I have a 2008 IS350

everything else works except the big subwoofer.

is it possible to just get the subwoofer replaced?

should i go after market?

i called a local dealership and they said they only replace the whole ML system not just subs which is $2k+

 

It would be quite difficult to go aftermarket. A new amplifier would be needed, wire to connect it all, Converter to take Speaker level signal to line level.
I would suggest replacing the bad part
non ml
https://www.ebay.com/itm/06-07-08-09...kAAOSwUK9e8Ova


ML
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mark-levins...UAAOSw0-5eUqMq

 

go aftermarket for sure!....same thing happened to my 2006 IS350 with the M/L system.......the M/L/ sub is a specialty sub and nothing will replace it in it's original spot and it's an overpriced POS!.....I researched forever and found the JBL BassPro micro.......fits in the trunk and takes up very little space and yes sounds waaaaay better then the stock sub. Downside is it's a bit pricey......a new model comes out in September.......so maybe you can found the existing model cheaper??.......or wait and great the new model.......either way i'm sure you'll love it. BTW, I paid a car stereo shop for the professional install and I'm very happy!

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-6hdcKh...Pro-Micro.html

 

The dealer is lying to you. The subwoofer replacement has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the ML system. The part is (was) available separately, albeit ridiculously expensive (I recall around $500). But they are widely available used - check ebay.

I wouldn't go aftermarket - the sub is tuned to the car and the rest of the ML system; an aftermarket sub will yield unpredictable (and most likely inferior) results.

 

How blown is it?

I thought mine was blown, but it was just degradation of the wires (because they run them across the actual face of the sub themselves, which obviously vibrates and will eventually cause them to break down).

Sub shop guy said they did it for aesthetic, on a sub that is covered anyways...

So he ran two new wires that just go right to the middle, and the sub sounds as good as new now.

Even if it is actually blown, I’d suggest taking it to a local speaker/sub shop, it’ll probably be the most cost effective option.

 

^ yea that, my subwoofer was also "blown" turned out that the coil just shifted a bit. I undid the screws and gave it a few taps with a rubber mallet until i could feel the cone was moving smoothly again and put it back together. Still working great 8 months later.

 

Did you make any progress? I have the same issue and I’m curious what you decided to do.