Good evening guys. New owner of a 2005 SC430 in Silver with Ecru interior. 58k on the OD. ML audio system is in bad shape so I’m replacing with aftermarket using the Beatsonic module. Tinting the windows soon and having some cosmetic exterior work done to repair small dents and paint issues. Overall, I’m very pleased. Wasn’t really looking for this car but was presented with the opportunity to buy it cheap. It wasn’t running after sitting for almost a year. Lexus dealership got it running after an electrical issue was diagnosed. I’ve always had a love for these cars as they run the same drivetrain as the LS430 I owned in the past. Looking forward to driving and enjoying this car in the future.

 

Welcome to the SC430 Club.
What is wrong with your ML system?
if it sounds bad, the speakers are probably bad.
The BeatSonic is a wonderful product, have used it on two SC430s but it won’t correct the worn out speaker foam, that is an easy fix from simply speakers on eBay.

I don’t want you to be disappointed if you replace the head unit and it still sounds bad.

 

Speakers are bad and dry rotted but I also want updated technology like CarPlay and more music options other than FM radio.

 

Awesome, are you going to repair the speakers ~$65 or replace them?
I have repaired speakers, BeatSonic and pioneer head unit. Very happy with the results

 

Going with Alpine head unit, some of the speakers with aftermarket. I’m aware of the difference in ohm rating but will take my chances. I have a friend who changed out his ML speaker s with all 4 ohm replacements and has been good for well over a year. I’ll update on how it goes.

 

Congrats on the new-to-you car!!! Biggest suggestion I've got is to drive with the top down as much as possible, and use your shifter to force it into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Top of 1st is like 35, top of 2nd is ~70, and top of 3rd is 100+ so you've gotta get them RPMs up to feel the POWERRRR! (Drive safe :P) Oh, and I'd check the condition of the lower rearward control arm bushings, on the body side. They are 100% rubber and when they wear out they make the steering all sloppy and loose. Replacing the bushing (or whole arm) helps make the car feel more direct.