I got a reply from a guy on Craigslist who will sell me a v8.1 disk (copy) for a Gen 2/3 system for $25!!! Here's his email:
"$25 for the backup disc on DVD+R DL. i tested it on my 2004 gs430, i did not have chance to test on 2003 sc430 so i can not warranty it will work well. however, my friend had 2002 sc430 and it works after few eject and reinsert the disc."
When I asked if he took PayPal, he sent me this:
"I am only have backup of the disc on DVD+r dl for now. I sold all the oem disc. It cost only $25 mailed to you. My car is 2004 gs430. The disc tested on my car fine without any read error issues. I can not warranty 100% if it work on model yr 2003 until you Tri it out and find out yourselves.
Can your car read a DVD+R DL disc?"
Anyone have any thoughts on this offer?
iomsc430@gmail.com