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Hi, I am new in the forum, and looking for some help Just bougth an ES350 from 2009 in Europe, with the European navigation map DVD, but the car run out of battery and now I have to restart the navigation system. The Lexus dealer in Spain says that I need to install the North America DVD first, and then upgrade to my European DVD, but I do not have the North America DVD. I called Don Valley North Lexus in Canada, and they told me that they do not ship any parts. I found some used DVD in e-bay, but I do not know the exact DVD that I need (there is U30, U31, U32, U35...) Can any body help me to find out which one is the original DVD that you get when you first buy the Lexus ES350 from 2009? Many thanks! Victor

Sorry guys, not sure why that's happening. I had the same issue with that link on another forum, but never experienced it before. The internet gods are not with me, so here's the text. Disregard the random stars - they showed up after the cut & paste. Lexus offers its RX450h hybrid for the buyer wanting a luxury SUV, but looking*to escape the mileage penalty*typical*with*that vehicle class. The RX450h does offer a significant improvement in economy over the base RX350, but it comes at a price. The*RX350*(AWD) has an EPA rating of*18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while*the AWD RX450h tops it with a city rating of*30 mpg city/28 highway, and*starts at $46,825 (a*$6,350 premium over the base RX). Realistically, the*owner would have to keep the vehicle for the better part of five years to pay for the difference in fuel savings, which makes the hybrid a tougher sell on just numbers alone, but there are other reasons to like the RX450h. It's smooth and quiet ride is enhanced by a comfortable interior with top safety scores as a bonus. The government's newer, more strenuous crash testing procedures earned the RX450h four out of five stars. It got four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. The AWD RX450h has a 3.5 liter V6 with three supplemental electric motors; one acts as a generator while the other two power the wheels. Total power output is 295hp, which routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) motivates the RX450 from 0-60 in 7.6 seconds. One trait of the hybrid powertrain does take a bit of getting used to - and that is the engine shutting down when the vehicle comes to a stop. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but releasing the brake pedal starts the car rolling on battery/electric power until the accelerator is pressed which starts the engine allowing*the vehicle to accelerate*smoothly under engine power. The transition from electric to engine power is seamless and virtually silent which is quite impressive. An "EV" mode allows electric-only power for low speeds over short distances. The RX450h is available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive variants. The vehicle tested was the AWD version with*the Comfort ($825) and Premium ($2,400) packages as well as the Navigation System upgrade ($2,465). The extra options added just over $8,500 to the MSRP, and included the kind of luxury features buyers have come to expect in a Lexus. Heated & ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a 12-speaker premium audio system with 6 disc CD changer, LED headlamps with Lexus' Intelligent High Beam system and headlamp washer, XM satellite traffic and weather information, Intuitive Parking Assist, backup camera, emergency assist button and hard disk drive navigation system.*The Premium Package*included one-touch opening/closing sunroof, auto-dimming heated outside mirrors, power rear hatch open/close, and a*driver's seat/steering wheel/mirror position memory with three settings. * The RX's standard safety equipment list is extensive,*and includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and dual front knee bags. Lexus' Safety Connect, a driver assistance*service similar to GM's OnStar offers automatic collision notification, a stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button is also included. An optional*pre-collision system*packaged with adaptive cruise control determines when an accident is unavoidable and tightens the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist. Upon climbing into the RX450h, the aroma of leather is almost overwhelming. The car's upscale appointments and high quality interior materials exude luxury and give the look and feel of a much more expensive vehicle. An interesting option is Lexus' Remote Touch interface, which controls the audio system, navigation system and heating/ventilation/air conditioning. It resembles a computer mouse with a flat-topped joystick controller and operates with haptic feedback, allowing the driver to "feel" the buttons on the screen. The system is well thought out and intuitive, and did not require much trial and error experimentation to operate. Rear*passenger seating is roomy and*comfortable thanks to reclining seatbacks and a sliding seat adjuster. Cargo space behind the rear seats is generous at 40 cubic feet which doubles to 80 cu. ft. when the seats are folded down. The*RX450h offers a smooth ride with impressive quietness, even at highway speed. The suspension soaks up small ruts and uneven pavement with aplomb, while the sound insulation isolates passengers from road and wind noise. Normal driving maneuvers exhibit little body roll, and engine noise is only apparent during full-throttle acceleration. This Lexus occupies a small market niche;*both Porsche and Volkswagen offer hybrid SUVs, but for a considerably higher price and without the RX's fuel economy. It's hard to find much fault with the RX450h; a luxury SUV that returns better mileage than most luxury sedans at a competitive price.

A lot of you seem to have posted about adding capabilities to various Lexus GS Navigation system. I've recently purchased a 2008 AWD with factory NAV upgrade* (non ML). Can I somehow get this unit to play DVDs or connect my HDMI equipped, Android powered Motorola Photon to the screen to enhance its capabilities as an entertainment hub? * I got this car as a salvage repair from ebayer (drjemini) and he had his repair shop replace the basic stereo system with a gen 5 Nav unit (which he convinced me was less of a chore than replacing with a ML unit due to completely different wiring harnesses). I have not received the car yet, but want a game plan when it arrives next week. I've also asked dcfish for input, but all are welcome to contribute links and advice. -TiM

I'm not sure this is going to get to the person that requested the information, but I can't find the original post. It was by a person, moving from USA to Europe, and taking their 400h with them. Their question was about converting nav. from USA to Europe version. I found a contact a my local dealer who has researched this same issue in the past for two other customers. You CANNOT convert or upgrade a Lexus navigation system, made for North America, to European specs. You must install a whole new system made for European use in order to get that function. Bummer. Paul

The upgrade may or may not increase the areas where full navigation is available on your Lexus navigation system. Lexus coverage is not as extensive as the Garmin. It depends on where you live. Follow this link to determine if the upgrade expands your coverage area. Good you got a free upgrade though. http://www.lexusnavigation.com/map.php

I received an ad from Lexus stating the navigation upgrade (11.1) is available for my 2010 rx 350 at a cost of $169. My dealer, when called, stated that the price is $289.00 and that he must install it. What is going on with the price? Why can't I install it myself?

POSTED TO WRONG FORUM GROUP, but if you have a solution for my missing street names that is great. I'm a brand new member (March 28, 2009) discovering this forum. I've searched for answers to my 2002 LS430 GPS problem to no avail. I have never updated my GPS system so it still uses the 2001 version. On Mar. 21, I used my GPS system which displayed the surface streets as well as the main highways. On Mar. 22 I used my LS430 to jump start a 1992 Cadillac and succeeded. I did notice the large amount of corrosion on my battery posts so I cleaned it off with a baking soda/water solution. When I was going to use my GPS on Mar. 26, I pressed the 'I Agree' button to display the map. Well, none of the street lines and names appear. Only the main highways. Also, suburb names have suddenly appeared. Can anyone help me restore the street names? I've considered the GPS upgrade to 2008 and am wondering if this is my only solution. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I recently purchased the navigation screen, ECM, and GPS antenna for my 1998 LS400. For what I understood the LS400 is pre-wired for the NAV system. Mine came stock with the standard setup (pioneer head unit, climate control, and CD changer). Is it possible to upgrade my LS to NAV, because if so I don't see the connectors I'm supposed to plug into the system. I've spent a good bit of money on these parts and now I'm fearing I can't use them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !!! :(

I have a 2000 Lexus LS400 with the Navigation. Lately, it has been giving me problems and also, you cannot upgrade this beyond 2004. I have searched the forums and have not come across anyone else replacing the Navigation unit with a non-navigation unit. Is this possible? If this unit goes out, it appears that you will lose climate, radio, and all and I would rather get rid of the nav unit and replace with whatever would have come in a non-nav LS400. If I could find the parts, is this possible? If this has been posted elsewhere, I apologize but I could not find it. Please post the link. If not, any help would be greatly appreciated. I have seen the display unit listing for over $4,000 and the control unit for over $4,000 as well. I'm not looking forward to spending that if the nav unit finally quits. Lately, it has been flashing on and off, stays off for a little while, but it does however come back on after a couple of minutes. Just not looking forward to when it doesn't come back on. Also, don't know if this is related, but just the other day I went to turn on the car and nothing. It didn;t try to turn over or nothing. The battery is listing at 12.8 volts so the battery was fine. After a couple of minutes, it started right up. I know it is a coincidence, but I related that in my mind to the nav unit as well. Well, long story short, can you replace a nav unit with whatever came in a non-nav unit? Thanks, Todd

Hi All, I have this same issue, coincidentally with an SC430 2003 that I just bought. The NAVIGATION system did not come with a disk, but the dealer found one and installed it. It is ver. 02.1 with maps of North America. However some streets that exist now do not show on the maps. So I want an upgrade, hopfully to the latest of whatever version will work. I see many disk (aka DVD) upgrade versions for sale... the newest ones labeled Generation 5 with an added designation Nav U30 or U32 or U33 that supposedly came installed in the 2007-2008 new SC430's. I have heard a rumor that maybe the newer upgrade disks will not work in the navigation unit of a 2003 SC430, but I have not been able to confirm this nor find a way around it. Any disk newer than the version I have now would likely be an improvement, but I would like to find one at least as new as 2005... that would be version Nav U20 or U21, I think. I also have yet to figure out how to eject or load any disk, altho I am told the dealer can do this and usually does it no charge (especially if one pays retail for the disk... $200?). Anyway, if anyone can help me understand how to upgrade the maps in my situation, please post or email me directly. Thanks, Cal Jones zzzzjones@hotmail.com

You really think your Rx300 handled better than your Rx350?? I had an 03 Rx300 AWD and currently have an Rx400h AWD, basically the same handling as the Rx350... and I have to say the Rx400h handles MUCH better than my Rx300 did. I found the Rx300 to be more top heavy around cornering at least in comparison to what I'm driving now. The Rx400h is certainly no BMW when it comes to handling, but I find it to be better than the Rx300. The newer Rx does have wider tires which help a lot. And I do agree that the leather quality in the 04-09 Rx's is poor in comparison to that used in the Rx300; the newer Rx leather is quite "hard" in comparison and isn't as plush, and I notice a huge difference when conditioning the leather; in my Rx400h (same leather used in Rx350) the conditioner tends to "bead up" on the leather whereas in my Rx300 the conditioner would quickly be absorbed. I believe the newer leather has more protective coatings which make it more resistant to the elements, but don't allow it to be conditioned to make it soft. I also agree that the seats in the Rx300 were much more comfortable. My guess is that Lexus was trying to make the seats feel sportier, similar to those used in SUV's of BMW or Mercedes. Did you have nav in the Rx300? I did, and I can say the nav in the 07-09 Rx's is a HUGE upgrade in terms of screen quality and function. Lexus has never made a nav sytem that allows you to use it while driving... but you can get the kit to make it work. Besides this little issue the Lexus navigation system is one of (if not he best) systems out there, being the easiest to operate.

I love my Rx330. I have had it about 4 years. It has 87000 miles on it..It needs the hood painted and the bumpers painted. It looks fine but I am very fussy. My dh tried to fix some paint chips with touchup paint and it looks horrible. I was thinking of trading it on an 08. I can get a pretty good deal. Trade my 04 and 13000$ out the door. It will be a certified vehicle, has 54000 miles and the Navigation system. I would love a brand new but I dont have that kind of money laying around at the moment.. Do you all love the 08? Is the Navigation a nice feature? I am supposed to go and look at the 08 today. It is the Savannah color, anyone have that? is it a dark tan or light tan? Sorry for all the ?s but you guys always have answers here.

I am also looking to upgrade up Mark Levnison system. I have a 2001 lx470 and a mid speaker is blown and the bass has stopped working. Additionally, the radio antennae has stopped going up and down. Lastly, the head-unit itself is giving me problems cd's skip, the radio skips, and when you turn on the radio sometimes the volume goes out of control gets piercing loud. I am looking to upgrade my system to a double din navigation with bluetooth, ipod connection, dvd, etc...the whole works do you guys have any suggestions. Also, i would also like any suggestions regarding good speaker components. Thank you!

Afternoon Folks. My first time here and I have a comment and a fairly important question. I own a 2002 Lexus LS/430 with Luxury Package that I love....however, the Navigation system is such a huge flippin dissapointment! In fact, my wife's $ 150 Garmin kicks it's butt all day long. I know I can upgrade from Version 8.1 to 10.1 but when I ask the dealer if it is tons better all they do is shrug their shoulders and say "Dunno". So, my question is this....Is there another product I can buy and replace where the Nav is on the Lexus? (Please, do not tell me just buy a Garmin and attach it to the windshield. Really? And look like a Tercel?) Thanks!

I have a 2008 IS 250 AWD (Non-Navigation) and woutl like to upgrade the factory radio to a screen/radio that allows bluetooth. What is the best option? I have seen several products from pioneer that look intriguing but want to check with others on here to seek advice. Thanks, Aaron

Just picked up a 2006, GS300 AWD with Navigation. I'm guessing I have an old Nav Map DVD because it couldn't recognize a street in a housing development that's about 9 years old!! 1) What Gen (generation) of map DVD do I need to be looking for. Don't want to get a map DVD (probably used) and have it not work. 2) Is it possible/costly to upgrade from one's current version/generation of Nav system to something newer? Thanks Ken

Hoping maybe someone here can shed some light on this..... I have a 2008 LS460, came with stock stereo (non-Mark Levinson) and navigation system. It does have the HDD for the navigation. I wanted to upgrade to the Mark Levinson head unit so I could play DVDs and record music to the HDD. I was able to acquire a ML head unit, had it installed (with non-ML amp and speakers) and everything works fine except the record function to record music to the HDD. When I play a CD, the record buttons show on the screen but they are not hilighted so they can’t be pressed. Does anyone know how the head unit connects to the HDD? Is there a different wiring harness for ML system than non ML that might have some extra wires? I was able to get into the service menu, it shows the HDD and lots of space available for music storage, I just can’t get the record buttons to light up. Any ideas? Thanks.

My dealer in Memphis said to skip the upgrade from 9.1 to 10.1 as it was not worth it since the changes were minor. I have seen what the upgrade to 10.1 adds and my dealer is probably right. It looks like the upgrade only adds a total of 70 counties in the U.S. to full turn by turn navigation coverage. The only county added in Mississippi is Jackson County, which is in the extreme south and does me no good. Likewise, no additions in western Tennessee. Interestingly, Canada now appears to have complete turn by turn navigation coverage! Also, Park and Teton Counties were added to Wyoming, so now navigation is available in Yellowstone Park.

I would love to learn more about this also. I met a Lexus executive on a plane and he told me that there have been a lot of Navigation improvements in the 2010 model year over my 2009. The voice recognition is also improved I am told. I wonder if I can upgrade my system? Welcome to the club I'll look into this for you, PM me with email address. B)

Wharaap everyone! I'm a big Lexus fan and very loyal lexus owner. All of my vehicles are from Lexus. They are as follows: 2004 SC430 2005 GX470 2006 RX400h 2007 IS250 AWD 2008 LS600hL 2010 GX460 Premium I'm new to the forums. Basically, I'd love to learn new things about my cars that I may not already know. I would also like to add cool stuff to them like upgrade the tail lights for my SC430 to the new ones. I would also like to find an override for all my Navigation systems so I can enter destinations while in motion and watch DVD's in motion with Mark Levinson. If anyone is familiar with these things please holler at a player. I will try searching also. 1

I'm planning to upgrade simply because there have been some significant construction projects in my home town, with added and re-routed interstate lanes, a new cloverleaf replacing old entrance/exit ramps, and two new roads I drive on several times a week. It is disconcerting to glance at the navigation display, and see that the image of your car is no longer on a road.

well i was in the maintenance screen and hit the wrong soft button. now the navigation system always comes up half in english half in japanese saying i need to insert the correct program disc. i have read online in some of the forums that inserting a disc with newer firmware version will correct this. so i would like to try someones 9.1 disc to see if it corrects this before shelling out the $200-$300 for a new disc. note i am not looking to copy someones disc because that will not work for a 2002 unit anyway. again looking to borrow gen 2/3 nav disc rev 9.1 to try in 2002 sc430. it wont hurt your disc. just need for about a half hour. otherwise i am seriously considering upgrading the whole damn stereo to get NAV/DVD/SAT/MP3 rather than pay $300 for mediocre nav upgrade that may or may not work.

I have Lexus es350 2007 and decided to upgrade navigation map. There are lot of websites with map, so I created DVD with new map. How to replace dvd with old map into new one? Thanks

We've replaced and upgraded many SC430 stereo systems over the years. The best solution on the market currently is the Alpine INA-W900. The headunit is packed with all the features you need to make your SC sound great. Your main decision will be how extensive of an upgrade you are looking for. Some of our clients just opt to replace the blown speakers (if there are any) and just integrate the new DVD headunit into the factory system. Headunit installation should be handled by an experienced audio shop as a decent level of customization will be required. When we perform a headunit installation on the SC430 we make a custom kit/bezel for the new Alpine headunit to fit in the stock location. We maintain full operation of the motorized door during this process. Most importantly though is that the circuit board from the factory headunit is removed and maintained. If not, some vehicles lose total function of the navigation and climate control functions. An experienced shop should be able to install a new headunit for you and maintain operation of all interior electronics including the factory subwoofer. If you are looking for a total system upgrade then I suggest replacing all the speakers and factory amplifier with high quality components. Hope this helps a little.

I have an 08 ES350 that I bought w/o navigation. In doing a search to upgrade my car with navigation, I came upon a unit built by FlyAudio. They sell a plug and play unit that comes complete with the trim piece that looks exactly like OEM. Just google "FlyAudio" to see the unit. I don't work for them nor am I a reseller of them. I'd thought I would share my findings with everyone. I contacted a reseller of the unit and they quoted a price of about $1600. Much cheaper than getting the OEM. I'm thinking of buying it but don't want to be the guinea pig. There's lots of talk about FlyAudio units online in forums for the IS.