My local dealer wants to charge me $209.00 for the part and $169.00 for labor total $378.00 (plus taxes I guess) for updating my 2017 nav map. Are there any real benefits of the update? Will it update also the multimedia system? I know there are other options for apple car play and android auto (Vline 2, etc.) for connecting our phones to the car multimedia/nav system that cost similar money but I have seen the videos and I wouldn't like to tamper with removing the radio and screen etc. I guess I'd like to know if is there a real benefit of updating the nav? Is there any cheaper alternative for updating the map other than going via the Lexus dealer?. I used to tamper with smartphones rooting their OS in the past so I would not hesitate to try that via a CD or mini SD card, if it was safe. If is not safe and there is not cheaper alternative I can always use my phone for navigation, etc. I'd love to know about your input.
Thanks,
Mario.

 

Hi Mario,

The Nav update from the dealer will update the map data to the latest available from Toyota/Lexus. This update will not update your infotainment system or give your vehicle Apple Carplay functionality.

Two questions: First, do you use the car Nav and Maps regularly? If you do, the nav update could be helpful. Second, did you buy your Lexus new or used? If used, was it driven in the your region (South East/FL)? If the car is from a different region and/or there have been a lot of new construction or other changes in your area, it might be worth updating your Nav. Otherwise, the value of the Nav update is low.

You can buy Nav update data for your car on eBay for a fraction of the dealer price. But buyer beware. They may work or you could have troubles. They are definitely not "legal".

 

I agree with AC.. It depends on how many roads have been built in the past few years in the area you tend to drive in. Even if you're driving cross country, the highways don't change other than on and off ramp rebuilds. Our cell phones are more uo to date on the rare occasion you're driving in newly built area. Lexus used to let you do the upgrade yourself, you just needed to buy a cd disc update. Now they charge you for the update and the install. Plus having to drop your car off for the day. I no longer buy updates as I tend to change cars every few years and the newer models have the updated map info.

 

I Agree with both of my buddies above.

 

Thanks to all for your input. I am quoting AC since everyone agrees with you. To answer your questions. I traded an RX (2018) without nav so I haven't used nav for a while. Before the RX I owned a 2014 LS460 and before that a 2011 LS. Both had nav and used the nav system on and off. I noticed that the maps in this 2017 LS are not updated which was the case with the other 2 LS's I owned before. I had no problem using the phone before so I guess I can live without having to pay over 300 dollars. I have seen in eBay nav map update for 18-45 dollars price but I don't know if they would work or will they mess my internal software and then I'll be left with a defective nav/map system. Any links to the most appropriate will be appreciated. I'm definitely not paying the dealer for an update of maps only. Anyways, here in South FL they keep adding ramps and new roads to existing ones so google maps and even waze seem more appropriate. I'll look into mirroring my phone into my infotainment system in the future.

Now, changing the subject a little and giving a twist to the post. AC, I noticed in your signature that your car is from the 2014 and has the Advanced Pre-Collision Package. You bought the ultra luxury package which it appears to have brought that package from factory. My car has the Collision package but only for cars, not for pedestrians etc. Coming from a 2018 RX with a more advanced collision package similar to yours (only missing the inside camera that monitors your eyes etc.) I wonder if an update or mod could be possible in my car to get the same or similar package to the one you have. I am missing that feature from my old RX and I think my LS will be complete if it had that feature. I asked the guys at the technology department in my Lexus dealer and they said if was not possible since the whole package includes a bunch of cameras and sensors etc. but here you guys are always discussing topics like this so I though why not give it a shot and ask.

Again, Thanks to all who responded me in my original post.

Best,

Mario

 

eBay maps will not work. The dealer has to do the upgrade, it requires their computer interface and a unique key code.

Honestly I would look at a CarPlay upgrade. I haven’t used my native nav system once since i got the CarPlay upgrade. I turn the car on and immediately put it in CarPlay.

 

Hi Steve, Are you talking about the beat-sonic Apple carplay/android Auto system (https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lexusca...oidauto.html)?

 

My 2 cents, probably not worth it since it's only 3 years old. While there may be new data available since your original map install, my guess is, it wouldn't be significant enough to matter.

 

There are several systems out there now. I have the Lsailt system and it works fine. I'm sure the BeatSonic and others are too

 

While most anything is "possible," practicality is another matter. There's a thread (last post was on 5/17/20) where a member is trying to retrofit the system to an '08 600. Review it and you likely will give up on the idea.

 

I bit the bullet and updated mine last year because we have a lot of new roads and speed limit changes with all the growth here in Idaho. (I like being able to glance at the dash and know what the speed limit is). Can't remember how much my dealer charged me.

 

I started to read and it's too much work. Ithink I'll keep my car the way it is. It has radar cruise control, ML sound system, nav, BSM wit RCTA, precollision system, etc. I should be happy with it so I'll enjoy it as much as I can.

 

Unless you are a tinkerer willing to spend hundreds of dollars buying parts and wiring them up, it is not realistic to upgrade to Advanced PCS from the PCS you have. Enjoy your car as is, and if you really have a need for the latest safety technology, upgrade to a 2018+ car from any number of companies. We just bought a high-mileage 2017 Subaru Legacy as a graduation gift. It has EyeSight technology, which has all the bells and whistles of the Lexus APCS (Adaptive Cruise, Lane Keep Assist, Pedestrian detection, Driver monitoring). It works really well, and I have had a lot of fun driving it!

 

I'm on my 4th LS, a 2004, 2009, 2014, and now a 2017. I have updated the Nav until my 2014 LS. I live in a neighborhood that is 20 years old ( golf course community ) and at 15 years old I updated my Nav 3 times in the 2009 and 2014 LS. The Nav never showed the actual street I lived on. It showed that there were houses in the area but never showed or identified the street name. At that time I started using Waze, Google or Apple maps and have never looked back. My wife also uses these same apps on her 2018 Highlander Platinum. Nav, to me is a waste of $$$ and space on the dash.

Obviously I would recommend keeping those $$$ in your pocket.

 

Does Lsailt only make "Android auto" config boxes?

on their website it looks to be only Android, even though there is a photo of an apple carplay icon.