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Ironically, I installed one in my 05' two weeks ago. The install was straight forward. Pop couple panels, four screws and plug and play the unit. I chose to add a usb for charging my cell phone. I also did the bluetooth sync and I installed the microphone to answer the phone through all my speakers. So far I am impressed, it works great. I also use Waze maps and it plays through the speakers. I don't think you will be disappointed with this purchase. Just my .02 cents.
When connecting the pins in the back of the radio did you have to unplug any pins and reroute them, I know grom does this? Did you install an aux cable? what DIP mode did you use?
Overall it seems like a really nice unit. Any problem with Bluetooth streaming music?
No, I did not have to unplug any pins. It was all plug-n-play. Unplug radio connectors and plug into Grom and vice versa. I did not use an Aux cable I selected bluetooth streaming and it works great. I also chose to use the usb for phone charging. I do not remember the DIP mode I selected but its cut and dry from the instructions. I would suggest trying it before putting everything back together.
I think it's a great unit and the streaming is surprisingly super clear.
When connecting the pins in the back of the radio did you have to unplug any pins and reroute them, I know grom does this? Did you install an aux cable? what DIP mode did you use?
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Overall it seems likea really nice unit. Any problem with Bluetooth streaming music?
No modifications of the pins required at all. Just unplug the OEM connector and plug in the supplied cord. It's quite literally plug-and-play. You do need to take out the seat-heater controls panel, the AT-Mode panel, the flip down cover of the CD player, as well as the CD player itself. Its about an hour job all said and done. I recommend setting it to MD on the BT45 for track names and album titles to display. No need to do anything else to the stock radio. The Bluetooth version used in the BT45 is lossy, but is imperceptible. Sounds very very good to my ears. I dont see myself using the aux cable so i did not install. Also comes with a mic cable but i also didn't install since i dont really get calls.
Keep in mind, when you do get a call and are connected via bluetooth, it will try to use the BT45 as microphone. If you dont have the microphone installed you'll hear the other person on the line talking, but they wont hear you until you disconnect from the BT45.
what stereo system do you guys with the BT45? Nav or non-nav? I'm looked at the GROM as well but what I seem to be missing somewhere is whether or not you lose the indash cd changer. I have a non-nav, non mark levinson system. Amplified system with the am/fm cassette and the 5 disc changer behind the drop down door in the dash. Does the adapter plug in between the changer and allow you to toggle between the two or does the in-dash changer get completely disconnected?
So in the back of the ls430 radio there's a big connector and a small connector.
So you plug in the two cord I have indicated with black. Then I unplug the smaller plug from the factory radio and put the cord in red in its place? Am I correct in my reasoning?
I have. in my LS430, my Land cruiser, friends Ls430, GS430, IS300, and two other land cruisers. Dead reliable and super simple to install. I stuck the microphone inside the instrument panel on the right side. Easy peasy.
Make sure you get the CAS-LEX adapter if you plan to install it in a Lexus. I like this unit because it's smaller than the competition making it super easy to hide behind the dash. I set it up as a minidisc "MD" changer so there's no confusion as to what source you're on. Never used the AUX input either.
For 2004-2006 you use the SAT (off the AM/SAT button). It is a really slick system. Easy to install. I ran a charge cord (iPhone) and a AUX cable (phones with a headphone jack) from the box.
For 2001-2003 you piggy back off the CD player (CAS-LEX) cable needed as there is no SAT. Jumpers on the unit are set based on the model and which extra port you use.
The bluetooth is outstanding. Tremendous sound.
Also have on the same unit on the 2005 ES 330. Install was very easy on both cars. You can find videos of the installs with a search. Great value for the $$.
For 2004-2006 you use the SAT (off the AM/SAT button). It is a really slick system. Easy to install. I ran a charge cord (iPhone) and a AUX cable (phones with a headphone jack) from the box.
For 2001-2003 you piggy back off the CD player (CAS-LEX) cable needed as there is no SAT. Jumpers on the unit are set based on the model and which extra port you use.
The bluetooth is outstanding. Tremendous sound.
Also have on the same unit on the 2005 ES 330. Install was very easy on both cars. You can find videos of the installs with a search. Great value for the $$.
Do you know if having the Sirius XM radio installed will have an effect on installation?
Do you know if having the Sirius XM radio installed will have an effect on installation?
Good question. When I hooked it up, there is AM/SAT 1/SAT 2/SAT 3 when I push the AM/SAT button. 4 variations to cycle through. Does your XM SAT use all 3 of the SAT channels?
Perhaps an email to the company asking them how it would work. If the SAT port is occupied by your XM, then you might require the CAS-LEX cable and use the CD changer option instead of the open SAT connection.
