Backstory:
I bought a one owner 2006 LS 430 “ML” back in April from an older retired doctor and left it stock, but kept wanting to change the head unit for one with CarPlay as the stock navigation system was outdated. I didn’t want to get a Chinese Android unit because of spotty reviews and questionable shipping, and I also didn’t want to add a second display underneath the navigation.

Then I found the Grom VLine 2. I haven’t seen much, if any, posts about it here so I figured I’d share my experience with the photos below:

1) Grom VLine 2 unit received:


2) Taking the center dash/radio out through how-to's found here on Club Lexus:


3) Completely removed up to the Navigation screen:


4) Testing the unit once I plugged it in to the back of the radio, and back of the navigation screen:


5) Apple CarPlay working as intended, wireless I might add:


6) Better daytime photos completely assembled:


7) Screen resolution with the factory screen isn't amazing 1080P HD but honestly it looks very good for what it is, and better than the factory stuff:


8) LS430:

 

Since you are using the factory screen do all the stock functions still work?

 

Yes, all factory stock buttons on the radio and wheel work. It piggybacks off the "DISC" button so all functions remain the same. All I do is press DISC to go into the module and then I can use the VLine 2 features.

 

Oh wow, what is the exact model you are using and are there any issues at all when using any stock functions? This is very interesting to me since I've been looking for something to update an 06 with but without disrupting any factory functions or physical items

I assume the touch function works when in the module? Their website was not very clear what PN was for apple and if the touch screen still works

 

This is the one I am using in my 2006 LS 430:

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/le...n-upgrade.html

No issues so far. Once in a while it will glitch where the module does not initialize once I press "DISC" but I probably need to update the firmware. Tech support is via email but based in California I believe. Yes the touch screen works as normal also.

 

Thanks for posting this. Im curious, does the Vline module fit behind the nav screen or below the CD changer? If behind the CD is yours a 6 CD ?

 

I placed the module in the glove box so I could have easy access to the USBs and also I don't think it would fit behind the screen/CD.

 

Doesn't look too bad to add on. How's the sound quality? Also does it utilize the OEM bluetooth mic? Curious on the sound quality of that also.

I've been using my AirPods when I drive, since I hate using the cassette adapter haha.

 

This is a beautiful installation. Thanks for sharing. One question: Is the unit you installed compatible with an Apple iPhone? If so, this is definately something I'll attempt. Again, many thanks for sharing.
chuck

 

Sound quality is not bad with the stock Mark Levinson sound system. Better than FM for sure and Satellite quality. It utilizes a new microphone that I placed above the rearview mirror.

Thank you. Yes it works with my iPhone 11 Pro Max just fine, Apple CarPlay is great.

 

Bump, looks like there's a group buy for this in the Facebook Group Lexus LS430 owners CLUB.

 

Is it possible to replace the tape player instead of the CD player? And how do you connect the phone to it? Can you connect it using USB?

 

I’ve been researching this myself, thanks so much for posting your experience with it, just adds confidence that’s it is the right choice when the time comes!

 

I'll chime in on here since I bought one myself. I really enjoy mine so far, my only complaint is I cannot seem to get the microphone to pick up my voice properly when I use it. It sounds like I am very far away from the mic, almost in a cup, and I have it mounted on the top of the A-Pillar area.
Other than that, it's great, Pandora and Waze work well on CarPlay, and I use it daily.

 

So which is the better option out of the two, the vline2 or the android 9" screen for the LS?