Garmin GPS Built Into Cars
Thu, 04/07/2016 - 11:22am
    15 years
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Does anyone have any experience maintaining a GPS unit that is built into a vehicle? How does it differ from the process I now use to update the maps, software, etc. on my standalone unit? Do they come with lifetime map updates and such?
To give a little background, I recently test-drove a couple of new vehicles with built-in NAV systems that looked like they were Garmin-based. I am used to plugging my standalone nuvi into a USB port on my computer and running either Garmin Express or POI Loader, but I imagine this process would be far more challenging when the device is bolted to the car. 
Special Order It Is Then
What is more frustrating is trying to find a vehicle that does NOT have an In-Car-Nav system
Most manufacturers seem to have bundled their (useless) $1000 Nav system with more desirable options. Getting Bluetooth and a good sound system WITHOUT a Nav system should not be a "special order".
Agree completely. Maybe I'm more patient than the average car buyer, but "special order" is exactly what I've done on every vehicle I've purchased since I was out of college.
Be prepared to open your wallet
Does anyone have any experience maintaining a GPS unit that is built into a vehicle? How does it differ from the process I now use to update the maps, software, etc. on my standalone unit? Do they come with lifetime map updates and such?
In most of the recent brands that I've come across the map updates are done via upload from a USB flash drive (or similar storage device). They are NOT free - this is one of the ways that the dealers / mfr make money after the sale. Charges seem to be in the $100 - $200 range. You can buy a refurb Garmin GPS with more features than the built-in GPS for the cost of a couple of map updates!
and not easy either
Does anyone have any experience maintaining a GPS unit that is built into a vehicle? How does it differ from the process I now use to update the maps, software, etc. on my standalone unit? Do they come with lifetime map updates and such?
In most of the recent brands that I've come across the map updates are done via upload from a USB flash drive (or similar storage device). They are NOT free - this is one of the ways that the dealers / mfr make money after the sale. Charges seem to be in the $100 - $200 range. You can buy a refurb Garmin GPS with more features than the built-in GPS for the cost of a couple of map updates!
Updating the map in the Uconnect system in my Jeep is a painful process, insert the USB stick into the uconnect in the Jeep get your unit info transferred to it, then go to an internet connected computer get the download, then back to the Jeep and start the update that can take a very long time and you can't have any power interruption during the process. I have a 2013 Jeep, I only did the update once, $149, getting a lifetime map for free Garmin stand along unit much easier and cheaper.
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .
Check out the 2018 Audi's.
Check out the 2018 Audi's. They have Google Earth right in the dashboard. Android auto and Apple Car Play both standard too.
Go Blackhawks
Android Auto
Check out the 2018 Audi's. They have Google Earth right in the dashboard. Android auto and Apple Car Play both standard too.
I'm a long-time Toyota/Lexus owner, but I've already decided that my next car will have Android Auto.
Toyota continues to tell its customers that "they (Toyota) can provide a better infotainment experience" with their built-in audio/nav systems. We know that is not true, and I'm offended that they think their customers are stupid enough to buy their marketing B.S.
Competition is a powerful force. I will have to look at the Audi's.... thanks for that.
Agreed about Toyota. Don't
Agreed about Toyota. Don't know why they can't admit someone has a better idea than they do. Just waiting for a hybrid that gets comparable mileage to my Prius and has Android Auto, and I'm done with Toyota. Don't think they understand this is my first, and will be my last since they refuse to acknowledge or respond to customer wishes.
You are spot on....
with your observations and I share your sentiments.
RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot
Enjoying the different
Enjoying the different perspectives..
New AV Systems
Manufacturers are moving away from the DVD/CD Navigation systems. Today you will probably find more vehicles outfitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which provides fast connection to your smartphone, and uses that to power navigation and entertainment, along with HD Radio. Some manufacturers have not caught on, but you can buy an aftermarket A/V system for $500 and couple it with iDataLink connections to provide all of the vehicle gauges, climate control, TPMS and other vehicle information along with full navigation and traffic control and Waze. An "upgrade" to an aftermarket includes Garmin GPS navigation.
The newest aftermarket A/V unit now provide wireless CarPlay in the Alpine ILX-107 for about $700, and add in iDataLink for $150. It's about as good as it gets and retrofits even older vehicles with the latest A/V Navigation.
VW 2017 CC Discover Media (MIB2)
I'm trying to reveal the base of this unit. Anybody have info?
DriveLuxe 51, 2017 VW Arteon w MIB3, nüvi 3597LTMHD x 2, 1450 died, 205w retired, iQue first and possibly the best