I want to get some kind of radio Bluetooth adapter for my 05 LS 430! I know they make some replacement screens that work with android or iPhone anybody have any experience with these and how well they work?

 

The replacement screens are an entire Android head unit upgrade. You basically end up with an Android tablet as your "infotainment" system similar to how new cars work. Navigation on these Android head units is done by whatever Android app you prefer and not by the LS430 NAV system. You can also load whatever Android app you want on them and connect them to the internet either via your phones hotspot or you can insert a SIM card so it can have it's own mobile data, similar to how you would with a 4G/5G capable tablet. The AC controls are also done in Android but unfortunately you loose all of the physical AC buttons except the individual Temp up/down buttons for the driver and passenger. Everything else with the AC is done entirely on the screen. It also does Android Auto and Apple CarPlay if you're into that. I installed one in my previous 01 LS430 and it works very well. There are a few quirks, like not all of the AC controls work correctly, it will never get any Android updates, and a few other random things, but if you want full modern functionality it's a pretty neat upgrade.

That said, it's absolute overkill if you're only looking for Bluetooth functionality in your car. There are Bluetooth adapters out there that are compatible with the LS430. I haven't used any but from what I read a while back, I think they either hijack or replace the CD changer input. I'm not sure if they're able to use the factory mic in the 04-06 cars or if they need to have a separate mic installed for phone calls. I never paid any attention to that because my cars have been 01 models and they don't have a mic.

 

I use a Vaistech SL3b which leaves the original screen as-is. Works well.

 

If you only want Bluetooth music, then get a Bluemusic module
Just search for Bluemusic in this forum.

If you want Android Auto, then the Vais is the way to go, although quite pricey.

 

I used a bt45-toy, easy setup and tucks into the dash so everything looks oem

 

+1 to the Bt45-toy. It also allows you to still use the controls on the steering wheel (volume up/down, change tracks etc)

 

I also use the BT45-TOY and am satisfied with its feature set, but the implementation could be better.

It doesn't handle a connection loss well - for me it somehow always favors my gf's phone, then when I drive away from home and it loses the connection it takes several minutes to retry connecting and find my phone.

Even worse, sometimes it just stops working and needs to be power-cycled 12v. This happens to be easy in my install but the underlying issue should be fixed.

 

I'm very satisfied with my Bluemusic module. It was cheap and just works. Have had it for several years now.
Every so often I have to force my phone to connect to the Bluemusic module, but I think that is a problem with my phone as it also sometimes doesn't connect to my Cardo motorcycle intercom headset and the same with my home audio system.
The steering controls all work just like for a CD since you access the music via CD-2 (press the CD button twice).

For the 04-06 LS430s you need the 6+6 Y-adapter as well as the module with the 6+6 connector.
Installation takes about 1 hr or a bit longer if you go for the version with the microphone.

All in cost with shipping to the USA from Germany will be about $70.
https://www.musikimauto.de/BlueMusic...e-KitToyota-66
https://www.musikimauto.de/Toyota-66-Y-connector-small

 

We have a BT45-TOY in our old 4Runner. But in the LS430 we have a Grom unit. I think the Grom is simpler and more bombproof. It takes 1-2 seconds to boot up, which is really nice. Either one will work fine with the steering wheel controls.