Best Apple Car Play Module?

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Installed the Beat Sonic today. The video and directions were a big help. Excited about the upgrade!

We’ve been using this for a couple weeks now. The only negative I’ve noticed thus far, is it doesn’t maintain multiple phones. This is my wife’s daily driver, and she hasn’t experienced any connectivity issues, but when I drive it, I have to go through the entire pairing process to use my phone.


IMG_8168.jpeg


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I just received the GROM VL2 for my 14. Already had the Beatsonic dvd/nav module since 2016/17 but he doesn’t have anything for the mid 200 series refresh as it pertains to CarPlay.

Select Lexus 2013-2021 with touchscreen GROM VLine VL2 Infotainment System CarPlay Android Auto

Select Lexus 2013-2021 with touchscreen GROM VLine VL2 Infotainment System CarPlay Android Auto
gromaudio.com gromaudio.com

This is the Beatsonic nav/dvd bypass that works with 200 series from 13-21 (site lists the 570, but still is good with LC) and allows DVD and NAV use while driving. Was a bigger deal when we used the car for kids, family travel, etc… but still nice to have.

Beat-Sonic NDS6223EP Navigation and DVD Control Bypass Module Combo

Beat-Sonic NDS6223EP Navigation and DVD Control Bypass Module Combo to override factory navigation and DVD lockout during vehicle motion for your 2013-2016 Lexus models. Get yours today at www.beatsonicusa.com
www.beatsonicusa.com www.beatsonicusa.com

Only other option I found was Naviks but couldn’t find a single video or post that they’d installed on a 200. Their site also seems to say the screen has to be sent in which was a big con to their solution. Very vague on actual details and no PDF manual…

2011 - 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser (J200) Apple CarPlay (Wired & Wireless) + Android Auto (Wired & Wireless) (Controlled by OEM Touch Screen) (OEM Microphone) (Must Send Screen)

2011 - 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser (J200) Apple CarPlay (Wired & Wireless) + Android Auto (Wired & Wireless) (Controlled by OEM Touch Screen) (OEM Microphone) (Must Send Screen)
naviks.com

Anyway, Will be adding the GROM once my 200 gets back from Higgy’s 👍🏻
 
das100 said:
Is beatsonic considered the best of the bunch for 2020?
Click to expand...
Had mine for over a year and it’s the best upgrade by far and customer support is excellent. Eric is always there to help.
 
As someone with 2013 LX (with Levinson):
  • Beat Sonic isn't an option (I emailed, they are "working on it")
  • EC doesn't appear to support LX's
  • Naviks requires you to send the screen to them (not something a local installer can do in a day)
  • Naviplus appears to be hated by all
That seems to basically just leave Grom. I'm ok with using wired CarPlay, so I'm likely to be ok-ish? Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!
 
mikeluce said:
As someone with 2013 LX (with Levinson):
  • Beat Sonic isn't an option (I emailed, they are "working on it")
  • EC doesn't appear to support LX's
  • Naviks requires you to send the screen to them (not something a local installer can do in a day)
  • Naviplus appears to be hated by all
That seems to basically just leave Grom. I'm ok with using wired CarPlay, so I'm likely to be ok-ish? Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!
Click to expand...
GROM supports both wired and wireless CarPlay. I’m also going to replace my cigarette lighter with a USB-C and A plug for wired. I got the idea from their YouTube video when they were doing the land cruiser.

Eric said the same thing to me and an email the other day about their product as well.
 
I have a 2011 but I would say the Grom VL2 is average and the customer service is way below that.
 
mikeluce said:
As someone with 2013 LX (with Levinson):
  • Beat Sonic isn't an option (I emailed, they are "working on it")
  • EC doesn't appear to support LX's
  • Naviks requires you to send the screen to them (not something a local installer can do in a day)
  • Naviplus appears to be hated by all
That seems to basically just leave Grom. I'm ok with using wired CarPlay, so I'm likely to be ok-ish? Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!
Click to expand...
The local install guy has done 10 or so GROM installs and says they are "ok" but not his preference. He checked with his preferred supplier, but they don't make anything for the low-res touch screen, so GROM it is for me.
 
mikeluce said:
The local install guy has done 10 or so GROM installs and says they are "ok" but not his preference. He checked with his preferred supplier, but they don't make anything for the low-res touch screen, so GROM it is for me.
Click to expand...
I just installed the Grom version and to be honest it’s pretty good compared to a 2014 Toyota navigation system. I use the wired option because I was too lazy to figure out the wireless connection. Either way, it was a big improvement in my opinion. Of course that may change overtime but at the moment it’s not bad 🤷‍♂️
 
Yeah, I mean it literally does everything my other newer cars do with CarPlay so for now I think it’s good.

IMG_3395.jpeg
 
Ok, in less than 24 hours my opinion changed on the Grom unit 😂. The pickup/hangup buttons don’t work on steering wheel when using CarPlay (but they do with a normal BT paired phone). Anyway, removal was pretty easy.

Going to try a Naviplus as they demonstrate the above mentioned function in their video.

Didn’t realize these guys existed too so it’s worth a shot 👍🏻
 
c4xplsv said:
Ok, in less than 24 hours my opinion changed on the Grom unit 😂. The pickup/hangup buttons don’t work on steering wheel when using CarPlay (but they do with a normal BT paired phone). Anyway, removal was pretty easy.

Going to try a Naviplus as they demonstrate the above mentioned function in their video.

Didn’t realize these guys existed too so it’s worth a shot 👍🏻
Click to expand...
Others will know better but there may be a way to keep using the OEM system for Bluetooth calling and eliminating GROM form affecting calls.
 
Well timed Grom comments. One of the better local shops doesn't allow customer supplied items and at the moment is only suggesting, willing to order Grom.

So I guess beatsonic and doing it myself is becoming the option. I'm sure it's not a hateful job...it's just freaking hot outside.
 
Got the RMA from GROM so it is going back today. After reviewing the installation, guide and available features, ended up ordering Naviplus.
 
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