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Wanted a cheap solution to add bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree calling to my 05 330 without replacing the whole head unit and being obnoxious. Found GROM audio, which makes units that connect to and integrate Bluetooth technology in to the stock head unit. I also purchased an aux port to add on to it, which I installed next to the cigarette lighter. I dropped a bolt into the shifter console and had to take everything apart to get it out, but it ended up being a blessing because it made it easy to run the wire for the microphone and also bundle up the extra wires behind the glovebox. I zip tied the GROM audio box to the right side of the inside of the shifter console and it was plug and play with the head unit. Most of the word is wire management and dash disassembly. I’m very happy with it, you use CD mode to get BT and aux, and the stock head unit buttons act as you’d expect for regular functions and in other, easy to learn ways for other functions like answering/ending calls and activating SIRI. Handsfree calling works great as well, and it displays the song/artist on the screen the same way it does with CDs. Easy to toggle between BT and aux mode. Highly recommend for less than $200.
This video goes over basic installation. Quite easy depending on your attention to detail and where you want to locate parts/wires.
Lower dash disassembled Grom unit Unit tucked in shifter console Dash together and aux port Microphone location Song text in BT mode/aux cord connected
Thanks. 101k miles and fresh carpet will do that! My one dash crack drives me crazy.
I'm with you. my dash started cracking literally a month after the extended warranty period expired. All of the dealers, and lexus corporate told me to go pound sand
I also have the audiovox mediabridge A-MBR-1500-TOY that allegedly does bluetooth audio. I can not for the life of me get any of my phones to pair up in bluetooth mode. I may have to consider getting this grom unit. Galaxy S10 and Iphone 8