Hey,

Can someone smarter than I am direct me to any threads where there is an available solution to replacing the Mark Levinson/Nav radio with the HVAC controls to something more updated? I've scoured the internet and can't find anything. Thanks....

 

We are kind of stuck. I have a ML/Nav set up with my radio not working. The only realistic fix is to find a used radio. The system is setup to work together with all the components as they are compatible with each other. You just can't pull anything out without replacing everything including the amp which gets quite pricey for an old car, not to mention the re wiring required. Good luck.

 

Thanks- that’s what I thought….

 

Here's a LINK to a thread with a lot of information about replacing the whole NAV system with an aftermarket Android tablet. You can find them on AliExpress for around $200-400, depending on the specs of the tablet. Or just google "Lexus LS430 android headunit." You can also get essentially the same tablet from brands like Seicane, Rhino Radios, Teyes, etc..., but you'll pay more for the same functionality. They all seem to be made in China, no matter what manufacturer you pick, so I'm pretty sure you are just paying more for access to customer support when going with one of the brands I named. I should mention that I don't have any first-hand experience with these tablets, I'm pretty much in the same boat that you are. They all appear to allow you to adjust climate control through the tablet, though I believe you still have to use the physical buttons to adjust temperature. The biggest issue I see with these tablets, and pretty much the main reason I haven't already installed one, is that you need to cut and and rewire the factory wire harness to retain OEM backup camera functionality. Otherwise, you would have to install a new camera and wire it to the new headunit. Which, to be fair, the OEM camera is like 240p, and upgrading to a headunit with an HD display would make the OEM camera look even worse, so it's probably worth installing a new backup camera at the same time. But that takes this from being a ~2hr DIY job to more like a ~4-6hr DIY job, especially if you haven't done this before. And I'm sure a professional would charge quite a bit more for the backup camera install than just a headunit install.

There's also the Beatsonic MVA-24L kit, which allows you to install a double DIN headunit beneath the factory radio, but that's like $400 just for the trim panel and the wire harness. Personally, it doesn't seem worth it, since you still have to spend another ~$200 or so to get a decent headunit.

 

The android head units for this car look like a factory option as the fit is perfect. You have to run an antenna wire anyway for radio so I ran the backup camera wire and antenna together using top molding. Put antenna top center in back and don't see. Camera wire went through hole in package tray at center back.(very easy) This works with oem amp and no wires cut and you now have an android tablet. Just look at threads here.

 

What backup camera did you use? And were you able to install it in place of the OEM backup camera? I've read through that megathread, and the only person I saw with a picture of a backup camera seemed to have installed in the place of the trunk open button. I'd rather not have to drill a new hole in the bumper, but I want it to look as OEM as possible. Thanks in advance.

 

Mine is 2001 so no bu camera. HD camera came with unit and mounted center above license plate in trunk lid and not bumper. The reverse signal wire is also in the cable and tapped into reverse bu light in rear.

 

Thanks for the info TarXan and Alex….

 

Well, after reading through the entire thread in that link, it sounds like a nightmare to figure out for a non DIYer. Wouldn’t even attempt that myself although it does look nice. I’d probably just go the Grom route. I just want Apple CarPlay, Google maps/Waze and to stream music- that’s about the extent of my needs…

 

Just a head's up. I bought a GROM VLite VT2 about 2.5 weeks ago, and I would definitely not recommend it. I'm already in the process of returning it. The biggest issue, for me, is that the audio quality when streaming music via bluetooth is really bad. I have a GROM BT3 bluetooth adapter as well, and the BT3 sounds way clearer. The VLite sounds kind of muffled in comparison. I know I'm probably not describing it very well, but listening to FM radio legitimately sounds better than the VLite. I also noticed that the BT3 allowed me to adjust the sound using the EQ for Apple Music on my phone. Adjusting the EQ when streaming to the VLite made no difference to the sound. Maybe if I could adjust the EQ when using the VLite, it would sound better? GROM's customer support told me that it was a limitation with Carplay, not their product, but I don't know if I believe them. It also had connection issues, where it would randomly disconnect from my phone for about 30 seconds to a minute, before reconnecting. Once or twice, it didn't reconnect until I restarted the car. And this was my experience after using it for only a couple of days. I spent another week or so going back and forth with customer support troubleshooting it before I decided to just refund it. I really wanted to like it.

TL,DR: If audio quality isn't that big of a deal to you, then the VLite/Vline is probably the easiest solution to add Carplay. But one of the reasons I bought my LS430 was for the premium sound system, and the VLite ruins it. I reinstalled the BT3 and I've been using it since. The BT3 works great, but it's like $200 new, and there are other bluetooth options that do the same thing for less money.

 

Thanks, TarXan. I wonder if the VL2 is any better. Hmmm. Not what I wanted to hear...

 

After reading the thread and doing research on those android head units, I've been kind of scared away from buying one. Lots of people that had problems with them and the customer service was horrible. Sounds like you didn't have an issue. Where did you purchase it? I'm assuming you installed it yourself? The biggest question for me is if the HVAC controls all still work. Any problem with maintaining all the functionality? Finally, do the steering wheel controls still work as well? I'd buy one because I think they look great when installed but don't have the confidence to install it myself and doubt I can find someone that will take on the task if it's not their product. Any thoughts?

 

Bought mine from aliexpress and very easy install and all works. Just show a friend or installer a you tube video showing taking out nav unit and you will see how easy it is. The only connection to car is a Y harness then if you want back up camera wire that. There is enough info on this forum to show you everything. What you need to look at is the tremendous upside of updating the electronics if keeping the car.

 

Has anyone ever tried to replace the whole center stack of a ML model and put in a non-Navi system and stand alone HVAC controls or does that not work because of the Mark Levinson speakers and other wiring issues that would make it impossible? Just curious- exploring options....

 

I’m pretty sure it’s been looked into and deemed not feasible. The entire harness and all the connections are different. On the 2nd gen GS you can but not on the LS.