Well seems that the sub in my 08 has finally blown. It sounds horrible and rattles.

I have read through a lot of old threads but no concrete info. I know you can not simply replace it with any old sub so does anyone recently know of a sub that can be used safely with the factory ML amp?

I would rather not add an aftermarket amp/sub combo, I already have that in my work truck and its not what I would like in this car. Is my only option replacing it with a new sub from Lexus?

 

I did not know you need a special sub, I used a digital designs sub in my 04 with ML

 

Not sure what they are asking at the dealer, but Here is one on Ebay For $595 and it's new.

 

Your best option is replacing your blown sub with a new sub from Lexus. You're taking a chance with a used one.

 

I believe a member or two here have been able to replace it with something aftermarket. The thing is the sub design used is very shallow while most subs are deeper. So finding a shallow sub that fits and draws roughly the same amount of power could be a challenge. I'd suggest searching the forum though, I bet you'd find that specific thread.
Otherwise your best bet would be to go OEM. I believe mine was replaced from Lexus for slightly over 1k including labor. I can double check the work order for you a more concrete answer.

 

Mine was showing the same symptoms. I got a bottle of rubber cement and applied it to the torn surround. After 5 or 6 hours of curing, I tried the system. No more rattling! Cheap and easy fix, didn't even need to remove the speaker.

 

Wow, that's one expensive subwoofer. Maybe I'll turn the bass down...

 

Stop listening to rap and you won't have this problem again.

 

oooooor just buy the much cheaper alternative......

 

Lol, no rap, although I do occasionally put it on today's pop hits, which has bass that gives rap a run for its money I'm sure.

Still, just a cautionary tale and something that I'll be mindful of for sure.

 

What is this alternative

 

LikeI said earlier. Digital Designs 8" sub under $350 installed, worked flawlessly in my '04, can't say for certain on this gen but it's worth a look before entertaining a grand!

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ent-diy-4.html

 

That's in an IS though not an LS. So what went on in that thread might not apply to the LS. I believe the LS might even use a different sub since they were talking about distortion past 25. I don't hear distortion in the LS until you hit around 61 or 62.

Anyway, you can look into the aftermarket sub that Dr. Jekyll is talking about. Not sure how similar the setup of the LS40 is with the LS430 but it's worth a look into.

Otherwise in my case the sub was 799.44 plus 391.50 labor. So if you can get the sub from ebay for $500 that's a pretty good savings.

 

Thinking I will replace with a oem sub, not willing to chance blowing my ML Amp. I wouldnt even begin to know of where to find Sub specs to try and find an aftermarket replacement.