GROM VLine2 vs ___ (2 Viewers)

[Manhattan]

I've had this system for a while in my '06. At the time, it was the best option for these non-CarPlay head units - from the archaic FM, CD, cassette player to wireless CarPlay. But by today's standards, the product kinda sucks. The system crash constantly, it's still plagued with bugs, and the company does next to nothing to fix/improve the system.

I haven't looked in a while... are there better options out there yet?

 

[dbleon]

The most proven for the levinson vehicles based on what I’ve seen here is the Teyes Cc3. Not an adapter.. it’s a replacement android HU.

No experience with it but I plan to try it in the near future

 

[Rhetoric]

I just mounted a cellular iPad mini that tethers to my phone automatically. I run split screen Waze / OBD Fusion.

 

[RAMf1]

I find that checking and downloading updates keeps the GROM working the best. Whenever I notice glitches... I check for the updates. The unit isn't perfect but it is a ton better than stock.

 

[Manhattan]

I agree on the "better than stock" part, but updating is such a pain in the *#%. My garage has about 80mbps and 4 out of 5 times, I can't get the updates to go. The tech at GROM makes the same suggestions every time - Reset, update network settings, etc., and finally sends a file that needs to be saved under a different name, loaded on to specific flash drive that's been formatting a specific way...

I'm in the middle this now - back and forth with GROM's tech support. Current status:

I gave that "update in progress" 90 min. and nothing happened. I

 

[ScotyDosentKnow]

I tried the Grom and it was a total piece of trash. Took it out after 4 weeks of messing with it and non stop issues. Its incredibly overpriced for what it is as well. Eventually when I get some free time (and money) will be trying the Teyes

 

[Rhetoric]

I would gladly take a Vline off of someone's hands so I can do my own independent testing...

I have run their BT3 module in my old TDI as well as my LX and it works as far as adding a simple bluetooth audio connection to the factory system. But I know people are wanting more these days with CarPlay/AA integrations.

 

[MongooseGA]

Nowhere near as feature-laden, but I am really happy with my USASpec Btoy45 (something or other). It has no output to the screen, so if you're specifically wanting that, it won't happen. But, I have perfectly seamless BT connectivity AND factory steering wheel control function with the BT. Calls are clear, music streams from my phone totally wirelessly. And there's nothing visible at all in the cockpit; everything looks exactly stock, how I like it.

I personally hate Android Auto (at least the versions I've used) so this is a solution that allows me full control of my phone while driving.

 

[suprarx7nut]

GROM was very responsive for me when I had issues.

The Teyes unit has had decent reviews lately, but their site indicates it's still a pretty intensive process to install on the later years (config C as they say). I would expect to need to do an amp delete and install a third party unit. You need to trim the dash, specially configure the interface to load in CANBUS, you lose your back up camera, etc...

Conversely, the GROM unit maintains back up camera, wireless android auto is seamless, requires no OEM audio rework and doesn't alter climate.

The Tesla-style massive screens seem to have died off, but perhaps one of those finally works well enough to consider. It's a tough thing with that darn integrated climate control. That's a high priority feature that's extraordinarily problematic if it's not functional - and it's not meant to be easily accessed by third parties.

 

[MongooseGA]

The Tesla-style massive screens seem to have died off, but perhaps one of those finally works well enough to consider. It's a tough thing with that darn integrated climate control. That's a high priority feature that's extraordinarily problematic if it's not functional - and it's not meant to be easily accessed by third parties.

I suspect the novelty of the original Tesla screen design has worn off as everyone came around to realizing it's actually stupid and hideous.

 

[ScotyDosentKnow]

Nowhere near as feature-laden, but I am really happy with my USASpec Btoy45 (something or other). It has no output to the screen, so if you're specifically wanting that, it won't happen. But, I have perfectly seamless BT connectivity AND factory steering wheel control function with the BT. Calls are clear, music streams from my phone totally wirelessly. And there's nothing visible at all in the cockpit; everything looks exactly stock, how I like it.

I personally hate Android Auto (at least the versions I've used) so this is a solution that allows me full control of my phone while driving.

Can you still buy these? I just did a quick search and appears to be atleast out of stock everywhere.

 

[MongooseGA]

Can you still buy these? I just did a quick search and appears to be atleast out of stock everywhere.

Good question, I couldn't say. That would suck, though.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I suspect the novelty of the original Tesla screen design has worn off as everyone came around to realizing it's actually stupid and hideous.

I was definitely in the "hideous" camp, lol. However, living with a real one for a couple years now, it's not so bad. But... that's in a car made by a multi-billion dollar software company that attaches wheels to a computer. It's done very well. I suspect none of the aftermarket third party ones are done well, haha. I'd still prefer a 787 cockpit style with 100 physical buttons, but the screen grew on me real fast.

Still funny when somebody gets into the Tesla (even if they've been in it before). The immediate response is almost always something like "oh my god that screen is enormous!" It's definitely eye-catching for better or worse.

Toyota's screen UI on the other hand.... oof. That's the wrong way to do screens in a car. Drove the new GX550 and there are menus within menus within menus within other menus all over. If you're going to do screens, everything needs to be one tap away. Toyota/Lexus have chosen not to even attempt that and it's a shame.

 

[MongooseGA]

It's hideous in a Tesla, too

 

[suprarx7nut]

It's hideous in a Tesla, too

Haha, agreed! Although I guess I've softened from "hideous" to perhaps... "ugly but useful".

 

[rbrave]

Good question, I couldn't say. That would suck, though.

There are a bunch of identically functioning versions of these that are cheaper and likely just as good. I’m running one on my non-nav ‘98 for the full experience from cassettes to Spotify. Here’s my write up, you would look for the one with the appropriate connector for the nav stereo. Mine has been flawless since install.

Modernizing a Non-Nav Stereo

I have been tossing around options for updating my 98 LC non-nav stereo, and something about the dual CD cassette deck has grown on me quite a bit. I upgraded speakers to Morel Maximo components in the front, and to be honest it sounds quite good for my tastes. I had been doing Bluetooth with a...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[wadsworth]

Can you still buy these? I just did a quick search and appears to be atleast out of stock everywhere.

I have one for sale, minus the easily replacable microphone cable. Shoot me a message if interested.

 

[xeuxaz]

TEYES is 100% the way to go. It's worth noting that it's only a drop-in for the LX. If you have an LC, you'll need to do the amp as well. (you can do a cheapo off amazon and use harnesses to make it relatively straight forward)

 

[MongooseGA]

TEYES is 100% the way to go. It's worth noting that it's only a drop-in for the LX. If you have an LC, you'll need to do the amp as well. (you can do a cheapo off amazon and use harnesses to make it relatively straight forward)

Do you know if it's a drop in for a later model  with the Mark Levinson?

 

[willyroo]

with the Mark Levinson

Yes - I have this and it's working perfectly. Both AA and CP wireless work really well, very rare that I need to shut down/restart Carlink (the AA/CP app).

Perfect if you're planning audio upgrades as well - you can replace the ML amp with a regular amp and speakers. I've got an Alpine and some Gladen speakers going in next week...