Just picked up an 07 RL base for my father that was $10k under MSRP. I've been told by the dealer that there is a DVD player in the trunk, but the car is not supposed to have Navi. Confirmed the VIN with Acura customer service as non-tech package.

So, in the absence of factory Navi when I take delivery of the car, what are my options for aftermarket Navi, or for adding factory Navi?

the car does have the screen up front already.

 

1. Welcome to Acurazine! Your dad has good taste. Will you be driving as well? Do look around for potential mods.

2. The navi in a base RL issue has been covered in the recent past--a search will reveal the details.

Cliff's notes:

The 2007 RL base is basically the Alaska model (no nav there) except with "plood" on the dash, and the screen shows a trip computer and compass.

Yes, there is a DVD player in the trunk. The last person to mention this was actively trying to find a navi disc to put in the car, but we felt that there would be some sort of hardware restriction preventing the use of said navi disc. No follow up since on the issue.

Your other option is to invest in a Garmin or similar portable navi solution.

 

awesome... you've basically summarized the same conclusion that I came to.

my theory is that via the PC card slot in the DVD-ROM drive, a dealer could connect their computer and activate the navi in the system.

i already have a "GPS v4.4x" disc in the drive back there. am I supposed to on a 07 base model?

-T

 

Yes you are supposed to have a GPS disc. The base RL has the "compass" system which is basically just GPS positioning.

Why not just spend the extra $ and get the "Tech package" RL with the Nav rather than try to retrofit something?

 

you might have missed the part of my first post where i said, "Just picked up an 07 RL base for my father that was $10k under MSRP."

 

So are you saying you purchases a base RL for around ~$31K? Because MSRP on a base RL is $41K.

 

No - I caught that part of your post. I just don't understand buying the base RL then thinking Acura would make it easy to retrofit the factory Nav. You could have bought the Tech package RL for probably not too much more than the base RL with all of the incentives available.

 

Acura.com shows MSRP for a base model ('08 granted) around $46k. I'm assuming the '07's weren't too far off from that.

Why are we sitting here arguing about why I didn't pay more money for the tech package? If you have an 05 or 06 with Navi standard, then good for you! If you have an 07 and opted to buy the tech package to get Navi, then great!

I'm trying to find a solution to those base model owners that would love to have the factory Navi activated in their cars, since all the equipment is already there. If you think you can contribute to that cause, please let me know, otherwise your economic commentary is not really needed...

 

"We're arguing" because it seems counterintuitive (to me) to by the cheaper, decontented model then expect that it would be easy or affordable or doable to add the missing content. Hey, whatever it's your time and money.

You're assuming "all the equipment is already there". The only thing you know for sure is you have a DVD player, GPS unit, and screen. There are likely hardware pieces missing.

 

So you got it for $36K?

MSRP means squat when it comes to the RL. Most people are getting the tech package for around $41K. Some have even gotten it for $40K. Just check the owner sign in thread.

That being the case, if you spend $36K for a base RL, you hardly saved $10K, more like $4K-$5K. Now add in the time and money that it will take you to retrofit you base model, and I don't think the savings are all that much.

Again, my $0.02.

 

Well, anyway....nevermind all this bashing of YumVTEC, lets just focus on his question, for which I AM NOW HAPPY TO SAY I HAVE THE ANSWER. I just swapped out the DVD player in the trunk of my RL for a DVD player from a RL Tech and I am PLEASED TO REPORT THAT I NOW HAVE FULL NAVIGATION. I got my NAV unit from a brand new RL Tech that had 4 miles on it before it was totalled. Of course YMMV in your local boneyard.

YumTEC, you now have the answer to your question.

Regards,

 

Congrats. Good to know, and it proves that it took more than just swapping out the DVD. So in the end, how much did you end up saving?

 

Thanks very much for the well wishes.

I couldnt find a new '07 RL earlier this month with NAV in the color I wanted. I couldnt wait for an '08, plus I got my RL for $38,300. I paid $1200 for the entire NAV and audio system. It was brand new and removed from an RL with 4 miles on it. As it turns out, the only part really needed is the DVD player and Nav disc, so I probably could have done the conversion even cheaper (but thats okay, I was navigating unchartered waters and wasnt sure which parts I would need). I'll just keep the spare head unit and NAV screen in a closet somewhere in the house and pull it back out in a few years when more RLs get out of warranty and then sell the parts on ebay for a few bucks.

The total install time was about 5hr 15min, which consisted of 5hrs over 2 nights studying the Acura shop manuals and studying the wiring of the BASE and Tech RLs, and about 15 minutes today to do the actual swap of the NAV player.

 

I am glad you changed your name to a more fitting name...2007rl....I have the DVD unit coming...bought a used one for 150 off of ebay from an 05 rl...I still have to get a dvd...how do I pop the old unit out...I really do appreciate your assistance.

 

Wow, for $150 that is a total score, even if you have to plop down another $180 for the Nav disc from Alpine.

The old unit comes right out simply by removing the felt panel covering it and then removing the four 8mm nuts (two on either side of the unit) holding it on to the brackets. The felt panel is held up in place with about eight plastic snap in clips. Kind of hard to tell you the exact location of the clips, just gently start to pull it down starting at the trunk opening and peer behind with a flashlight and you will see them. The clips are white. Use a panel popper or even a pair of dikes to gently release each clip as you go. If you should happen to pull one of the clips off the felt panel (they are only glued to the panel( you can reattach it with some 3M Super 77 spray glue.

 

The COMPASS button on the center stack...does it now operate at the MAP button. Did swapping the DVD drive automatically change the function of this button?

Very nice discovery. I admire your persistance and scrutiny. Acura will HATE this secret getting out. I can see people seeking NAVI DVD drives from wreck yards and offering them as NAVI conversion kits.

Of course there may be warranty ramifications?

Maybe a side biz in the works?