I decided to get the 2014 Navigation update for my 2013 ES350. This is a "generation 7" system in my model year. You can not do it yourself, it must be installed by the dealership. I ordered it not knowing this and was upset to find I had to pay them labor to install it. The newer generation 8 ones use a microSD card, I do not know if you can do that yourself.

The navigation system was awful with the 2011 maps. I would be in a hotel parking lot, ask for nearby hotels, and it could not find any. (hotel has been there for 30+ years) It did not work well for any nearby points of interest. The new update has fixed this issue and many other "Find Nearby" issues. It actually finds nearby points of interest that are further away, it would never have found them before.

I ordered it before December 31, 2014 and there was a special on it for $99 and I had to pay $40 labor to install it. It is now at level 21-14-17 dated 2014-06-01. I ordered this specifically for the points of interest, the updates to the maps was less important for me.

I use a Garmin 3597lmt in my van, and it is superior to the Lexus navigation in voice commands, and general overall ease of use. Getting this update has made the Lexus navigation more tolerable.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Matthew
2013 Lexus ES350
2000 Lexus GS300
1992 Acura Legend
1981 Mercedes 240D

 

Thank you for the update, I will get it when I have my next service.

 

How did you find out about a special/promotional price? Did you dealer notify you?

 

Did you buy the car in 2012 or 2013? In 2012 the lexus map updates where delayed and released on January of 2013, i believe it was version 13.1. The normal release date should have been October of 2012. Every 2013 Lexus should of had the update to 13.1. Many dealers did this for free because the 2013 models should of had the update. So right of the bat you should of had 2012 (13.1) version of the maps.

Also $40 for installation is considered a good deal depending on dealer. I would talk with my dealer as to why the maps where not up to date and ask for some type of refund.

 

No the dealer did not notify me, I was looking at the Lexus Navigation website, and googled the part number. I knew the updates get released late in the year, once I googled the part number I saw the discount on several dealer websites.

Navigation website was: http://www.lexusnavigation.com/what-to-order/

 

I picked up the car in August 2012; I got the second one delivered by my local dealership. They never notified me of any update to the 2013 version I should have received.

 

So what happened was in October 2012 the maps where supposed to come out but got delayed into January 2013. It was actually 12.1 not 13.1. So between October to January if anyone purchased a new es they should have gotten the update free (if they asked because it was delayed), since the car was delivered in august 2012 it most likely didn't apply to you. So when you bought the car the maps where already a year old. In my opinion if anyone buys a 2013 car they deserve 2013 maps.

Here is a thread more about the issue. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...v-updates.html

 

I bought my 2012 RX 450h in November '12. How do I find out the version of maps currently installed?

 

I just inquired about updating my navigation on my 2013 ES 350 at my local dealership. They quoted me at $480. Is this standard at every dealership now? Or, can I get this update cheaper at another dealership? I've been reading some people getting quoted for $200 and I'll gladly pay that. $480 is way too much. Or, does anyone here have a great way to integrate Apple CarPlay into their system?

 

Well, you are responding to a thread that is 6 years old and things have changed since then. If your "CA" is California, it seems a little high. If it is Canada then it is low. I was quoted $540 Cdn for an upgrade to the maps on my '14. You may find some aftermarket (read "pirate") updates available but it's really "buyer beware" on those. You could end up with a much bigger problem. I think most folks who want the latest maps just use their cell phone or buy a Garmin device.

 

For $480.00 you could buy four new Garmin GPS units which in most cases are better than the factory navigation... I have a 2019 UL ES and still bring my Garmin that I bought in 2010 with lifetime free map updates...