When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The dilemma is the full replacement option instructions and support is not well established. Any such replacement has an element of gamble.
Grom and Beatsonic are less risky but more expensive for the features.
It would be great if members start posting about their experience both good & bad.
Almost forgot to mention, 3rd gen RX has year to year differences. It is not a static environment for vendors to adapt too. Ex: BeatSonic does not have an interface for 2011RX 450H but they support later year vehicles.
I've installed the unit yesterday in my 2011 rx450h.
Mine came from Navirider, the 8gb + 256gb unit (AliExpress).
Installation is not that easy, since it came without any instructions.
Most important to remember is accessibility to the back of the original navigation unit, which is challenging.
The supplied main wiring harnesses goes into the back of the original navigation unit.
Once you've removed the main head unit, the OEM nav unit can be seen.
You have to disconnect the black male connector, and connect it to the harness, and the other white male connector from the harness goes back in the nav unit, where the black connector was before.
Last edited by animalfarm; Dec 11, 2024 at 10:31 PM.
I've installed the unit yesterday in my 2011 rx450h.
Mine came from Navirider, the 8gb + 256gb unit (AliExpress).
Installation is not that easy, since it came without any instructions.
Most important to remember is accessibility to the back of the original navigation unit, which is challenging.
The supplied main wiring harnesses goes into the back of the original navigation unit.
Once you've removed the main head unit, the OEM nav unit can be seen.
You have to disconnect the black male connector, and connect it to the harness, and the other white male connector from the harness goes back in the nav unit, where the black connector was before.
Does it retain the factory steering wheel and mouse controller?
You can switch between the android and the OEM systeem and all functions including the steering wheel and mouse controller remain the same.
However in the android mode, you can only control the functions using the touchscreen, and In OEM mode you can only use the mouse controller.
The mouse controller does not work in Android mode.
Steering wheel controls work identical in both modes.
posted by a guy from Australia where he demonstrated his Navirider unit. I think his upgrade looks awesome: wireless CarPlay, a big bright screen with great placement, rearview camera guidelines, and many more. I have a 2015 Lexus RX350, and I believe I found a similar unit that should fit in my vehicle. Here is the link.
Now, my question. I see that there are multiple options available. Pricier units have more RAM and ROM. Does it make sense to pay 100 CAD more for the most advanced model? Or will it work just fine with the minimum amount of RAM (4 GB)? My gut says that the 8 GB version should be more responsive, but I'm curious what you guys think.
Thank you in advance!
Last edited by dost; Dec 30, 2024 at 12:26 PM.
Reason: typo
People seem to talk about various infotainment system replacements in this thread, so I guess it will be OK if I ask one more general question here.
I'm currently shopping for a new multimedia system that will have Apple CarPlay, and recently, I came across a video posted by a guy from Australia where he demonstrated his Navirider unit. I think his upgrade looks awesome: wireless CarPlay, a big bright screen with great placement, rearview camera guidelines, and many more. I have a 2015 Lexus RX350, and I believe I found a similar unit that should fit in my vehicle. Here is the link.
Now, my question. I see that there are multiple options available. Pricier units have more RAM and ROM. Does it make sense to pay 100 CAD for the most advanced model? Or will it work just fine with the minimum amount of RAM (4 GB)? My gut says that the 8 GB version should be more responsive, but I'm curious what you guys think.
Thank you in advance!
When you shop for aftermarket items, one thing I can almost guarantee you that it will not work seamlessly. Best is to actually see a demo of an installed unit in your model [down to year and features]. If that is not possible then you have to ask the supplier/manufacturer and assume that they are not hiding anything or worst outright lying. Next layer would be asking here in CL and other forums. Again the feedback could be biased.
As far as features/speed/etc you need to access how important they are to you. Pricer unit may have features that you may not desire and the base and the pricier model both may have issues that are important to you.
I purchased a lower priced GROM Vlite and am experiencing a consistent drop in CarPlay service at 183/360 junction in Austin. It might be due to less memory in my unit. I chalk it up annoyance and something I can live with.
When you shop for aftermarket items, one thing I can almost guarantee you that it will not work seamlessly. Best is to actually see a demo of an installed unit in your model [down to year and features]. If that is not possible then you have to ask the supplier/manufacturer and assume that they are not hiding anything or worst outright lying. Next layer would be asking here in CL and other forums. Again the feedback could be biased.
As far as features/speed/etc you need to access how important they are to you. Pricer unit may have features that you may not desire and the base and the pricier model both may have issues that are important to you.
I purchased a lower priced GROM Vlite and am experiencing a consistent drop in CarPlay service at 183/360 junction in Austin. It might be due to less memory in my unit. I chalk it up annoyance and something I can live with.
Salim
Thank you for the answer, Salim
I do understand that a non-genuine head unit will have some bugs and quirks, but I think it's still a significant upgrade. Today, I use the stock unit only for climate system management and checking the rear space while reversing. Having wireless CarPlay with the maps and the music app would be a big win, even if it freezes occasionally.
I have already scanned this thread and a few similar ones on this forum. I don't think anyone installed the unit linked above in the vehicle similar to mine. When it comes to aftermarket infotainment systems, research capabilities are very limited, unfortunately. That said, the video shared by the Australian fellow looks very promising. I think there was another video where he shared his experience after using Navirider multimedia for around 6 months. I don't remember him mentioning any critical issues. He has a 2013 RX350 with a joystick and navigation similar to what I have in my car.
But, yes. Before ordering, I guess it's a good idea to talk to the seller to ensure it fits the 2015 RX350.
Initially, I was going to go with the GROM module as well. However, my wife complained about the position of the stock screen. She isn't very tall, and even if she pushes the seat all the way up, it's still a bit hard for her to see the display very well. So, this is another reason why we decided to consider another head unit.
