tfeni52355

The speakers are shot in my 02 SC and I'm evaluating all the options available. I am very hands on - mechanically/electrically competent. I find the existing ML head end dated. Although in its day the system was top notch, the fact is electronics has gone light years ahead of this and will continue to pull away.

I know there have been a ton of posts regarding the ML system upgrades or changeouts. I know the factory NAV works through the existing system. Don't really care about this as functionality will be duplicated in the new system planned.

Do you need the ML head end to run the A/C?

If not, I see no reason why a nicely installed touchscreen double DIN unit complete with GPS, Sirius, Bluetooth, SD card, USB, iPod with speakers amps etc. couldn't replace the existing equipment. I know there will be some metalwork involved for the faceplate/bezel replacement. Not interested in steering wheel controls working. Don't use them now. This car is a keeper and I am not worried about resale.

I know the install will need to be well thought out, but despite the posts I have seen this just doesn't seem like rocket science. Just some good old fashioned planning, hard work and $$.

Harold57

If you find a good fit, let us know. There are a couple of guys that have installed a different radio and had some metal work done and wrote about it in this forum: GammaLex and EddierRo.

See this link:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...placement.html

Also, Habious lists several links to system replacement in this thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...eo-system.html

tfeni52355

Thanks Harold57.

I have read the posts. My biggest unanswered question is:

Do you need the ML headend to run the A/C?

Harold57

I'm fairly sure that the answer is no for the '02, but I'm not positive. Later models uses the touch screen to do much more than the '02. The '02 touch screen control is pretty much limited to navigation.