Magrew

The ML speaker can take the volume, the problem is the location is particularly harsh with all that UV attacking the foam. 

The door speakers last a little longer but because of the way these cars are screwed together there is a surprising amount of moisture in the doors. 

Also a little harsh for the speaker foam. 

1 minute ago, The Lexus Enthusiast said:

To be honest I am becoming more and more tempted by aftermarket subs which will be more durable. The sub only plays the most distorted and muddy bass sounds so I don't imagine it would sound bad to have one non ML speaker. It would save a lot of work. I'm not very confident with DIY for anything expensive or luxurious, I probably couldn't trust myself in the Lexus. However, since repair is cheaper it is tempting. It's such a shame that you can't just unfasten the cover over the sub and remove it! 

Alex 

 

Bear in mind with aftermarket that it is an unusual impedance with the ML system. Choose any alternative wisely. 

And mine has the luxury pack so the full electric and massaging seats wiring and motors to deal with. I was a bit daunted before I started but honestly not a thing to worry about. 

No, it needs the full flexibility, I looked far and wide to find the correct m-section foam and ended up importing from Australia. It is an exact match for the original. 

In the pre-facelift the seats and rear parcel shelf are a little easier to remove, it took me an hour to remove and thirty minutes to put back with an extra pair of willing hands. 

I didn't remove the seat belts or the side trims, I just leaned the backs forward after removing the squab and the fastening nuts and slipped the parcel shelf out. 

It is an easy DIY. 

This is it finished

12 minutes ago, The Lexus Enthusiast said:

Thanks for giving me the confidence Roger! 

Now I just need to replace the sub and since the audio still comes slightly more from the left I think that the right front door speaker needs replacing also, then it’s perfect! 

 

Alex 

Don't replace the sub, fix it, it is actually quite easy. I have just finished doing it. I have a spare foam surround if your interested. I did with about 3 hours work. 

Once I fixed the sub though then I heard a door speaker buzzing so will be doing that next. 

It honestly is much easier than the YouTube experts suggest. Just care and preparation and your sorted. 

The unit I have looks identical to that but it is branded as Connect 2. Since I have the module I was simply looking for the patch cable which to match the Lexus configuration. 

I was aware of the different plugs between the early and the facelifted models so I took out my unit last week to check my configuration. 

My next plan is to contact Connect 2 directly and see if they can help. The cable should just be a few pounds rather than spending £80+ again. 

Glad yours is working well for you. 

No, they weren't massively helpful. Currently I'm using an fm streamer but that doesn't work well for hands free. 

Hi Alex, thanks for the fast reply. I have contacted one of their resellers, bass junkies, so I will see how I get on with them and keep you informed. 

Stewart 

On 12/12/2017 at 7:39 PM, The Lexus Enthusiast said:

Thanks Roger, you have already been a lot of help. Does your one look like this? How did you need to fit it and what did the Bluetooth module look like and how did you fit that extra? (The one I want to get says that the Bluetooth module is an add on). Thanks for helping, sorry about asking so many q's 

 

Alex 

Hi Alex, how did you get on with this module, I am looking to add this to my recently purchased LS430, I am transferring it after using it in a Ford Focus where it worked excellently. 

Can you advise which cd connector plug your unit has, is it the small 6-6 plug or is it the larger plug, according to xcar it changes in 2003 but I am not sure of that. Unfortunately I am out of the country so not near my car to check.

Also, did you add the Bluetooth? If so does it also allow handsfree telephone?

Thanks in advance.

Stewart