First thing to do is eject the map dvd you have and see what version it is. As for new, you should be able to get it from the dealer or someplace like ebay. If you shop ebay, be sure to get a dvd for gen2/3 hardware which is what is in your 2004 RX 330. Map versions go all the way to dvd v8 (which is the '09' version-always 1 year off).

The dealer will definitely know what dvd goes with your car but will probably only have the latest version map dvds. On ebay you can probably buy dvd v5 or v6 or 7 which aren't the latest but probably newer than in your car. Of course the older dvds should be cheaper. I would guess about $250 +/- at the dealer for the latest/newest.

It's important to get the right 'gen' for your car. Map dvd v8 or v7 etc comes in gen2/3 for your car but also comes in gen 4 or gen 5 for newer models. the dvd version refers to the maps the gen version is about the hardware. you have gen2/3, you can buy whatever map version you want, just get the gen 2/3 version.

 

good info, thanks ecount.

 

The link below is not working, will anyone has an update?

 

New owner of 2006 RX330, Gen 4 Nav and 5.1? disc. New bridge and roads in the area so I ordered the Gen4 dics 9.1 upgrade from Sewell, but now have reservations about installing it. I want the upgraded map, however I don't want to loose access to nav while driving. Are there options available?

 

This link should work:

http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/imp...ationGuide.pdf

 

Will yield to someone that actually has the Gen4 dvd 9 installed, but I believe you will lose that hidden menu if you install v9. They took away in v6 several years ago when word got out about how to access it. We've installed the lockpick 3 basic on our 2009 which adds an icon on the touch screen that unlocks the navi to allow input in motion. About $99. You would need to make sure they have something compatible with your 06.

http://www.coastaletech.com/

 

Is it possible to get a navigation system installed in a '04 Lexus RX330? Any idea of the cost?

 

if you are coming from a non nav RX, its not really feasible. The cost would be astronomical. I dont want to even think about how to do it, but you would need the new dash with the nav screen, the GPS reciever, and the disc drive (which is located in the trunk).

 

Thanks I ended up getting a vehicle with Navigation.
My next question is, what would be the best way for me to upgrade the maps? I am not much of a traveler, but, the thing that bothers me is the bright map color at night. The preset options of 1-4 only change the background color from biege-blue-green-yellow. I am looking if there is something like a night mode we see on Garmin GPSs, like black background with blue/pink roads. Is that available in any of the updates?

Also, just curious..what is the difference between the various generations of the navigation..like what features are denied to Gen2/3 which are available to Gen4/5 etc.

 

The Lexus dealer is the only place you can get a new one. They have lowered the price to $199. The '10 update will be out in October.

 

I just got the 09 update from a guy on ebay for $65.

My Guide: Install took about 5-7min. That's due to me taking everything out of the trunk area and finding the right panel to take off. It's dark and black in there so easy to miss. It's in the rear compartment where the wheel jack is on the right side. There is a small rectangular panel that comes off easy. Once you find it turn the car on. Go back to the CD storage and press the button in and to the right to open the CD cover. The CD should come right out. You put the new CD in and close the cover. Place back the panel and then go watch your Navi update! It says very clearly "Do Not Power Off the car" till the update has happened.

Wallah! I went from version 4.1 to 9.1 in about 30 seconds. Lots of nice graphical changes and street sign guidance graphics as well etc. etc. This was on a 2005 RX330.