Apple CarPlay Lexus IS 350 - GROM VLine 2 Review (Wireless CarPlay in description)

Watch this short video I made showcasing Wireless CarPlay:
• Wireless and Wired Car...
Have you got a Lexus IS that needs it's infotainment upgraded?
Do you want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?
Well then this product is up for the test.
In this video, we review the GROM Audio VLine2 unit installed on a 2006 Lexus IS 350.
WARNING: If you are not based in the US, there may be compatibility issues with your model. My model required a fair bit of troubleshooting by a technician to get it working. I will upload another video soon to walk through the issues I had there.
Product Link:
gromaudio.com/store/vline/lex...
Instagram: @_sammy.gee
If you like burgers and shakes: @sammysshakesandburgersnz

[@sammygoris]

Hey folks, I've made a new site for finding car parts and sharing car photos. It features a detailed search that helps you visualise your car with specific mods on it. Please if you can support the site by signing up, adding your car, and adding your photos! Here is a demo video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eavVn6Kshbenhas the site is www.viaaurellia.com

[@xzaviernash7146]

i know im randomly asking but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the password. I love any tricks you can give me.

[@drakemarcellus4953]

@Xzavier Nash instablaster :)

[@xzaviernash7146]

@Drake Marcellus Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@xzaviernash7146]

@Drake Marcellus it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@drakemarcellus4953]

@Xzavier Nash happy to help :)

[@_d33z]

Look forward to seeing how you resolved the issues in the next video. This is great - will look into getting one in the near future

[@didinos]

I have the same unit in my RX400h (2007). The outdatet headunit and lack of carplay etc where the only reasons I was actually considering changing the car to something more current. Grom solved that problem for me, apart from very small issues (not working with the factory mic, some unfrequent boot issues, doesn’t default back to the screen after backup camera is used) it feels like it’s factory installed. It’s the best modification you can do to your car if technology adds value to your daily commute!

[@blockobutter]

Very professional review for an otherwise niche stereo that not many people review due to the price point.

[@sammygoris]

Thanks very much for your helpful feedback. Glad you’ve found it useful.

[@kimariunrulyanimal]

This is a really good video, best one I've noticed so far and you honestly might have made me decide to get a vline, I've been thinking about it for years

[@cushieaudio]

This is a marvellous vid! And to see it in a right hand drive too! Thanks so much for making it!

[@sammygoris]

Cheers, thanks very much, glad you found it helpful! You guys are based in Aussie right?

[@cushieaudio]

@@sammygoris Yes, we're in Queensland

[@dboydev]

Thanks bro, will be installing in the 2008 ISF when i get it.

[@jacklin2472]

Hi have you got it? how is it?

[@jarrydbowater1790]

Awesome review! Hilarious how relevant it is.. I hate the outdated screen and I’m using the exact same Bluetooth adapter that you pictured in the video hahaha

[@sammygoris]

Jarryd Bowater thanks man! Haha sorry man I actually didn’t mean to take a dig and people with that! I should’ve said that if you don’t mind the Bluetooth option etc then don’t spend $600USD - but if it does bug you, then it’s worth it.

[@jarrydbowater1790]

I wish I realised it was $600USD before I discovered how good it is, I heard the accent and assumed that was NZD aha. It’s a great product but I’m not sure I want to spend a grand on it

[@gromaudio]

Great video! Thank you for reviewing VLine Sammy!

[@taran9999]

My current factory system has an issue. It stops working after sometime and the screen isn’t registering my touch very promptly. Will swapping with the vline solve that issue? Or I need a new unit? Thanks

[@gromaudio]

@@taran9999 VLine is not a replacement to the factory car stereo, it is an add-on to the existing stereo. In your case it looks that the headunit itself needs to be replaced or repaired.

[@janikukkonen7502]

@@gromaudio Hey Grom audio! I am about to buy grom vl2 to my is350 lexus and I need to know if your kit is fit japan car unit directly or does it need some modifications to wiring. Because us/euro nav unit is different wirings and plugs.

[@gromaudio]

@@janikukkonen7502 In general it fits, however it is always better to send us the photo of your stereo for the review. We need the photo of the stereo, while playing in FM mode. You can email to support @ gromaudio.com

[@janikukkonen7502]

@@gromaudio Hey! Why you need photo of my unit when it is played fm mode? I already know that my car unit is japan made and based hard drive system

[@thomastalks3841]

Awesome video man, I have the standard touch screen with the Mark Lev sound system (it is great) I have a video on my IS 250 if you wish to see it too

[@tweefurs]

I had so many issues with my vline 2 for my IS 250. Had it replaced 4 times due to wiring and hardware faults. I had it installed by professionals but it was still so inconsistent with its performance. Such a shame I had to return it as it work great when ot worked.

[@AlexB-vl9hm]

You should do some research on the android nav units. The replaced AC controls function regardless if the unit is booted even, they work as normal buttons. Would recommend you look into it, the 10" screen looks fire in my opinion at least :)

[@danielfulford6135]

I’ve looked into these and people seem to have various issues with them? One being the seatbelt warning light? Also being a non brand Chinese device support seemed to be poor, with no word on longevity of the hardware. Have you had any such issues?

[@VoksyOfficial]

Such a perfect review. Just bought mine now after watching your video. Quick question though, I was told there is a microphone they include with this. Can you confirm if the mic used for Apple Carplay Siri and Phone calls uses the Lexus built in mic? Or if it uses the aftermarket one with the Vline?

[@sammygoris]

Michael Daeché thanks Michael, I’m very glad you found it useful. I can confirm that all microphone usage on the GROM goes through the aftermarket GROM one. Apparently it can be installed in the overhead panel right where the stock microphone is, although I haven’t done it yet. You would need to run it up the A pillar, across the headliner and then back into the panel. Currently mine is hanging out of the headliner next to the rear view mirror but I hope to tidy it up properly. Hope that helps!

[@VoksyOfficial]

​@@sammygoris Thanks a heap Sammy, really appreciate that and thanks again for such a well made review. I was quoted $3,500 for a custom head unit install in my '08 GS300, so this is a true lifesaver.

[@ozzysautorepair351]

Sold

[@cppctek]

I want one

[@DarkSpearXz]

Hey mate, fellow Kiwi here, good to see someone local has tried this on a JDM 2is, will you be talking about the issues during installation?

[@sammygoris]

Hey Ryan. Well since the COVID thing went down, I haven't managed to fix the final issue I have (rev cam). But once I get that, I hope to do that. It's also dependent on how GROM audio respond to my feedback, because the service has been awful. It just sucks that they are the only ones that make this product.

[@rickhaslobrown1291]

Quick question: friend of mine has an 09 is250 n sold his car n had the vline he kept the vline n wanted to give me for my car I have a 2010 but I saw on their site they sell a diff one for the 2010 than the 2009. Would his work in my car

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Love your accent Sammy

[@sammygoris]

Hahah cheers mate, I'm not a fan, but hey it could be worse!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@sammygoris true that!! PS I just uploaded a detailing video on my IS 250 if you want to see? :)

[@janikukkonen7502]

Hey Sammy! I am about to order Grom Vl2 kit to my Lexus Is350 07 JP made like your car. And I have seen from your vids that there is some issues with reversing camera and some other things. Grom tech team suggest to me order their LEX5LSVL2 kit instead of kit what is made to IS, LEX5VL2. Which one of these kit you have in your car?

[@flinizsxc]

Hello Jani, did you order the kit in the end, I'm about to do the same and wanted to speak to someone who has already done the installation! Let me know thanks! :)

[@grrrpow4595]

How do I add apps like the Google play store and KZbin video? I’ve been trying to figure it out but can’t seem to

[@AA-by9rv]

Just got it installed in my 06 is250... Smh, I don't have to pay a car note , and I can have all the bells and whistles... 😂😂😂

[@erdzanmemedoski7264]

Is it funktion with the 2011 model?

[@OhSkizyy]

How you do have a play store app I just bought this and I want to download apps but I can’t

[@amalpersaud9971]

does the backup cam still work bro bro

[@RevLexus]

gave you a like too

[@sammygoris]

Cheers bro!

[@classickhan5311]

Hi i need this system in ls460

[@OhSkizyy]

Nice vid can you use sound cloud on it?

[@sammygoris]

Yep, either on the default Android OS or if you use Carplay and if Soundcloud supports CarPlay then yes

[@23gokusan]

Hey man, I was curious how you have connected your phone to GROM using the USB cable as the Lexus IS doesn't have a USB port. Also, do we just have to connect our phone through USB to get carplay or do we have to turn on wifi Hotspot? Thanks in advance

[@sammygoris]

Hey there, The GROM unit has its own USB port, so it doesn’t matter what the car has. If you are running CarPlay, you don’t need to turn on hot spot. CarPlay is all run from your phone. The data is from your phone, as if you were using the phone itself. All GROM does is display the info on the screen. I’ve just made a short video here showing how I setup the USB port and wireless CarPlay. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y52xhpqAitN8n8U

[@23gokusan]

Sammy Goris Thanks man.

[@florider_hd]

does it have wireless carplay?

[@joseazambada3547]

what about ac?

[@GTR269]

Are you still able to use the stock funtions on the screen e.g Can you cycle to the climate control settings on the screen still?

[@sammygoris]

Yes you can, check out this update video I did which covers that part: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3jah4ZplJKFsKs

[@sdwaltz]

Does the CarPlay integration require a dongle like other Android-based solutions, or is it completely integrated into the Grom?

[@sammygoris]

sdwaltz no - the main point of the VL2 featuring CarPlay is that it is fully integrated. it’s not like other android units that say they come with CarPlay but still require a dongle.

[@moneymotive888]

I have a lexus is250 from 07 with Navi u think it’ll work with Vline 2 ?

[@sammygoris]

Yes it should!

[@RevLexus]

great video, I am a huge lexus fan myself!! Ps I have just started out with my lexus channel if you wish to see it?

[@Layzee888]

Hey, I noticed when I play music using CarPlay, the sound quality isn’t as loud as if I was playing a CD or using a Bluetooth FM transmitter in my car. I have the volume setting at 100% on the Grom app. Do you have the same issue?

[@sammygoris]

Hey there. There's a couple of things. You may have done these already. There's an option screen for CarPlay where you can adjust the volume. I also noticed that when I upgraded to wireless CarPlay, the volume was significantly quieter. Then after a day or so it was normal. On the odd occasion it would load very quietly but was pretty much fixed after that.

[@cppctek]

I have an android phone will all the gps and everything work. Also how much is it and where can I buy it and how do I install it

[@sammygoris]

Corey P yeah android will work well with Android auto too. If you search on KZbin for GROM videos, you’ll see them demonstrating android auto. It’s $600USD, which is not cheap but I think if you value the convenience and features, it is worth it

[@kuangjason]

I have a 2006 IS250 with no Navi. Do you think I can possibly buy an OEM Navi from a 2006 and up model IS and install it in my non-navi IS and than install the GROM Audio VLINE 2 Unit ?

[@lsdave]

You would likely need many more parts than just the screen unit and the VLine2

[@alexalv5516]

Yeah pretty shouted the GPS antenna is located somewhere around the back trunk, so you'll need some more parts than just the headunit unfortunately

[@evanverdoorn3532]

Anyone know if there’s something like this for the non navi IS

[@sammygoris]

Unfortunately, I don’t think so! I think your only option would be the best sonic options. I don’t know much about them, but I think it’ll give you the standard double-din option.

[@ricke95126]

How are phone calls ?

[@andrewrodriguez372]

Hey I am a year late but I wanted to know how do you control your Climate Control in the car?

[@sammygoris]

Hey Andrew! There is an air con page on the touchscreen, that lets you select a/c mode, fan speed etc, however I leave my a/c in auto mode so I can simply use the physical temperature buttons to change the temperature, so that I can leave my screen on the GROM VL2 all the time. Especially useful for JDM models where the system is all in Japanese; this means you don't have to deal with any of that. Hope that makes sense!

[@AmritCast]

Hey, my car currently does not have DAB radio , however I would like it. Does this unit provide DAB radio?

[@sammygoris]

Hey there, sorry what’s DAB? Don’t think we have it in NZ?

[@odin5188]

Instead of DAB you would download the Tunein app and then you listen to any radio station you want over streaming. You do need to use your phone as a hotspot. So you need internet to take full advantage of Vine line 2

[@JuanMartinez-uf6no]

Does CarPlay only work when you have the cable connected to your iPhone ???

[@sammygoris]

Hi Juan, it was wireless CarPlay as well. In the description I mention that and have a link to video showing that as well. I’ve added it to the title too now to make it more obvious.

[@MarkVinewood]

If the screen does not support swiping, how do you navigate gps maps? Zoom had buttons but I guess you can't pan, can you?

[@sammygoris]

Hey Mark, yeah it is a little clunky but does work it and isn’t as bad as it seems - there’s a button you process that lets you roam the map using arrow buttons. Handy to see if there’s a jam further ahead etc. once you’re used to it you make it work. Still better than factory nav!

[@MarkVinewood]

@@sammygoris I see, thanks! I mean in general it shouldn't be an issue. I don't play around with the map while driving usually as long as I see a little bit ahead of me on the map. And even on the 4th gen GS I drive now, I still use the phone gps so yeah... I get what you mean by it being better than factory.

[@khushal0181]

How’s the sound quality tho ?

[@sammygoris]

Yeah, I sort of touched on briefly at 1:05, it's incredibly clear because it uses the inbuilt DAC (Pioneer or Mark Levinson) rather than sending an analogue signal. This is a huge advantage over some of the other Android units as they send through an analogue signal.

[@EntreCamaradas]

Does this work well with IPhone??

[@sammygoris]

Mate it works perfectly with the iPhone! Which is what I have.

[@harrisongarcha1078]

Do the HVAC/AC Controls still work?

[@sammygoris]

Yes they do! I eluded to it in the video but perhaps I wasn’t clear. One of the important reasons why I bought this over other options is that it you retain all of your HVAC controls. They are not replaced by GROM, nor do they stop working, it’s the original system so it is 100% reliable

[@joseazambada3547]

@@sammygoris how do you use it?

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

can you use google maps while using apple carplay? Opps i should have watched the full video before asking. 🤪

[@sammygoris]

Hey bro all good! Yep. way better than stock where you can't do anything when you're moving. I'm surprised it even lets you wind the windows down while driving.

[@jimmy4924]

do you know if this is compatible with is 250 2006 ?

[@sammygoris]

Hi Jimmy, yes it does - in the video description it says ‘we will see this unit installed on a 2006 Lexus IS 350’

[@jimmy4924]

@@sammygoris thanks so much.

[@sammygoris]

@@jimmy4924 no worries!

[@lukecole6203]

How long have you been flying?

[@sammygoris]

Hahah, I assume this question is not related to this video but to my other videos? First started flying in 2012. Not current at the moment... house/wife and other priorities, not to mention COVID! Hope to get current again sometime soon.

[@lukecole6203]

@@sammygoris Nice, I just asked because of your profile picture. I've been flying for about a year and a half and I love it! I have my instrument rating and hope to finish commercial/multi soon.

[@gregstah714]

Did you realize a loss in sound quality? I did in my 07 Lexus Ls460. Sounds nowhere near as good as the traditional aux

[@sammygoris]

There are a lot of factors, but in essence no. Using the iPhones DAC to send an analogue signal through the aux is of lower quality than the iPhone sending a digital signal to CarPlay, and then to the GROM, then converted via the Mark Levinson DAC, through to amp and speakers, at least that is what I have noticed. Now near in mind Bluetooth does have some compression but it is very good these days, I don’t think the majority of quality loss is due to Bluetooth, rather it is due to the source file (eg KZbin quality, Spotify quality etc). If you want THE highest quality, installing Tidal on the GROM or playing uncompressed formats like FLAC on the GROM through to your cars DAC will give you best. Even on my previous non mark Levinson IS, before I had the GROM, I never used aux and used the cars HDD as it is superior CD quality. For the most part I use CarPlay wired/wireless for convenience and still find the quality better than that of aux.

[@gregstah714]

@@sammygoris maybe than somehow my installer did something... I lose a ton of bass when using GROM.. It even messes with my Amp.. It'll cut a lot of bass.. So when I exit GROM and use the aux it loses sooooo much quality.. Kinda hard to explain... But I noticed my GROM messes with my Amp

[@sammygoris]

@@gregstah714 yeah that doesn’t sound right brother! I haven’t heard many other users reporting a loss of quality or bass, so it may be an installer issue or a problem with your specific unit unfortunately. Have you contacted GROM support?

[@gregstah714]

@@sammygoris not quiet yet. Im taking it back to my installer next week which is a "professional" shop. Besides seeming to install it wrong ( my reverse camera doesn't work with it, and the unit itself won't start certain times) they manage to break the plastic by my AC vents really bad and glued it back together, which is a bummer cause these Lexus every part is expensive. Hopefully they can help before I reach out to GROM. I have heard GROM had issues of not replying fast enough.. But I have yet to find out. One last question, have you tried android auto? Only cause the GROM android auto doesn't register night mode when it's late so the screen is bright.. Wanted to see if you have the same problem. Such a Unit to have so much potential, but unfortunately I'm one of the unlucky ones

[@marvinviis6301]

@@gregstah714 did you get this fixed ?

[@Stance_Mindset]

Should really put the link to this in the description

[@sammygoris]

Cheers man, just added link in the description