what is the difference in the navigation systems found in the 02-06 years in the sc430 ?

 

The NAV system changed in '05 - '06 (I believe). The new NAV system moved from a CD based system to a DVD based system -- allowing for storage of more information / POIs. The graphics are also a little bit better and the system is faster.

I have a 2003 with the latest info stored and I find it VERY useful -- however, I did tinker with a 2006 at the showroom and you CAN tell the difference.

The new radio also allows for easier integration with Bluetooth and IPOD, but it can be done very cleanly with the VAIS Technology add on for the 2003.

 

not entirely correct

ALL sc430 have dvd nav, from 02-06. 05/06 is the gen 4 nav, which has bluetooth and voice recognition as well. it's a completely different software setup

i believe in 03 they upgraded the nav as well? someone can confirm.

 

So, you mean 02-04 does not have voice recognition?

 

correct, as far as i know, they don't (maybe you can add that unit, i know you can add it to is300)

 

The reason why I was asking was my 2004 Soarer navi has the voice recognition system. I wonder what else is different. I think even ML stereo is different as well... Mine does not have preset EQ, does US version have that option? Honestly, I'm not all that impressed with my stereo at all...

 

The '02 has a DVD based NAV system (Gen 2). It was one of the first DVD Nav systems out there; previous versions (I guess those were Gen 1) used CDs.

The ML audio system does not have equalizer presets that the user can change, but it does change them for top up and top down. If you have the audio on while you raise the roof you can hear it change.

Finally, the ML audio system in the SC was universally considered the best audio system on the road when it came out in April of '01, and there are not many better systems being shipped with cars today.

 

that would be the same as the is300. i had 03 is300 with nav, and didn't have voice recognition. as you mentioned the solara had it (which sounded pretty stupid). some people found out that behind the nav unit, there is actually the existing plug to plug in the solara voice recognition unit already!!!!

a lot of is300 people did that. the cost is like 180 bucks or so?

but i am not sure if that works for the sc430 nav

 

I just received an e-mail from Sewell Lexus for an offer on the latest DVD Navigation disc ver. 6.1, for Gen 2, 3 4 & 5 systems. They offer up to a $40 rebate for turning in the old disc. The amount rebated depends on the version you are turning in. In addition, the web site also offers instructions on installation and information for the Generation of Nav system you car has. Click here (or cut and paste) for the website. http://www.sewellparts.net/navigation_data2006.htm

 

Anyone heard of a group buy for the 6.1 update?

 

Based on that website, even the '06 SC430 has GEN4, just like '05s. The first 3 years have GEN2&3, but we know only '02 has the GEN2 version.

 

So what other updates where there besides bluetooth and voice recognition?? Where there graphic updates for the Gen 3 or 4?? Could you do the Navi override that is similar in execution to the Navi's in the GS, RX, IS and others??

 

the whole gen 4 was a different software, more details on the map and also more POI i believe

yes, both version nav you can override it