twylie

In addition to the options currently mentioned, you can add a plug n play kit from VAIStech that will tie into the audio system and allow the audio controls (including steering wheel ones) to change tracks and playlists as well as show the metadata for artist/song/album on the display. I went this route with my GS430 and it's been flawless. I have the SL2i-UP and it sounds very good. They have some newer and more expensive offerings that provide even better integration and sound quality. Any audio shop can install them in under an hour, but if you're comfortable with simple tools, you can save the money and DIY with guides on the internet.

I doubt you can update the XM to include traffic; best look at trading for a 2010 if that is important to you. Personally, I didn't find it to work all that well in ATL when I had a loaner with it. You can easily add XM radio with your setup using the factory add on kit or the one from VAIS Technologies. As for the iPod integration, you have similar options with the OEM kit or another VAIS product. I added both XM and iPod integration to my '06 430 using the VAIS stuff. You daisy chain the units and it works great. I have 3 sets of SAT presets and it displays the currently playing data on the screen. I can use the steering wheel controls to change presets or banks of preset that I'm listening to. The iPod integration is similar. There is a charge/data/audio cable that plugs in to the port on the iPod and then you can change playlists, tracks, etc using the factory controls while it displays the song data on the screen. Your '08 will handle more elegant navigation on the iPod side, allowing you to browse artists/albums/genre I believe. Check out www.vaistech.com and give them a call if you have questions. There are specific compatibility items that aren't the easiest to understand at first glance. Since you don't have Mark Levinson or DVD capability, you can actually add a VAIS unit that will allow you to play video off the ipod on the nav screen.

It's the same for all 3rd Gen GS models - either wire cut or a plug and play kit. I did the PnP kit from Prestigious Society and it works perfectly. When I sell or trade the car, I can return it to stock in 30 min.

from the help screens, but there are other undocumented commands. 2006 GS430 Voice Command List Sheet1.pdf

I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my GS430 and love them. Quiet, great feel and handling and super in the rain as well. Wife is on her 3rd set in her '94 SC400 and we generally get around 30k out of a set.

adaptive suspension (Sport/Comfort) settings on the V8 models.

Many reviews mentioned the feature that has the car apply slight steering inputs to correct for crosswinds. Having driven my GS430 in a heavy snow event with brutal crosswinds, I noticed on multiple occasions that the car would start to be blown and would correct itself as long as I didn't try to make steering corrections. Very eerie, but reassuring once you just let the car do its thing.

the height adjusters for the low beams are located under the fenders about a foot back from the front of the engine bay. You need to remove the plastic engine shields and have a very long (8-10") Phillips screwdriver. Once you have removed the plastic covers, you'll see a half moon shaped "slot" that you need to insert the screwdriver into. Make sure the car is running when you do this so the auto adjusters aren't affected.