2008 Sienna LE (8-seater) Aftermarket Install Update

I just wanted to provide some feedback on an aftermarket system I just had installed in my 2008 Sienna LE (8-seater).

After some careful Internet research, I opted for a hard disk-based navigation/DVD/music head unit with a 7" LCD. The hard disk-based units keep all the navigation information on a hard disk or solid state flash memory for fast performance and no need to swap DVD's or use your DVD slot for navigation. These units are generally more expensive than DVD based units, but they perform operations much more quickly.

I went with the Kenwood DNX7100 because it had reasonable reviews and great features plus expansion options. I also added the following;
-Kenwood Bluetooth Interface, KCA-BT100
-Boyo Vision Plate Frame Backup Camera, VTL300
-Eonon 14.1" Widescreen Flip Down LCD Monitor, Model 683 (from www.eonon.com)
-Generic Sienna Fit Kit
-Generic Steering Wheel Controls Interface

I had the entire system installed at Tweeter, etc. in Rockville, MD. I did not buy any of the equipment at Tweeter. They did a fabulous job in one day.

The system looks factory installed and the plate frame with integrated backup camera is just perfect. The flip down screen was very inexpensive ($250) and plays DVD's or other video input from the head unit. The steering wheel controls work and can do quite a bit, like change music folders on a USB memory stick.

A real bonus with the DNX7100 is a USB input cable that permits you to plug in any memory stick and play MP3 songs. It has a folder menu on the 7" touch screen. This works great. You hardly need an iPod. For an iPod, you have two options, a $20 accessory permits you to control some of the modern iPods via the touch screen or you can plug the audio input into the Video (a.k.a. AUX) connector. I had a hole cut into the top of the upper glove box and had the cables dropped into it for ease of use and to keep everything hidden.

Everything works very well. You can use the built-in Garmin nav system on the fron screen and watch a DVD on the flip-down LCD. When the nav system speaks, it only mutes the front speakers but keeps playing the DVD in the rear of the van. When an incoming call rings on a Bluetooth associated phone, the entire system is muted. Caller ID is shown on the 7" LCD and you can press a button to bypass answering an incoming call if you wish (otherwise, it answers on the second ring).

All in all, very slick. The Garmin nav system is great. The only downside is the kludgy Kenwood source selector interface. It works, but it's just awful. It seems like a grade school programmer wrote it and then implemented it without ever testing it. It's OK to use but frustrating to think of how good it could have been. Maybe Kenwood will provide an update - apparently this can be performed quickly and simply via the USB interface.

The back up camera is so nice, it should be standard on vans. As soon as you put the van in reverse, the screen changes to the backup camera, instantly.

Bottom line, hold your breath, $1500 for the equipment and $1000 for installation. However, this is a much better system than Toyota offers in any Sienna.

caravan2:
Where did you buy the following: -Generic Sienna Fit Kit -Generic Steering Wheel Controls Interface According to some websites like crutchfiled.com circuitcity.com, double DIN navs will not fit Sienna. I think 2007 and 2008 Sienna's have same opening for stereos.

Replying to: caravan2
Both the fit kit and steering wheel control interface were provided by Tweeter, etc. and were included in the installation amount I listed. My installation appointment was scheduled about 10 days prior and the fit kit was hanging on a hook above the work bench when I arrived for the install. The installer said they work on Siennas quite a lot.

Perhaps Crutchfield means they won't fit without a kit that they do not carry?

You can call them if you need more information. The installer did say that the 2007 and 2008 Sienna fit kits were the same.

The fit kit is made of a dark gray platic that looks good. I can assure you that double DIN head units fit quite well. The OEM Toyota unit is double DIN. Additionally, the Bluetooth electronics module and the GPS antenna were both mounted under the dashboard, too. Only the microphone, which is very small, is visible above the driver's side sun visor.

ateixeira:
I'm jealous, that setup sounds AWESOME.

The factory DVD player forces you into the JBL audio package and adds about what you paid to the price. And that's just for the DVD player, no NAV.

FOURTEEN inch screen! You da man!

I thought mine was huge, at 12.1", but you win! That's sweet!

Replying to: ateixeira
Is it that obvious that I am a man?! Indeed.

Anyway, the cost between the 13.3, 14.1 and 15.4" widescreens was negligable. However, at some point the entire rear view is blocked when the LCD is open. I opted for the 14.1 because it was in the same physical frame as the 13.3, meaning when it was open, the 14.1 blocked no more rear view than the 13.3.

With the 14.1, about 75% of the rear view is blocked. I had to draw the line somewhere. If you don't feel the need to draw lines, Eonon also offers a 17" widescreen flipdown which is only $320 shipped to the U.S. I'm pretty sure this would guarantee 100% rear view blockage!