Carver

They must have "made" it fit. They didn't mention any difficulties with it. They gave me all the parts they didn't use and the mounting bezel wasn't in the box so I assume it's the one in the car now. They do thousands of installations so I guess they are used to "power fitting"

Carver

Well, I lied. I looked in the box and there was the damn bezel. I guess they used some universal bezel of theirs. You might take the whole mess to a radio shop to see if they have something.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

I emailed beat sonic to ask about there kit. I just want to have it all good when I take it in.

Carver

You would think BS would provide a bezel. The Kenwood is pretty mainstream, shouldn't be a problem getting it hooked up.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

Got it taken care of, but carver can you post a picture of where they mounted the microphone?

Carver

No problems with people hearing me.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

Exactly where I was thinking, that way the passenger can speak as well.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the picture as well, I'm almost done with the kit

lanb

I was looking at getting a used RX350 with NAV/CAM but this thread has got me
thinking into getting a non-NAV and retrofitting like Carver.

Some questions -

1) Will this work as well for RX 350 as it does for RX 330 (sizing/fittings etc.)
2) How much are the parts and install total approximately ?
3) Any cons in going this route ?

Thanks in advance !

Carver

330/350 were the same body and interior until 2010 so no trouble with fittings through 2009. I don't think an aftermarket face plate has been developed for the 2010 up as yet.

This thread lists the necessities for a good install I have no idea what current prices might be. Decide what you want to do and then price it out.

I prefer aftermarket for a couple of reasons. A few of years from now when new technology is available I can just pop in a new head unit and be up to date. With factory nav you are stuck with whatever technology came with the car and also with so many functions integrated in the factory system if something breaks you can get in serious trouble very quickly.

lanb

Thanks Carver, my budget will basically mean to be within 2009 anyway

I can price the parts out online, but i have no idea on the install cost as I have
never done anything custom on any of my cars. That is where I am looking for some help/guesstimates.

Carver

I would check with a local radio shop for an install quote. I'm not sure of other brands but if you deal with a Kenwood dealer you get a two year warranty on the unit.

Carver

One year, still happy!



Everything is working well, no problems at all. I have since joined the ranks of ipod users and I especially enjoy the Pandora hook up. I have yet to put a CD or DVD in it. No problems with the phone pairing since Os5.

One thing I really don't understand and is a little freaky is when you pass a speed limit sign changing the speed up or down it changes in my car the instant I pass the sign! How does my car know I just passed a speed limit sign just outside some podunk town in South Texas?

If the sign is for 45 or under it literally changes the instant I pass the sign, if the speed limit is 55 and changes to 70 it takes half a second to change which leads me to believe it is GPS related but there is no GPS on rural Texas speed limit signs!

stevek1

That last observation is why I have a Garmin on my dashboard in a beanbag holder. I have an 07 350 with factory nav and although the nav is pretty, it does NOT have speed limit or real time traffic and my Garmin also has lifetime map updates. I now wish I did NOT have factory nav, I would rather spend $1500 or so to have aftermarket, but probably will not change it now. Good to know that your aftermarket has the speed limit info. Does it have traffic notification as well?

I did spend about $150 for an ipod adaptor and around $400 for the Vais over-rides. They are priceless in my opinion

Carver

It has built in Navteq traffic but requires an adapter to make it function.