bnl107

I'm looking into doing this. I know the navigation units in BMWs and Audis (i.e., cars I've owned before) were easily upgradable as they used the same connections. Every once in a while some minor modifications or adjustments were required, but compatibility was always easily possible. For example, the newer navigation units in 7-series BMWs can simply be swapped out with older (e.g., 2005) models to add better graphics, a birds-eye view display, DVD performance vs. CD, etc.

I would like to get the upgraded graphical interface, weather information, better traffic integration, etc., of the newer RL navigation units in my 2006 RL.

Any ideas on the work I would need to do and/or parts I would need?

Thanks.

neuronbob

To my knowledge, no one has tried this yet and so we don't know whether it's a hardware change or merely a software change.

The first thing to try would be to find a navi disc from a 2009 and upgrade the software in the 2006.

If that doesn't work, then there is clearly a hardware change. I've been in the 2009 and the display hardware looks no different from previous years. You would probably have to switch out the navi drive for a 2009's, as several members have done here in their 2005s.

2007AcuraRL

At minimum you would need to swap the XM tuner (located at the left side of the trunk behind the carpeted panel) since the XM weather feature is recieved at the tuner. Problem is with so few RLs being sold you are going to have a tough time finding one thats already been totalled and sitting in a salvage yard. Buying the part new from the Acura parts counter will be a very expensive proposition, especially since you wont know if it will work until you've tried it. If it doesnt do the trick, you'd also have to get an '09 NAV unit as well.

TampaRLX-SH

When I was researching the possibility to upgrade our NAVI to accept XM Weather I was told it would require a new DVD drive, new XM receiver and the head unit as well. Further the 09 RL has an upgraded higher resolution screen. It is not a simple software upgrade.

The sad point of this strategy is that XM could sell MORE subscriptions if the hardware was made backward compatible and only required a software upgrade to receive the additional service. Further, Acura service centers could be making money charging an upgrade fee for the software upgrade in order to accomodate new XM features.

Instead they change hardware each time, as if people will buy a $50K new car everytime new soft features are available.

Dumb as rocks.

2007AcuraRL

Where'd you get the info? Before I did the base RL to NAV conversion the guys at Acura were claiming it would require a new NAV, a new head unit, a new 'higher res' LCD display, a new antenna and a complete wiring harness all at a cost of around $10k. In reality, the dealer had no idea what was required to get the NAV to work. Someone else later mentioned to me their dealer told them essentially the same thing. In reality, the NAV conversion required just a simple swap of the NAV deck in the trunk.
For XM Weather, you'd certainly need the XM tuner and possibly a swap of the NAV since there's currently no menu option for weather. I'd doubt the screen resolution changed however so no LCD swap needed.

CFoote

Does the '09 RL do XM Weather? The website didn't mention it so I wasn't sure.

Like the rest of you, I too would be interested in finding out if we can upgrade. I know the Navi unit itself is big bucks, and I'm sure the XM tuner is a good $600 or so (discounted). This is a very interesting proposition to someone who has a buddy at an Acura parts counter that would be willing to return the items if they don't work.

Chris

neuronbob

The 2009 RL does XM weather. I test drove one during the summer and saw it myself. I could sure use that on my road trips.

CFoote

I agree, that would be very nice. Did you happen to notice if there were any changes to the 2009 Navigation system at all? Any new graphics or options? It would be tough to splurge close to $2k (My guess on the cost of '09 Navi Drive + XM Tuner) just for XM Weather

FYI, I just sent Tim Poliniak @ HondaAcuraWorld a e-mail asking for a quick quote on Navi Drive + XM tuner from a '09. I'll share the very scary prices with all...

Chris

larrynimmo

you better hold on to your hat when that quote comes back...my guess is about 4k

2007AcuraRL

Agreed.

The '09 NAV Drive is: part 39546-SJA-A63 NAVIGATION UNIT (DVD) (ALPINE) $2869.01 retail / $2295.21 discounted

The '09 XM tuner is: part 39820-SJA-A62 XM UNIT (HIP) (PIONEER) $3001.49 retail / $2401.19 discounted


Parts pulled from a junked 2009 RL would be the only upgrade path. The NAV unit would be about $800 and probably about another $800 for the tuner. The NAV units will eventually show up on ebay for $600, but I dont think I've ever seen the XM tuner listed, except when I bought an entire NAV pull for $1100 which came with all the wiring harnesses, Radio head unit and the XM tuner. That was a one time deal about a year ago that's never been repeated on ebay since.

neuronbob

Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. That is steeeeep.

CFoote

YIKES! Thanks for the info.....oh well!

larrynimmo

just for reference, you don't see the XM modules on ebay because there isn't a market for them. Just remember...almost anyone that is selling a DVDNav unit (because it came out of a totaled car) also have the XM module. It is my opinion you could buy the XM module for200-300. As for the DVDNav unit, who is going to buy it? Someone could list it for 300 would there be any takers. If I owned an 09, there is no way I would buy an extra nav unit as mine was covered for warranty for 4/50. The one person who you would bid against is the RL base purchaser who wants to upgrade to factory nav. But with Ebay, you need two people that have to have it to push the price in the high range.

To be honest with you, for all of the 07 & 08 Base RL's sold, there is only two of us that I know of that installed factory navigation.

2007AcuraRL

Dont forget there are a bunch of '05 RLs out there and maybe even some 06's that are now over the warranty miles and could be potential buyers for the secondary parts.

lindros2

I would just lease a new one. $4000 pays for a bunch of monthly payments...