I'm a proud new owner of a 2013 ES350, converting from 12 years of Mercedes ownership. Love the new car and the quietness of the cabin. I'm still discovering many of the technical options with the nav and phone system, but am struggling with being locked out of certain functions when the vehicle is in motion. I understand the rationale behind this but at times it is quite frustrating.

Problem:
No matter what I do I can't seem to program a pause into a dialed number, allowing me to add an extension. This seems to be an on-going issue, as I look at previous posts, but is something I really need for business.

Questions:
1) Is there a workaround?
2) Does this work: Beat-Sonic BB6223 Navigation and DVD Control Bypass Module Combo?
3) If this does work is it difficult to install?
4) I see there used to be a group buy on this item. Is that still available?
5) Does installation affect the warranty in any way?

 

The only one documented to work so far I have seen for the ES is this kit.
http://www.prestigioussociety.com/?page_id=138

Someone posted an install thread on it.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...deo-to-go.html

But others have installed the Beat-Sonic on other models.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...nd-review.html

 

I installed the BeatSonic a few weeks ago. Install was not terribly difficult, just have to get over the apprehension of doing open dash surgery. Works good as advertised. Button is small, fairly easily hidden. Overall, I'm very happy with the mod, especially for the group buy price

 

page 167 of the 2013 ES350 Owner's Manual has details on using "p" for pause and "w" for wait embedded in a phone number. When you choose the number it will dial the main number then pause 2 seconds before
continuing or waiting for your input (usable while driving). Does this solve the original question?

 

For some reason, when I program in a "p" the software changes it to a "w" (meaning "wait"). the call then hangs and does nothing. This occurs with my BlackBerry or wife's iPhone.

 

I installed the Beat Sonic solution this weekend. So far it works exactly as advertised. The company was gracious enough to extend the group-buy price of $100 even though I was just past the sale date.

The instructions were slightly confusing. I understand they dis-assembly instructions for the dash were taken directly from a Lexus manual but I think they presupposed some knowledge of the process. Regardless, I have it installed and am very happy with the access the module allows. I am now able to get to my phonebook while driving, and can also dial numbers manually .

Seems like a great product at a good price.

dano