I'm interested in upgrading my 2006 RL's navigation and bluetooth systems. The new, 2009 models have increased resolution, functionality, and the ability to control bluetooth phones (including importing the phonebook) from the system's screen. I've done this sort of upgrade with BMWs and Audis before, with very few problems. It has usually been relatively easy; usually only requiring replacing the navigation and bluetooth units with newer models (e.g., it is generally a plug-and-play upgrade). Anyone on here have any knowledge or experience with this to share? Specifically, information regarding the minimum number of components that would require upgrading, online locations to purchase these parts at reasonable costs, etc., would be most helpful. I'll be sure to post updates on here as I attempt these upgrades.

 

While you may not get a lot of responses for assistance I think there would be a lot of interest in what you are doing if you are able to accomplish it. Step-by-step instructions and pictures are great too!

 

I don't know of anyone here who's attempted this. I'm sure that replacing the HFL unit with one from a crashed 2009 RL would do the trick. I don't know whether you'd also need to replace the head unit as well to get the full functionality. Sounds like $$$$ to me.....

Perhaps someone with better knowledge of the way the two systems are integrated will chime in....

 

I'm assuming the navigation unit in the trunk and the HFL unit in the dash will need to be upgraded. Considering that the part numbers are almost identical for both from 2006 to 2009, except for the revision number at the end, I'm predicting an easy plug and play upgrade for both. Of course, this probably won't add XM weather support, however, the graphical interface and bluetooth functionality will probably be added (if Acura systems are similar to the Audis and BMWs I've worked on before - as they all use CAN interfaces, I'm thinking they will be).

Any input before I order these parts?

 

Yea, you got a lot of money! Good luck!

 

What about the screen, in order to get better resolution? I am assuming the screen and perhaps the audio head unit (is that different than the HFL module?) may need change out. What about the XM receiver? That is a separate unit. Is that the key to weather info? I imagine you need the head unit as the interface to this new data stream? These are just questions that come to mind. Even putting in USASpec iPod adaptor was beyond me. I could not even get the trim off the head unit for fear of breaking something!

I am following this with keen interest however.

 

With updates like this, the screen itself generally does not need to be replaced. For example, upgrading the navigation in a 7-Series BMW only requires replacing the navigation unit itself (the drive in the trunk where the disc is inserted; much like what we have in our RLs). It is a plug-and-play swap, and going from 2002 to current hardware increases the display resolution substantially. I'm relatively sure the same is true of the RL, especially after comparing the backup camera resolutions between my 2006 and the new 2009 I test drove (they seemed to be identical).

I would be surprised if the headunit needs to be replaced. The only differences I note between the 2006 and 2009 models of the audio unit (as it is labeled in the parts catalogue) are the additions of other inputs, like the USB connection, and some audio processing enhancements. The majority of the headunit itself is the built-in 6-disc CD changer. You are also correct, this unit is separate from the HFL, which is located more to the right than the audio unit.

I agree with you that the weather is probably controlled by the XM module. Because I'm not as concerned with adding this, I'm hoping replacing the other units will upgrade the other functions and act just as if I didn't enroll in XM's weather service (I'm guessing this is the likely outcome). In other words, I can't imagine that the upgraded navigation and HFL displays would require an upgraded XM module as enrolling in the XM service is optional.

I'm going to do some more research before I start dropping $$$ on parts. Any insights any of you may have would be helpful. Thanks.

 

I think its a neat idea, but you do realize the NAV drive alone is about $2500 right? That's with a discount! Very pricey stuff...

 

The navigation unit is $2130.45. But, yes, it certainly isn't cheap.

 

After a little cursory research, I think I've found that the new, 2009 navigation unit uses a 32-PIN connector while the 2005-2008 ones use a 20-PIN connector. If true, this isn't necessarily that difficult of a hurdle, but I would need schematics of the connections to see how they relate. Anyone know if this is true, and if so, where I can find the pin-out schematics?

 

I can get the schematics to the models you want. I already have the one's for the 05 if you need them.

 

Great! I think 2006 and 2009 would be perfect (2005 is probably similar, but might be slightly different with the addition of the backup camera support). Thanks!

I had to make a harness in a similar situation with the Audi, and it was really no problem once the connections were matched up correctly. I was hoping for a more simple plug-and-play setup, like that used in the BMW, but that might not be the case.

 

If you want an 06 schematics, let me know and i'll get it

 

Yeah, 2006 would be perfect. I you can get the 2009 schematics as well, then I can get to work on a harness. Thanks again.

 

I know this is over a year old, but I am curious as to how difficult this was to do, what added functionality did you gain.

Thanks

 

I had researched this with my Tech awhile back.

New NAVI DVD Drive
New BT Module
New spatial microphones
New Flash Memory
New Head Unit (compatibility issues with New DVD Drive, ANC and BT processing)
Various wiring harnasses


$$$$$$$

 

Thanks Tampa...I just purchased an 07 w/Tech, but needed to get a few cosmetic things fixed prior to taking home and they put me in a 2010 MDX w/tech loaner...I love the usb option, and wanted to see if I could get something like that for the 07.