The nav system is utterly and completely unacceptable. It pains me to have to admit this, but the horrendous oversights in the database supplied by Navteq are so appalling that I believe Acura needs to demand a complete retrofit from Navteq and recall all 2009 TL's sold to date to update our nav sytems to a minimally acceptable level.

Here's what I wrote to Navteq (I encourage everyone to express their opinions on this issue to both Navteq and Acura):

Your database is sorely lacking in a number of respects. I live in Bayside, NY and I know there is a Staples office supply store about a mile away on Northern Blvd and around 210th St. It's not in you database. So too with many, many Barnes and Noble (booksellers) locations. Applebees is also not listed though there's one about 4 blocks from where I live. These are pretty appalling oversights. Is there any way that these unacceptable oversights (and I'm sure many, many others) can be rectified? Acura could then receive these updates and all purchasers of 2009 TL's could be offered a free update as I believe these oversights are serious enough to warrant a recall of all 2009 TL's sold to date.

 

Whoa, I see your obviously upset, I feel ya, but it works fine for me in the LA area. I would positively try to work it out with Navteq in hopes to update your area. I'm sure they'd work with you. This is hardly recall worthy as it's software based, but understandbly noted nevertheless.

 

I think the Navi sucks as well. It is off my my arrival times by as much as 40%.

 

gonna be a Navteq issue and not an Acura issue, recalls are for safety issues, not personal dislikes or issues not related to the overall vehicle safety..

I suspect that Acura might issue a Service Bulletin on it, but more likely they will direct the customer to Navteq because it is a third party software issue..

Navteq is VERY good at adding things to the DB from customer requests and concerns, but you need to contact them to get it done..

here is the link:

http://mapreporter.navteq.com/dur-we...ER&language=en

 

Agreed.

No need for a recall, just let them know whats missing.

They DO add significant chunks of data each and every year.

 

Doc, what I have found is that if the store is in a retail mall or some kind of shopping outlet, not free standing that it just doesn't show, the mall or complex will, just not individual stores, maybe there is some kind of reason for that. At least we can get on them so next years update is a good one. As I am sure many know, it works flawlessly when you actaully input the address.

 

Doc,

Good points. Let us know if you get a response and what they had to say. Good luck!

 

I have found out that many business do not display in the NAV with their name shown by the store which would be their dba's (Doing Business As), but they show the official name registered.

 

I've had 0 issues w/ the NAV

Love it and address issues = 1% maybe,

 

I agree with pyschdoc..nav data is horrible..my address doesn't show up on the nav..but when i put my address in the link above..it does show up..

Actually my whole community doesn't show up and my community must have been around for close to 10 years.

 

I agree, the database is weak at best. I'd say 1 out of 10 times I get the location I'm looking for. I've never had it pull up a store I was looking for. I actually typed in Office Depot, and it was pulling up stores hundreds of miles away. Meanwhile, there's gotta be 20 of them in the 5 boroughs, all within 20 miles of me. I've also had it not find a few actual addresses in Brooklyn that have probably been there for 100+ years. I actually had to find it on the map and pin it, and get directions to the pin. Really unacceptable if you ask me. Definitely not recall-worthy, but their database sucks a nut.

 

I'm sorry but I think recall is much to do with no big deal
-find the address on your iPhone - plug it into the navi - drive
yes I know the feature is there - and next to worthless. - do I care? no
I mean until the day our cars are linked to the internet - a hard drive / dvd data base will be outdated b4 they can ship an update to you. But I do give you credit for dreaming - its not that far off. The other day I asked the navi to "find nearest movie theater" in an area I didn't know my way around - got a list and made it on time
I want a recall on the door to my house - I touched the handle -when I got home and it did not unlock - I had to use the key -

 

Is it too much to ask for me to type an address into the nav and have it find it? Or search by store name and have it give me actual results in the city I'm driving in, and not across the world? I don't think so. And your iphone solution is pretty dumb. I have a navigation system in my car, now I need to type addresses into my phone? Get real lol. I'd rather be lost.

 

Acura may be Nostradamus... Applebees sux anyways and is on the way out... seems like those of you in the NY area are having issues... works great here in SoCal... doesn't seem like an Acura issue... good luck!

 

except the one in you car will never be as up to date as the one in the dumb iPhone. Get real - if you don't like it dont use it. just to repeat until the car navi is connected to the internet - It will not be current - how many times to retail stores move / close? BMW recently - you can find something on the web say - laptop / desktop - whatever and send that result from goggle maps (I believe) to the car's navi. no it is not too much to ask - it just today isn't that useful. so I guess at least I can play music from the iDumb phone

 

I predict an update coming very soon, perhaps thread closed?

 

but bmode why cant you predict where that retail location is?

here is what you guys want today:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/09/15/bm...y-google-maps/

Today, BMW decided to include the Google Maps into its 2009 fleet, the exception being the BMW X3. Google Maps will power the BMW Search system which will be available only in the vehicles equipped with BMW Assist and Navigation system.

In order to be able to use the same mobile technology as the European models, BMW had basically only two choices when it came to which mobile provider to choose for the U.S market: AT&T and T-Mobile. Most likely the decision to go with AT&T was based on the largest network coverage that the U.S based cell-phone company offers. Since the 3G High-Speed networks are way underdeveloped compared to Europe, the BMW’s in-car mobile technology will use the GPRS network, an older technology that will be considerably slower than the current standards. So, do not expect any fast blazing searches when it comes to Google Maps, but it will still most likely satisfy the BMW owners.


The price for this? Wait, you didn’t think it was free, right? BMW Search will set you back exactly $199/year, and it will be part of the concierge plan available in the BMW Assist.

That’s it for now, we’ll be back soon with more exclusive news. But in the mean time, if you would like us to keep you updated on all the BMW news, please take a moment and sign up for our email feed. Get updates by email

Full Press Release

BMW ADDS NEW “BMW SEARCH” SERVICE TO BMW ASSISTTM POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS™.


Available in BMW Assist & Navigation-equipped 2009 BMW 1 & 3 Series Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – September 15, 2008… BMW introduces access to Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) search capability within the vehicle on 2009 BMW Assist and Navigation system - equipped 1 and 3 Series. For the first time, subscribers to the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access “BMW Search” to quickly find a desired business with just a key word, benefiting from the world’s most famous online search engine. After finding what you want, you can immediately start route guidance or a hands-free call with your Bluetooth® -linked phone at just a simple push of a button.

Utilizing newly introduced hardware operating on the AT&T Mobility GSM network, this unique service identifies the current location and destination of the vehicle automatically and then displays the local results with details of address, phone number and distance. For example, you can look up business information like the names of restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public facilities such as schools or city halls, all by the simple use of a key word. You can also easily ask for a search at another location.

In a nutshell, “BMW Search” using Google search technology and intelligence saves time and reduces frustration with destination entry on today’s navigation systems. The information you look up is continuously updated by Google. “BMW Search” is the next logical and consequential development of the link between the automobile and the Internet.

To allow customers to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet directly to their BMW, Google and BMW began offering “MyInfo” with the introduction of the X6 back in April, now extended to all other 2009 BMWs except for X3. “BMW Search” now opens up access to the Internet directly from the vehicle, representing another building block in the BMW Assist services portfolio. About BMW Assist: BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is standard on all 5, 6 and 7 Series models, including the M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

 

Aw, c'mon now.. I doesn't know where Barnes & Noble's are??? For chrissakes, it's just the biggest book store chain in the friggin' world!!! I think it lists about two in the whole fuckin' U.S. when I know there are about a half a dozen in a 15 mile radius. That's just 100% U-N-A-C-C-E-P-T-A-B-L-E. My cheap portable Nuvi does infinitely better as did my '07 ES350 nav system. This HAS to be rectified. I faxed Acura a letter yesterday afternoon about this. I'm going to be very interested to see what their response is.

Again, I urge all of you who have the same concerns to contact Acura on this [phone: (800) 382-2238; fax: (310) 783-3535]. There's strength in numbers!!!

 

good luck doc

anyone w/ exper w/ the BMW SEARCH” SERVICE TO BMW ASSISTTM POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS™.?

 

I called Acura yesterday and they said they'll look into the issue and call me back (regarding my area not on the nav). I'm hoping they atleast give me a free copy of the next release (this coming September).

 

The BMW Search is all through their BMW Assist (aka OnStar, TeleAid, etc.). This feature is NOT part of the navigation system per se...and has nothing to do with NAVTEC.

BMW Assist is like Mercedes "Search & Send" feature on TeleAid. See: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/advancedTechOverview/

Click on "Search & Send" for a video of how it works.

BTW, TeleAid for Mercedes is over $300 per year! No thanks. I dumped it on my G500...waste of money on something i hardly ever use. In fact, in the 3 years that i had it, i never used it once. I did play around with it but never needed it.

 

"Our records show that the map that you have in your navigation system is our most recent release. An update is scheduled to be available in September 2009."

 

Tigmd99 I like the bmw video of their google maps to navi better than the mb. still interesting idea - you could just use the google maps I bet from a smart phone and send it to your navi - (then at least you could do it all from the car w/o having to be at a computer 1st)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgTx9...layer_embedded

 

Yup, that is a nice video....

 

Hey Doc I guess you need to pony up and buy a 5 series to get a properly functioning nav.

 

Or you could just type in the address until Navteq gets it's shit together, same thing goes for google maps (waste) remember every car that uses Navteq as it's database will suffer from this problem but not everycar has the nav system of the TL. The nav program gets fairly outdated in a year anyway, at the same time they will continue to update, the world is not perfect, it is what it is.

 

LOL

Now I gotta give you a 10 out of 10 on that one. The 5 series is a lot of things, many of them good. One thing it most certainly does not have in its favor is a functional nav system. I went out to lunch with my friend who drives the 535xi and I couldn't believe what a hunk of shit the nav system was. BMW is most certainly NOT the way to go if that's high on your priority wish list.

 

If Applebees is 4 blocks away from your house and you know where its at why do you need to use the Navigation system to find it?

 

lol

 

mountain out of a molehill.

Its not like every nav company goes through every street across the entire US and notes the address of every business, POI, etc.

 

For me coming from 5 different 3G TL cars I find the HFL and Navi are a huge step in the wrong direction, they need to go back to who ever they OEMed the 3G from and just have them update the screen rez.. The ELS is the only thing I find a huge imporvment over the 3G and even that the stupid USB port won't sort thumb drives by folder or contents alphabetically, only by the order things were added to the drive. I find it funny how Acura's tag line is ADVANCE when clearly they took a huge stpe BACKWARD.

Ride is great, ELS is great, seats are great, styling is a mixed bag and the HFL and NAV big steps backward. Not much advancing....

 

Keith, are you already coming up with reasons to get out of your lease? LOL.

 

Are you friggin' kidding me???

Not knowing where Barnes & Noble's are? Staples? I hardly think that's like not knowing some hole-in-the-wall place that's been there six months. Just for comparison's sake, my $225 Garmin Nuvi 265WT knows every one of the places the Navteq/Acura nav have no idea about.

"Mountain out of mole hill" my ass.

If I wanted that kind of product I would have bought a Kia.

 

Although I can understand how this problem could be annoying, aren't recalls reserved for significant safety and reliability issues? I would consider this more of an oversight than an issue that warrants a recall. People are generally taken more seriously when they don't resort to hysterics.

 

Fine, call it a "service bulletin" or anything else for that matter ("a ham sandwitch," I really don't give a crap)...just fix it. I think people who spend ~$35-40k deserve at least as good a nav system as can be found on a $200 Nuvi.

Or maybe you don't agree.

But don't get "hysterical."

Be a good little sheeple.

 

sheeple who love applebees dont get hysterical - if they wanted you to know where the nearest applebees was it would work. until they decide they need you to know - resistance is futile

but you know if the sheeples dont complain why change. Doc may just be the beginning of the the day the sheeples.... nah never mind if navitech says we all need to drive off a cliff...

 

no really Doc does have some valid points, and hey if no one complains.. .
- he might just make the next version better. - we'll just have to buy the zdx or the 5G to get it.

 

No, I love the ride, I just think those areas were not improved upon, but the ride is awesome, I love driving this thing, that is one area they truly did ADVANCE in!! Besides I can;t come up with anything I woudl rather drive right now, the next G maybe, if they upgrade their technology.

 

I've always thought that $2000 was far too much to pay for a nav system, so I'm probably not the best person to critique the quality of the current TL's system. I have never understood the need for a nav system; during multiple 1000 mile + drives, I have never gotten lost without nav. A set of directions from Mapquest or Google maps, a map, and a good sense of direction have been the only things I have ever needed to get from point A to point B.

 

Until you used one regularly you'll never realize how nice it is. I find the Nav system is the MOST useful during the 1st 5 minutes and last 5 minutes of your drive. It usually prevents you from making those extra few turns that while not life-threatening CAN be annoying. In an area you've never been before it's a lifesaver (and much safer then looking at directions)

$2000 is a lot for a Nav system, but you are buying a few things with an OEM. 1) It is hardwired, so if you loose satellite signal it can determine where you are for miles and miles 2) Much bigger screen 3) No worry of it being stolen 4) In the Acura, excellent voice control and integration into your phone/stereo/car speaker system.

I'm in the Boston area and I've had minor issues with the TL Nav. I've also had minor issues with my previous Eclipse, my Garmin Nuvi, even my iPhone. However, Doc seems to be having too many issues with his. I'd suggest taking it to your local dealership to A) Make sure you're using it correctly and/or B) seeing if other models suffer the same problem. It is possible that this is an issue with you or your car. Eliminate those options before blaming Navteq or Acura.