Lexus virgin

Hi all,

I currently have a stock GS300SE (non-navigator) and I would like to fit a sat-nav. Ideally I would like to fit the OEM Lexus navigator from a scrapped GS. However I am aware of three problems:-

1. Wiring - The GS navigator may have a different wiring loom. Some manufactures cut production cost by fitting the same loom to all versions, so if I am lucky I can just plug in the required components.
   
2. DVD - the sat-nav needs a dvd drive, or at least I will have to temporarily connect it to one to read the disk (which I will need to get hold of as well) or I could read the DVD onto a CD using my computer, but this would be unlikely to work I guess.
   
3. GPS antenna - The system needs a GPS antenna, but is this included in the sat-nav head unit?
   

The slightly easier option is to rip out the existing stereo and replace it with a DIN facia and fit an aftermarket such as the Navman iDN 3000 (7" screen) which would also play DVDs and connect to a rear view camera, games console etc. The slight fly in the ointment is that the DIN facias I have seen are all black, but my beige GS interior has brown facias. Also such a unit will be attractive to theves, wheras no-one would try to take the OEM unit.

Thoughts anyone?

Some shady looking characters were spotted by my neighbour in my driveway having a look at my gs430. Does anybody know how effective the security system in these cars is? Can they be easily knicked without the key? Is it a case of "where theres a will, there's a way" - if they want it badly enough, they will find a way of bypassing system? I'm not sure if I am more concerned about losing the car or them breaking into my house to get the key!

I have a black sport GS 300 with tinted windows, 20 speakers, 20" rims and well pimped. From purchase I installed a Clifford Perimter Voice Alarm. If anyone goes close to the car it chirps and I can adjust the range at which it can be triggered and have had to do so on occasions.

It can also go on voice where it tells the person to back away when they get too close. No one can get close to it to look inside as the alarm will go off. It is the best purchase I made after the car.

I also know when traffic wardens get close and it alert drivers parking too close to it in car parks.

My friend had his less than 12 months old GS stolen. They broke into his house, took the keys downstairs and drove off the car. He and his family were sleeping upstairs. The insurance replaced the car with a new one and several months later they found his car in Dubai with 70 Mercedes and 33 lexus. They got details of his car and address from DVLA and were well organised.

If someone is going to break into your house when you are there, chances are they are armed and usually have an accomplice.

whoa this sounds nasty, I can see that leaving the keys near to the door is a lot better than being given a wake up by an angry car thief.

I remember the ghost dog scene. In fact I think that was subliminally at work when I bought my GS.

Hi,

I have A GS300 Mk 2 with similar knocking at low speed over bumps. Also I have just had new brakes discs and pads, so it could be the calliper sliding pin wear problem, however the noise sounds more like something loose in suspension. I will check both bushes and brake sliding pins. Can these be checked without dismantling anything?

It is a little disappointing that the 'silent' ride effect is spoiled under these driving conditions.

Hi,

I notice the same thing on my GS300 Mk2. Sounds like something in the suspension is loose, could this be ball joints or worn bushes?