astonv8

Hi,

I wondered if anyone can help. I am UK based and considering taking my 2005UK GS 430 to Australia (as cars are so much more expensive there). The Lexus dealer in Australia there says the satnav on the 2005 Australian specification Lexus GS 430 is incompatible and wants $15K to put in a new DVD reader and possibly screen. I think tey just want me to buy one of their cars and not import my own.

Is there anyone here that works for Lexus that can check the UK and Australian spec cars DVD reader part numbers?

Also, can anyone help by telling me if they are really compatible and if there is a way to make them compatible. I would have though they are the same systems with different disks, possibly some kind of region protection?

Hoping someone can help!

Best regards,

Marcus.
London UK

flipside909

Hi Marcus,

Welcome to CL! The dealerships here in the US don't have access to the UK or Australian parts databases. I will ask my direct sources to see if they can shed some light on it.

Thanks!

flipside909

Marcus,

I got a response from one of my Lexus contacts who happens to be Australian but here in the USA. He checked with his cohorts in Australia and this was the response. See below.


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About 3 years ago TMCA bought a UK spec RX400h to conduct some preliminary evaluations to determine if this vehicle would be suitable for introduction into Australia. This vehicle had Navigation, I inserted the Australian map disc, but the navigation system could not read the disc. I then removed the European navigation computer and connected an Australian navigation computer and the system then worked. I did not have to replace the EMV display system.

Fundamentally the European navigation computer and the Australian navigation computer are manufactured by different companies and this is why the map discs for one system will not work in the other system.

Without having looked at a GS in detail, I believe that if the navigation computer (which is located in the glovebox) is replaced with the Australian computer the system should work. There should not be any need to change the EMV display. Realistically, however, we wont know if changing the navigation computer alone will work until we have actually connected the Australian computer and turn the system on.

I'm not aware of the costing for Lexus parts, Bob, perhaps you can confirm actual costs for the various navigation components.

I'm sorry I don't have a concrete answer, but I hope the above provides some help.

Regards

flipside909

Perhaps buying a Nav brain used either on eBay or the local salvage yards in Australia may be an option?

astonv8

Thanks, this is great information.

I did get an email this morning from Lexus Perth - they quoted as follows:

Reader unit: $6199 (part number 86421 30060)
Version 14 disc: $436
Labor to fit: $594
Subtotal: $7229

This is about $6900 US or £3600 UK, ouch!

I assume the computer / reader is the same box - can someone confirm please?

As you say, probably best to find an Australian GS mark 3 breaker and see if I can get the reader.

Lastly, I wonder if your Australian contact knows the name of the manufacturer, I may be able to approach them direct.

Thanks again,

Marcus.

flipside909

Yes, the NAV brain/disc drive is that unit located in the glove box. It's the semi covered up section with a disc slot.

astonv8

Thanks for the info, very helpful.