2007 LS460L RWD with OEM HDD/Navigation. I want to add CarPlay to the vehicle while preserving the original buttons, ***** and backup camera. GROM VLine seems to be a good fit but seems expensive. Is there any cheaper alternatives?

I researched quite a few non-brand name products on eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, AliExpress, etc. Here is what I got:

• For the ones come with a screen, it is difficult (if not impossible) to hook up the OEM backup camera. Most of them require running the wire to the rear of the car and install an aftermarket camera.
• For the ones that don't come with a screen (like the GROM VLine), they don't support all models of Gen4 LS. After I sent the pictures of my OEM audio console, many sellers said their product does not support this vehicle because it has HDD.

So far, the only one that *seems* to work with my LS460L is a product from Carputech (China manufacturer but has US-based support). It requires to take apart the OEM display panel to install an IC-board add-on. It is not that difficult by the installation video. But still extra work.

Anyone who has a HDD-based Gen4 LS460 had an experience on aftermarket CarPlay (while preserving the OEM backup camera)? Thank you!

 

Read my posts in these threads:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...lay-today.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-motor-co.html

 

This: https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com...87cdb167&_ss=c

I installed it in my 2011 a month ago, and it works perfectly. Backup camera is still there, I didn't have to cut any wires, and their customer support is excellent.

I'd rather pay for something that works than play around with stuff from China.

 

I've tried Hamilton Motor and Beatsonic. Although not in a Gen 4. I highly recommend Hamilton Motor for their superior product, friendly customer service, and knowledgeable support.

 

Does the Hamilton have the full android OS like the vline2? or is just carplay and android auto?


edit* yeah, it looks like its just a rebranded VIKNAV unit you can get off aliexpress

 

Eh, could be but I don't think it is. The unit you suggest it is has an input for an external gps antenna whereas the Hamilton unit does not. Plus, I would think that company would have a unit listed for 07-12 LS.

Here's what I do know. I removed the Grom from my LS and repurposed it by installing it in the wife's Highlander. It's still buggy. Considering throwing it in the trash because it's so annoying how the screen will just change from oem radio to grom screen. The Hamilton unit I now have in my LS has been flawless. I'm sure it is a rebranded unit from somewhere in China but the support is in Raleigh NC. I've been to the shop after they installed it. I doubt Viknav will be of much help should a problem arise.

 

I have one I will be selling soon. It was barely used because my transmission died shortly after installation. Its mounted in the glove box I just have to remove the wires the only hold up is the battery to the car is dead and I have to sign out the playstore before removing.

 

what unit will you be selling @Kiaa?

 

We do support your stereo in plug-n-play way. No cutting or disassembling needed
https://gromaudio.com/store/all-lex5ls.html

 

How do you compare with Hamilton? You seem to be more expensive and don't support the backup camera.

 

The VLine VL2 system offers wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto, and a stand-alone Android interface where you can download any apps available on the Play Store and use them without the phone. CarPlay and Android Auto limit the apps you can use, but with the ability to download apps directly to the device, you have more choices. Some users like that.
The VLine VL2 system for Lexus vehicles is available here: https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/index.html#lexus, and it retails for $679.95

The VLite VT2 system is the simpler option for users who only want CarPlay and Android Auto. It currently retails at $559.95
https://gromaudio.com/store/vlite/index.html#lexus

Both VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems support factory backup cameras. All cameras and other factory features continue to work after installing the VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system in a vehicle. You can also add the aftermarket front-facing camera using the GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.

 

Thank you, interesting product. Two more questions: (a) does it use the OEM microphone, and (b) what is your plan for future Android upgrades? Would users be able to upgrade to newer versions of Android?

 

1. The microphone usage depends on the year of your LS:
Lexus LS 2007-2009 (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex5ls.html) - it is possible to retain the use of a factory microphone for CarPlay / Android Auto, using the factory microphone retention wire (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline_ac...-wlex5mic.html)
The microphone retention wire is the part of the standard VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 package for Lexus LS 2007-2009. Install guide:
https://gromaudio.com/docs/vline_man...manual_web.pdf

Lexus LS 2010 and newer does not need to use the factory microphone retention wire. The power interface cables supplied with GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 have the microphone jack that allows for the factory microphone retention and use with CarPlay and Android Auto via VLine.

2. We periodically release the Android versions updates. Once released, the users can install the available upgrade. Currently it runs on Android 12 that is fully suffucient for the automotive use.

 

The microphone for Grom is not plug and play. Everything on Hamilton is plug and play.

 

As mentioned above, for LS 2007-2009 you can use the microphone retention wire if desired. For the 2010 and newer Lexus LS you can retain the factory microphone with the GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.

Here is how you can integrate the factory microphone with the retention wire for Lexus LS 2007-2009:

Also, from our experience, sometimes the users prefer to use the aftermarket microphone for older stereos, as the factory does not perform that well. The aftermarket microphone option is always available with GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.