Hi all,
I have a 2015 NX 200t and a 2015 RX350. What's the best way to get software updates for them? I see there is one available for download for the NX but none for the RX350 and I found a link that recommended having a dealer any software updates (at a cost).
Before I run off to a dealer I would appreciate your opinions. (I'm not adverse to just using Waze or other app on my phone if updating the nav isn't really worth it).
Thanks for any info.
GB

 

It depends on what Generation of Navigation System you have. Some of the Nav software is loaded by the dealership. Some are subscription you pay for. And some are a small computer disc you can replace.

Either way you have to go to the dealership and purchase them. Or on the computer disc. I’ve seen people sell last years updates online. After they bought this years.

www.metrolexus.com/lexus-navigation-faq.html

 

I'm not clear about what kind of updates you are looking for, but understand that the updates available on the Lexus owner's website are system updates. System updates are different from navigation map updates. Map updates are not available for download from the Lexus site, and they are not free, either.

 

Thanks all. Makes sense. I understand there might be a cost for the nav. software update but surely it can't be complicated enough to not give the user the option of installing?
GB

 

This is a good explanation. I might add that you can get the system updates from drivers.lexus.com. The map updates have to be purchased from a dealer and be prepared to say ouch! If my recollection is correct, my last map update, including labor was somewhere near $400. You will have to purchase a separate update for each vehicle.

 

I have no idea whether the data on the map updates is encrypted in such a way that the update can only be installed in a particular vehicle identified by its VIN or the radio ID, but, if it is not, I would think that Lexus would not want to make the updates available directly to vehicle owners to make sure that people can't pay for the download one time and, then, sell it to others or use it to update multiple vehicles.

 

We know manufacturers license the map data from a company that compiles that data. I suspect it is keyed to a specific vehicle so they can collect their license fees. And yes, I suspect they control the distribution through encryption. I don't know how else they could limit the behavior you mentioned.

 

Does anyone has experience with Toyotamaps Online maps? They seem to be selling for $75, and DIY instruction how to update with a USB drive. The map is encrypted, and they send you the decryption key (activation code) which you need to enter during update. I have no idea if they are legit resellers or reversed engineered Toyota's algorithm of activation code. But if anyone used them, would like to hear some feedback before I purchase.

 

I had not been familiar with Toyotamaps Online, but I just did a couple of Google searches. I don't see any reports from people who have been scammed, but, in the last post of this CL thread (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ap-update.html), one of the moderators indicated that it is a Russian company that sells pirated software.

If that is correct, not only would I not support the use of pirated software for moral and ethical reasons, but I also would be concerned about the chance, even if small, of the software bricking your car's infotainment system and having to deal with having it repaired. For me, I would not be updating my navigation maps that often, and I would not choose to save a relatively small amount of money, in the big picture, by doing updates from a questionable source.