Cars should arrive at dealers at any time. Just check the 10th digit on the VIN to make sure it's an '05, and check it out. I was surprised the PB didn't say anything about those changes, so your statement makes sense. Manufacturers usually make you believe it's a whole new car when they only change the taillights, so you can bet your a$$ those changes would have been heard by now.
A few more weeks at the most. Hey, you can still get a bargain on an '04 buddy.

 

The Lexus.com website just updated their section on the SC to the 2005. Reviewing it, I don't see any new changes, let alone the new generation navigation system with Bluetooth.

Maybe 2006?

 

I bet those changes were made, but in Japan. They got the Soarer first, and usually get the changes first too. I can guarantee you '06 will bring those changes, the 6-sp. tranny, and the rest of the 'face-lift'.

The same usually happens with other Japanese and European car manufacturers; no surprise there.

Good weekend guys.

 

The 04 LS430 nav unit is harder to use than the system in the 04 SC430... with that being said...

Bluetooth connectability is great for a few reasons:
1. Wireless
2. Secure (as secure as it gets anyway)

Once again, with that in mind, some practical observations:
1. the sound quality over the LS430 Bluetooth connection is not all that great... dont get me wrong... it gets the job done nicely, but dont expect Mark Levinson clear conversations (same for my Mercedes SL handsfree system although it's not Bluetooth)

2. The bluetooth cell phone needs to be "paired" to the car, which means that your passenger's BT phone doesn't create any interference with your system. In the case that there are 2 phones paired to the system (system accepts 4 i believe), they are given a hirarchy of importance in the system. I have had my phone as well as my mom's phone in the car... both BT turned on... both paired... and only the first one worked.

3. As part of any BT system is the act of pairing the devices. Part of the process involves a password which you must set up in the system - more like a code. Unless you have that code, the device will not work. Obviously, there are some security concerns over people intercepting the calls (in which case they would have to be within the 33ft range for BT, and have the proper equipment - something which is doubtful). It is pretty much the same risk as them overhearing your cell conversation directly if you didn't go through the BT system.

4. The latest generation Nav is supposed to have more POIs. However, the perception that the menus are a little more difficult to get used to - mainly because we have become accustomed to the previous system which hasn't changed in at least 6 years - is just a perception. Most people will not have a problem learning the new system very quickly.

5. Lexus should take off the stupid safety feature (the one that restricts your options if the car is moving). I see their reasoning behind them blocking out the ADDRESS feature, as it requires alot of user input... however, it may be more unsafe if you need to find an address and you're forced to pull over (obviously in an area you're not familiar with). As it is... we hit OK everytime we start the car... isn't that enough? Other cars' warnings simply appear then quickly disappear. ALTERNATIVELY, have the car do exactly that... display the warning, and then make it disappear after 10 seconds or something... I keep having 1 area which is completely filled with fingerprints (the rest of the screen is spotless... the OK button).

6. Going back to the BT system. Like any other communication device... to be accessible by other devices, there needs to be a "standard". So far, there is a BT standard... however, phone companies have different levels of complying with the standard - so you might have limited capabilities if any at all. Some manufacturers screw around with the standard to make you buy their products which are compatible with that standard.

 

Just received our first 2005 SC (Pebble Beach Edition) and to confirm my previous post, the 2005 SC does have gen 4 nav. and Bluetooth capability.

 

Hey CDN, not to hijack this thread, could you post separately your riding impressions on the '05? I assume you can take it for a spin, huh? I'm curious about the ride improvements with the new shocks.

 

ELP-JC ,
You have an "04". You have to test drive an "05" and report back to us.

Po Boy "03"owner

Flatfoot

 

Hey Flatfoot, same crap, isn't it? I thought '02 and '04s are identical, other than the seat recliner feature and glow-in-the-dark trunk release.
Besides, the only dealer in town probably won't let me drive one since they know I already have it, and didn't buy it from them . Plus it's 50 miles away, and I don't like them much.

You'll have to have the privilege, my friend

Have a great weekend everybody.

 

would be "Lexus introduces Bluetooth cell phone connectivity....

Bluetooth has NOTHING to do with the naviagation system. This is as bad as saying Lexus adds DVD-A audio to the navigation system. The navigation feature is but one feature in the integrated electronics suite.

 

you're absolutely right if you want to split hairs and be technical about it... the navigation doesn't have anything to do with the bluetooth connectivity... however, you use the "nav screen" to access the bluetooth connectivity options. I guess technically it's a monitor (since the LS also has the backup camera, nav, sound, AC, etc) on it, but for the sake of simplicity, it's just called a nav screen - you know what it is, i know what it is, we all know what it is... it's a stupid screen, no matter what you call it.

 

Yeah, but no Bluetooth.

 

Well said!!!

It is such a misconseption that somebody can just go out and buy a bluetooth phone and it will hookup to their LS/LX (Soon SC/GX+?)

Bluetooth ~ Wi-Fi Device

Right now, Verison doesnt offer any phones that can talk to a Lexus, afaik.

Expecting a V710 to seamlessly connect to your LS/LX is like expecting your Wireless keyboard to be able communicate with your navi system.

Go to http://lexus.letstalk.com and go thru the steps, and figure out which phones are available from which carrier in your area that work with your car. Just cause a phone is BT doesnt mean it'll work in your vehicle, just that it is a wireless device.

 

When did the first Gen 4 NAV come out?? I've been looking at a 2004 LX and one dealer tells me that the 2004 has the Gen 4 NAV system, and the other dealer tells me that it is new only for 2005 on the LX. Although, I know in 2004 it had bluetooth, voice activation etc. Please give me any advice you may have. Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Doc C

 

Gen 4 nav. was available on the 2004 LX470.

 

Just picked up my 2005 PB and it does indeed have the Gen 4 Navi system with voice command and integrated Bluetooth for phones. Finished reading the manuals and will try to get the phone system working with Sony Ericsson T610 on T-Mobile tomorrow. My first Lexus of any type, the features on this car rock!

Update: It took about 5 minutes to set up the phone and transfer the phonebook to the car. Now whenever I get in the car, the phone automatically registers and it's ready to go. Pushing the "Phone" button on the steering wheel brings up the phone menu on the Navi screen. What an excellent design! Finally, I've found a use for Bluetooth...