Originally Posted by tfischer

I agree with the above post. From what I have learned so far, there is virtually nothing that comes close to creating a discrete MP3 input for the ML system, and certainly nothing that displays embedded tags on the screen, and nothing that would use the steering wheel buttons other than, of course, the volume buttons.

Vaistech (or something like that) has been marketing add ons that try for some of these features, but does not really have anything that really works like an integrated system built for an iPod would work. Some systems they have sold have not worked so well, as I recall reading here, but check their web page for accurate updates. If anybody is going to offer this, it will be this company, I would think.

Until the car manufacturers direct their audio buddies to build this in, it's probably not going to happen as an aftermarket accessory, especially on high-end, complex systems like the ML system in the SC430. Remember that the more complex the audio system is to start with, the more difficult it is (usually) for aftermarket designers to tap in and add on. I am resigned to my cassette deck adapter, with a nice holder that props my Nano up where I can read that screen.

I asked my dealer's service manager about adding a remote starter for my RX330, which I park outside, because a friend had one put into his wife's Suburu a few years ago and they like it a lot. However, the Lexus technician said that they don't work well with all the electronic parts and all the various computer controlled parts in the car. He had some RX owners come in because the remote starter screwed up all the interior lighting -- nobody knows why. Plus you have the problem of having to keep a key chip near the ignition to allow starting, which defeats a major security feature. The point being (and regular readers will recall that most of my stories don't have any point) that the 10 year old Suburu is one thing, but the Lexus is too complex for such quick and easy add-ons.

He said he hoped that Lexus would create an optional remote starter for his customers who want one, and that would be the only way he would suggest adding one. Same thing for the MP3 plug in adapter. It's a dream and it won't happen. Lexus is sure not going to bother making one now, and the California computer wiz kids can't figure how to do it, so forget about it. Future models will surely have it because that's the way the market is going, but we will not have such a thing for our SC430s.

Sad but true.

Originally Posted by tfischer

From what I learned in investigating the issue of remote starters, they are insecure for our SCs for two reasons. First, you have to have some way to tell the starter chip that the forthcoming start is authorized, or the engine will not crank no matter what you do. (This is one of several reasons that Lexus is just about the least stolen car built.) The only way to get a remote starter to work is to put one of your keys or the flat key "case" with the chip in it very near the ignition and leave it there. Of course, I suppose you could just get some velcro and put the chip into position at those times when you anticipate using the remote starter, but that's hardly in keeping with the theory of convenience which is why you bought the remote starter in the first place.

Secondly, (this from my Lexus Dealer's service manager) remote starters in general can screw around with the computers and electronics in the car. Even my friend with a 10 year old Suburu mentioned that he had some things like that happen (eg: lights acting funny), and that's hardly a car with complex electronics. So you take your chances with a serious add-on like a remote starter.

It's not that big a deal for me, for various reasons. On really cold mornings when I have to take the car parked outside, I can usually step outside and start it myself. Or I can just drive off and wait the 5 minutes for the bun warmers to kick in, which is hardly roughing it, all things considered.

I looked into it and I have concluded that I am going to pass on the remote starter, although that would be nice to have sometimes. In the meantime, in warmer weather I can cool off the car (RX330) remotely by holding down the unlock button, which lowers all 4 windows and opens the sunroof, just as that move on our cars lowers the windows.

Again, hardly roughing it.