount for IS250(about $60)
Lexus OEM Nav Mic(about $150)
Lexus OEM Front Center Speaker(about $200)
this is kinda expensive but I did it and looked so good =)
PM me if you want to know more about this setup and where to get it..
i am not in front of my computer, so i don't have my saved links to products..-_-
i have OEM nav in my new IS250
but it was good to use aftermarket setup too.
I did it for my old IS250(non-nav)
I bought...
CK3100(Parrot)
plug and play harness
KUDA mount for IS250(about $60)
Lexus OEM Nav Mic(about $150)
Lexus OEM Front Center Speaker(about $200)
this is kinda expensive but I did it and looked so good =)
PM me if you want to know more about this setup and where to get it..
i am not in front of my computer, so i don't have my saved links to products..-_-
i have OEM nav in my new IS250
but it was good to use aftermarket setup too.
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Driver
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 168
Likes: 2
From: CA
I have the Garmin 680 in mine. By putting it in the front cupholder, the power cord is almost completely hidden - just sneaks out of the center console. And, I can stash it away in seconds when parking in an "iffy" neighborhood. Price < $500.
But, if a GPS w/BT doesn't float your boat, you can try the BlueAnt Supertooth. My wife has this in her Accord and loves it. It clips on your visor and the battery stays charged for what seems like forever. Price <$100 (Amazon).
You can get aftermarket built-ins as well. But those generally require professional installation and are much more invasive. Price = YMMV.
But, if a GPS w/BT doesn't float your boat, you can try the BlueAnt Supertooth. My wife has this in her Accord and loves it. It clips on your visor and the battery stays charged for what seems like forever. Price <$100 (Amazon).
You can get aftermarket built-ins as well. But those generally require professional installation and are much more invasive. Price = YMMV.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 2
From: Candyland
get aftermarket bluetooth kit...
I did it for my old IS250(non-nav)
I bought...
CK3100(Parrot)
plug and play harness
KUDA mount for IS250(about $60)
Lexus OEM Nav Mic(about $150)
Lexus OEM Front Center Speaker(about $200)
this is kinda expensive but I did it and looked so good =)
PM me if you want to know more about this setup and where to get it..
i am not in front of my computer, so i don't have my saved links to products..-_-
i have OEM nav in my new IS250
but it was good to use aftermarket setup too.
I did it for my old IS250(non-nav)
I bought...
CK3100(Parrot)
plug and play harness
KUDA mount for IS250(about $60)
Lexus OEM Nav Mic(about $150)
Lexus OEM Front Center Speaker(about $200)
this is kinda expensive but I did it and looked so good =)
PM me if you want to know more about this setup and where to get it..
i am not in front of my computer, so i don't have my saved links to products..-_-
i have OEM nav in my new IS250
but it was good to use aftermarket setup too.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Caguas
Yes, if you only want a BT, I got BT SuperTooth from ebay,its a very nice handsfree BT, and for only $70, you cant beat it. Its loud and clarity on both ways (speaker and mic) unbeatable.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: FL
the center speaker did not come w/ my car from the factory and I know there is a harness that seems to be plug and play.
I tried connecting the center speaker to it but did NOT work.
*Center Speaker ONLY works on ML packaged vehicles.
I tried connecting the center speaker to it but did NOT work.
*Center Speaker ONLY works on ML packaged vehicles.
I'm not sure, but if it's like the system that's in the solara, then I'm going to go with a no, because it's built into the radio itself.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
Doesn't matter, bc it's not available. The ES, GS, etc have standalone BT available as a factory option. Unfortunately, the IS doesn't
