NACNAC

im going to take my SC to best buy to directly install my ipod, should i trust them to take apart the console? supposedly theyve already done an is350 and rx330

tfischer

You are thinking about taking your fairly unusual $50,000 car to a discount electronics big box store in the hopes that they can take apart the dashboard and the console, mess with the wiring and put everything back together again just like new.

Sounds good to me.

Let us know how much you save by not going to a mechanic experienced in dealing with the car.

Sorry to see that the shift key on your keyboard is out.

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Given the fact that you have a 2002-same as I-you will find (or they will) that a direct connection is very difficult from what research I conducted. Posts here and on other Lexus sites take note that the right and left channels lines can be tapped easily (they are under the shift console) but a switch must be installed to select the lines for the inputs. A hassle in my book. I looked at the schematic just the other day to see if I could isolate the AUX input on the head unit but the factory schematic of the car is too general for this. I was going to order the factory stereo schematic but I found a FM transmitter that actually works fantastic with a 99%+ no static reception so I am putting together something right now on a permanent install based on this.

Best of luck , but I would not trust those young guys back there with my SC. That's me though. Let us know how it works out.

tfischer

If you do a search in this forum on iPod, you will find out that connecting anything into the SC ML audio system is very difficult, and has seldom been completed successfully.

I'm not familiar with the audio systems on the IS or the RX, (nor am I familiar with the word "supposably") but I do know that those cars are easier to work on and only a few of the RX models have the ML audio system.

When checking out the reputation of a service shop, "supposably" is not close enough to "highly regarded" or "excellent reputation far and wide" in my book.

mdouglas

Didn't I read that the 2006 model SC430 now has an auxiliary in port located in the storage compartment between the front seats so that you can plug your IPod or other MP3 player directly into the Mark Levinson system?

tfischer

I have no idea what you read, so I can't really answer your question, but to my knowledge no SC as of this date has an iPod or any other MP3 input supplied by Lexus.

See the other posts here for a full discussion of the unfulfilled promises by the aftermarket community.

(I only have an '02, but I've kept pretty much up to date on the changes to the SC.)

expoc2

is the VAIS SLU kit the only option available for Aux-Input in a 2002 SC430 with ML system?

EddierRo

Dont waste your time and money going to best buy. Do some research for a better solution. You will be happy you did. Good luck!