I don't know what version of the Nav maps I have, but I thought I read on here that some people's dealership was updating the Nav for free. I asked my dealership about this and they said I just have to buy the DVD from the company for like $200 and gave me a website. Am I really stuck with the older version? It's missing quite a few things here in AZ, and I'm not about to fork over $200 for new maps. Has anyone updated their Nav, and how much did it cost???

 

Yes you are stuck with the cost to update. You might want to check what version of the map software you have. I got my G in Oct/Nov and I have the updated 08 version so unless you bought your before me or have an older version then you should be fine.

 

There is no "DVD" anything in the G, the update must come from a software update via the compact flash drive. So far it sounds like we are all stuck with the upgrade fee, however, unless you live in an area with newer roads it's not worth the update.

 

Can we bootleg the update?

 

That might be an idea. We get a bunch of people to add to the pot, order it and email to each other.

 

I doubt it, the dealer would most likely HAVE to install it for you so only way to get the software would be from someone who works at stealership.

 

Ya, there is probably some activation code that is specific to each car but we won't know until they release the update and someone gets it.

 

Nahh they have no way up verifying a code, no way to connect the car to a server. If we can buy it from their website then we absolutely can distribute it freely.

 

The dealer was pretty specific that is was a cd, not a update via CF. Where did you here about the CF update?

 

A new version of maps will be released in the fall/winter of 2008, it will be the 2009 version. All g37's have the 2008 version now. Cost will be approximately $200 or so. the website is www.zenrin.com

DiamondG
"Nahh they have no way up verifying a code, no way to connect the car to a server. If we can buy it from their website then we absolutely can distribute it freely."

Whats happens is you purchase the update from zenrin, they give you a specific code, then you take your car to the stealership and give them the code from zenrin and they install the update. There is no way to pass the update around or copy it.
The craziest part is Zenrin makes sure to let you know there is a service fee the dealerships charge for install on top of the update cost from Zenrin. What a rip off!

 

I am sure their is going to be a code. I know they won't be able to verify the code through a server though because GPS doesn't work that way. It receives and doesn't send. But that doesn't mean they don't have specific codes for specific VINs and such. Not sure but we will see when they finally release the update. I will be getting it.

 

still no update, now the site just says "we are pleased to announce there will be an update for your vehicle soon." WTF? There are so many things missing where I live here in the suburbs of PHX. They need this update ASAP!

 

It's says the same thing for my 09...What the heck?? A 09 model still needs the updates?? That is a rip off.

 

Just to make it clear there is no DVD/CD you can buy as the Nav is on the Hard Drive. If you have purchased your car or leased it for more than two years it might be worth spending the money on. Write them an e-mail they will respond maybe with an estimated release date.

 

This isn't completely true... the dealer can license the subscription similarly to the way XM works - with a radio or unit ID number that is specific to the car.. a keycode could be generated that is specific to just that ID number and therefore will work only on that vehicle. Software can be licensed that way, it's an updated version of the old school "dongle" technique.

Lee