Garmin Map Update-From the horse's mouth

Units manufactured and shipped prior to the release of NT2008 will have the old mapping software (v8). This includes retail stores (Best Buy) and online and mail order operations as well. Contact Garmin sales (1-800-800-1020 in the U.S.) to find out when they started shipping updated units to resellers. Then when you're ready to buy your c340, ask the seller when it was shipped to them from Garmin.

If they won't tell you, you're SOL. But now you know that you can get the upgrade free.

Within the past two weeks I purchased a new (not refurbished) Garmin I3 from an authorized dealer. It shipped with V8 and I e-mailed Garmin to inquire about the upgrade to V2008. Response back said I could purchase it but no free upgrade. Today I called and spoke with a very nice Gentleman who didn't seem sure if V2008 would work for an I3 (the website said it would). At any rate, I inquired that if it would work, would I be eligible for free upgrade and he said no. His explanation was that the I3 is a discontinued model which makes sense on one hand but given the varying experience other posters have had I'm wondering if I should pursue further. Anyone have any similar experience they could share? Thanks

I just placed my order and even went all out and spent $25 for 2-3 business day shipping. I am so happy to have new maps and I think that spending a hundred dollars on the NEW maps is well worth it.

Since the i3 takes standard, NOT NT software, you should be able to use the standard disk. Being a discontinued model, it makes sense that it was shipped with an older mapping, but I think if you ask nicely they will send a disk.

The i3 is not pre-loaded, and you have to download areas, and depending on the size of card you are using, you may be able to get the whole of North America on a 2 gig card.

Personally, I would call and ask for the disk. My source at Garmin advised the map comes on a "locked" disk, and does not come with unlock codes. You will have to call and ask for the code after you get the disk, but you should ask and will probably get it.

I have a refurbished NUVI 350 that I purchased the first week of February. I had a minor problem in acquiring satellites so I emailed CS describing the problem. As a throw in question I said that the unit was only a few months old and asked if I am eligible for the free upgrade. After 5 days of emails back and forth with mine being very polite, complimenting and thanking the cs rep for his genuine help and kind assistance in overcoming some problems with ID#'s etc. I was told that he had ordered the upgrade for me.

I guess it all comes down to how one presents a problem to cs, showing respect and proper gratitude and acknowledging the help and assistance provided can be very rewarding.

I am sure that when a cs rep receives a compliment and acknowledgement of their efforts to help you, they are more inclined to extend themselves to provide an extra bit of attention to a person that shows respect for the efforts that are routinely taken for granted or even worse, dismissed by the customer.

Thanks for the info. My most recent communication with Joshua in customer support indicated that as of 5/1/2007, Garmin would not provide free map upgrades; no mention made of "discontinued units" I have since e-mailed techsupport and am hopeful they will come through. If that doesn't work, I will try to contact Dr. Kao directly and see if he can arrange to get me the new disk.

If it was me I'd try tech support again!!! I guess I'm just a pessimist but good luck!

EXECUTIVE PROFILE*

Min H. Kao
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of Garmin Corporation, President of Garmin International Inc., Garmin USA Inc., Garmin Corporation and Garmin AT Inc., Director of Garmin Corporation, Garmin International Inc., Garmin USA Inc., Garmin AT Inc and Garmin (Europe) Ltd, Garmin Ltd.

Age 57

Total Annual Compensation $270,001

GOOD LUCK

After my free map update was shot down when I was on the phone with Garmin's CS, I ordered it from the guys that I bought my Zumo from. My DVD will arrive on Monday. $65 incl. S&H. That's not too shabby if you have to pay for it. Plus, I get it quicker than if I would have ordered it from Garmin directly.

I recently bought a Garmin NUVI 670 via mail order on July 18, 2007. The other day I noticed that my North American Maps were not the latest version (just issued). Today I called Garmin and they immediately offered to send me the new North American maps for free. They only requested that I fax a copy of my purchase receipt. I do not know the policy as to how far back they will go on the purchase date.

The "final answer" from Garmin CS was "checked with my supervisor and no free update for I3" which was purchased new on 07/05/2007. No mention or offer made for discounted purchase. They didn't say so but maybe because it's a discontinued unit. It would be nice if Garmin would publicize their policy in this area. It's a little frustrating to read various posts "I called and they will send it right out" versus my experience of "no joy". It would be much easier to understand and accept if they had a published policy. Life goes on nonetheless.

FWIW...

Garmin support (Isaac) sent me an email today stating that the upgrade DVD would be sent out and I should receive it within 7-10 business days. I sent them a copy of the purchase receipt and they stated that I could get a free upgrade since the purchase was within 60 days.

I think the alleged information from a Garmin executive is just a lame attempt at trolling.

Garmin is not giving free updates for all units in warranty.

Being in the software business myself I can understand your frustration but on the other hand it's just like any other discontinued model of any other product. There comes a point of diminishing return for a manufacturer to support outdated units…for example an Atari Video game system from the 70s or even more recently the Sony Play station 2..My advice is to know what you are buying when you buy it..if you can live with out the latest and greatest and w/o tech support…by all means get the DC unit…but at some point the unit will become useless b/c of the lack of support and upgrades. Having a clear policy about DC units is pretty common notion with in any industry…

I was looking over 'MYGarmin' space and noticed that my upgrade was not listed in 'pending' support. So I emailed them and I received a reply in one day..and the DVD is on its way! So far CS is doing me right! And as far as the wait times to call these people...to me that is what a Speaker phone or a head set is for..I used to work Help desk for a large Software company and Hospitals. Mondays and Fridays are the worst..and one other bit of advice...if/when you receive an update or are going to upgrade a system..

NEVER..I repeat NEVER do these on a Friday...perform your upgrade etc mid week when Tech support is able to respond to your request in a more timely manner…also wait a few days for the latest upgrades to filter through the community to see if there is a bug in the installations etc..The company that comes to mind on this is MICROSOFT..where the public is the Beta testers..lol

I understand your point about not supporting discontinued units. My consternation is the lack of a published policy stating this. From the messages on this subject it would appear the "the policy" is up to the CSR you talk to. There have been many posts that say "...if you bought it within the last 90 days..." or "...if it still under warranty.." you will get the free upgrade. My unit would meet these criteria. If they had a published policy that said current models yes and discontinued models no I could and would understand. At any rate, it's not that big of a deal. I was just hoping to be one of the happy people as opposed to one of the "have nots".

I bought a 660 July 3, 2007 emailed Garmin CS about MapUpdate July 16, 2007, free MapUpdate shows up on my doorstep July 31, 2007. Thank You Garmin if you read these sites, I will be emailing you also.

Jim

I hope this gives some of you others hope that the free update is real.

My map update arrived today as well...installing it now...Thanks Garmin!

Received my DVD yesterday and I did the update today. It went without a hitch. Followed the instructions and it updated the PC first. Then it updated the GPS unit. It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes for the update of the GPS unit. When it was finished, it showed that the update was successful. The GPS now shows 2008 and in Mapsource I can select between NT8, and NT2008.

Is MapSource hidden in the DVD somewhere or do I need to get Garmin to send me that also?

Well, not sure about hundreds, but the below is selling them for $54 + shipping if you have to buy:

http://www.provantage.com/garmin-010-10989-00~AGRMM01N.htm

True to their word, Garmin shipped out the DVD, and I received it yesterday. I will be updating it this evening.

I have been NOTHING but impressed by Garmin, both with the product and the customer service.

I got my update in a week. Loaded easily - just under an hour. Garmin and its people are terrific. Thanks to Paul and all the tech support staff!

But sadly, they indicate it is on back-order from Garmin with an unknown arrival date.

Just talked to my wife and my 2008 DVD arrived via UPS (I'm currently in Boston so I asked her to open the package to be sure). I called the Garmin support and was given an order number on July 19th.

Rick, thanks for getting the process started.

It seemed to good to be true so you had her open it to make sure? LOL )

I'm still a kid at heart and the suspense was killing me...

After calling Garmin 8 days ago, I received my map updates today! And they said it would be at least 2 weeks....

As the cs rep promised I just received my free map upgrade.

I am surprised that it took 1hour 28 minutes to load the maps onto the Nuvi350. I can not say enough how I well have been treated by Garmin. The unit is a refurb purchased in February and they still gave me the upgrade.

You should have gotten Mapsource with the original purchase of your GPS. Check your CDs that came with it.

Not with those units pre-installed with the map (like Nuvi he has).

Just contacted the service rep to get my free update and was told they would provide it free only if the unit was purchased "in the last month or so" and had to provide receipt. You may need to push to get it free if you bought prior to that.

My NT 2008 arrived two days ago FREE with FREE overnight delivery. Garmin came through on their promise, but 3 weeks EARLIER than they quoted me!
I like Garmin again.

I purchased a Nuvi 370 at the beginning of last week. I contacted Garmin about the updated maps at the end of last week. I e-mailed customer support a copy of my receipt over the weekend and received the NT 2008 update today. I installed it in about an hour. Great customer service!

I see all sorts of posts that folks are getting free upgrades. Is there a particular date needed? Mine was purchased new in mid-April, anyone get a freebie from that long ago? Thanks.

I have heard that the cut off date was May 1st.

thanks for the info

The new GPSrs don't come with discs, I did get instructions on how to get the MapSource off the update disc. I have started a new thread on just how to do such.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/5501

May 1 2007 is the cut off date.

NO freebies for C 330 or any "iX" series. NO freebies for ANY discontinued models.

The reps have been told to watch for repeat attempts at getting free updates, as there have been instances of people getting three and four "free" update disks. The greed of a few has caused the system to be shut down for the many. This has been a problem in the past, and is now causing the powers that be to shut down the give aways.

No exceptions on the "iX" street pilot, few exceptions on the C 330 at this time.

Geez... why would anyone keep calling and trying to get more and more disks?

I mean.... you can only load it on ONE GPS unit and it is serial number specific. It's just a waste for everyone to ask for more than one upgrade disk for a unit.

It's a case of "One Bad Apple" ( or a few more ) spoiling it for everyone.

I can understand why Garmin has done what they did.
Especially if their provider (NavTeq) is the one who has put the stop to the "gratis" upgrade.

Unfortunately for me... I have a 2730 AND a 7500 just can't swing the upgrade for both. So I am thinking I'll buy one for the 2730 since that is the unit I use the most and just have to muddle along with the 7500.

Tim

My wife bought a Garming GPS and it has the old maps on it. We asked about our options for the upgrade, and they offered it to us at 1/2 off. On my GPS, I was able to receive it free. For hers, it's now half off...

I bought a Nuvi 670 in the UK on 30th July 2007. On registering and updating I noticed the new 2008 City Navigator for the USA. As I will be driving in the States for 4 weeks in September/October I contacted Garmin UK about a free update. I have been advised it will be available to me for downloading from their website from 22nd August - for free.
Hope the sun shines in SD,WY and MT!

Somoene is pulling your leg. The mapping can NOT be downloaded from any website due to the size of the file and hte time it takes to build. The mapping update MUST come on DVD disk. I'd make sure you get the story straight and make sure you are getting the disk sent to you.

This policy apparently changes. However, the documentation that comes with the NT2008 DVD update clearly shows the c330 IS included in the update models...

so did u upgrade? is it worth it?

While it is included in the "update" models, it is not included in the listing of "free" updates. It does not hold full mapping at this time either.

Yes, I did upgrade and did get it for free, so I have no complaint or argument with Garmin or Garmin Tech. This is obviously a nightmare for Garmin as they seem to have changed policies from previous years and people are trying to get something they are not entitled to. The Techs are the ones who have to try to explain an ever-changing policy to the people who call or write in and so it goes. Apparently, as I read in another thread, the policy is now written for all Techs, so hopefully this will solve the issue. As to whether it's worth it, that is yet to be determined. I now have to load Canada separately (includes border states) or lower 48, so 50 minutes plus or minus each time this is needed. Since this won't happen very often, that isn't an issue. I've had the unit only a couple of months before installing the update and have since moved to another area of the country, so I probably will never know if it was worth it, but, really, thanks to Garmin it wasn't all that painless for me. Go Garmin and espcecially Garmin Techs!!!!

I just talked with a Garmin rep who was very helpful. She said the cutoff date is May 1 for getting the uprade at no cost. Since I purchased mine on May 2 and it is registered, I just made it. She entered the order and gave me the order number and said it will be shipped in 5 to 7 business days.

Thanks Garmin. That is great customer service.

Your unit must be registered which made it a little hard for me.

I went to register my unit online, but I didn't have the registration code. I got thrown out with the box, so I called the service number.

The guy I spoke with wanted proof I had purchased my unit post 5/1 to even give me my registration code, so I sent him my order confirmation from Buydig. He gave me my registration code and when I asked about getting my map upgrage, I was told I had to do it online after registering.

After registering, I tried to order my free map, and there was no option to get it free. I tried to email them and I went into a loop so I came back here looking for an email address and got one. Since emailing them, I got a reply back saying they have placed an order for the map upgrade but that they were out of stock currently.

Whoa there, GT, nobody in this forum (with one exception, who was shot down immediately) has ever asked for anything "free". The controversy has centered on two issues:

• Purchasing a "new" item at full retail, and getting obsolete content"
• Inconsistant application of the update policy leaving some having to pay for what others get for free.

Let's look at this comparison. Does Garmin have to build Towers and a nationwide or worldwide network? No. Did Garmin have to pay to put the Satellites up? No, the American Taxpayers did that. Does Garmin have to finance a telecommunications infrastructure? Nope. Garmin builds a receiver. More like my transister radio than my cell phone. The primary value-add that a GPS company puts into their product is Maps, software and features, for which the company deserves compensation. However, if customer 'A' buys a new Garmin product, and gets the latest available maps with it, then customer 'B' should have that same opportunity.
You brought up the very valid argument that an unscrupulous customer could wait until the next update prior to registering their purchase. What about the potential for an unscrupulous company that waits until after their "busy" season to issue an update, to maximize the number of potential purchasers? No accusation here, just a hypothetical possibility.

Your loyalty to your boss is understandable and commendable. I can't speak for others who have mentionend him in their posts, but I would only consider writing to him to make sure he is aware of the customer relations nightmare that the lack of a clear policy was creating. I would not even consider asking the man to pay for my map update himself. But leaving the techs out "in the wind" for so long with no official policy, forcing them to make instant decisions in every case, to me indicates a leadership vacuum. However, I don't see this as a CEO type of breakdown, but more along the lines of a Senior VP type of thing. Informing the good doctor would be a courtesy. Market research for which he does not have to pay.
Try to remember when reading posts on this forum, that we, like you, are Garmin loyalists. We who post to the Garmin forums are already customers, and in most cases repeat customers. I, for example, own 5 Garmin GPS receivers, and no other brand. I haven't asked for anything free in the 8 years since I bought my first Garmin. But when I spend over $800 on new units, and within 30 days they are effectively obsolete, it's time for some consideration. The company should have made sure this happens, rather than depending on a good-natured tech support agent. Fortunately, they apparantly have finally done so.
So, calm down, you are among friends. We all agree that you have the best Company, the best product, and by far the best customer support. It was in contrast to the usual high level of service that the vague update policy stood out so clearly. We helped to illuminate the problem, and Garmin addressed it. Everyone should be happy. Group hug!