On Ebay.com I found someone selling a Panasonic GPS Nav removed from a 2004 RX8. The ad pasted below stated that the DVD is the same used in newer Ford, Lincoln, and Mazda cars. If this is really the case - also confirmed by Samsonite1 and others on this forum/thread, then we can find alternative sources for the updated DVD. Anyone in Austin wanting to try their DVD on my GPS unit please PM me or email me...

EBAY AD:
"
DVD ROM / GPS UNIT WITH NAV TECH N. AMERICA DISC SDAL FORMAT REF. # CN-VM4360A.
THIS UNIT IS USED IN MOST NEWER FORD, LINCOLN , MERCURY , AND MAZDA CARS AND TRUCKS.

IT WAS REMOVED FROM A 2004 MAZDA RX8 AND WORKS PERFECT.

"

 

I have it and im in the Dallas Metro area too...

But Yeah, that makes sense that none of the new stuffs on there, and that mazda is just making the problem worse. I got the navigation system because of my undeniable bad sense of direction and inability to concentrate on highways and read a map, and the system couldnt even get me home from downtown the other day. Thats a load of bullshit i just bought it a week or so ago... now at least i can get lost in style.

...talked to my dealer and he said that theyd had alot of complaints about it but were trying to move them as fast as they could.

 

That's isn't cool at all, really this issue needs to be hammered into MNAO heads. I'm gonna start calling tomorrow.

How can Mazda justify selling a nav system for $2000 and then it's unreliable within 2-5 years!!

 

I sent two email complaints to MNAO re: the NAV system. My complaints dealt with 1) my inability to get the firmware upgrade like the later RX-8 models have, and 2) the unavailability of new maps. Here is the response I got:

Hello Kevin,

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

There is only one type of updateable software for the RX-8, and that is
the map software that Navteq is currently finalizing. As with any
product, there may be inherent changes in future models or units,
making design and operation changes possible, without actual software
changes that can be added to pre-existing navigation units. Again, the
only updateable software is the Navigation maps software released by
Navteq directly. To check on DVD map updates, call 1-888-NAV-MAPS.

For your reference, when you update the map, it is also updated with an
operating system, such as you have seen. This is inherent in some RX-8
systems, but is not possible to update yours with. Be assured, your
Mazda dealership has ALL such technical information available to them.
This office does not stock, sell or distribute any items, including
software, but if your dealership has any questions, they can simply
work with their technical supports (which are in place for that
purpose). It has come to my attention that this software is due to be
released sometime within the next couple months. Navteq will send
notification to customers before the release so you know when it is
available.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. Please feel free to reply to this message with any further
questions or comments.


The part that has me particularly upset is the part where they say my particular Navigation system is not 'upgradeable'. Is this not BS? I seem to recall many people saying they had their firmware upgraded by the dealership, especially after their operating system 'mysteriously disappeared'. I'm about ready to make mine disappear.

 

And here is my response to the email I was sent:


Staci, thank you for your rapid, though inaccurate, response.

Let me clarify a few things:

I have personal knowledge of a fellow RX-8 owner whose vehicle has the SAME BUILD DATE as mine having his NAV system firmware upgraded simply by popping in the upgrade DVD. I am well aware that the DVD does exist, but that Mazda is no longer performing the upgrade service. What is truly unfortunate is that some people received the upgrade at some dealerships, while others were denied it. I am also aware that some dealerships, when unable to obtain the upgrade DVD in a timely manner, replaced the ENTIRE DVD UNIT with a newer and faster model containing the upgraded system firmware. That is what I call customer service. I realize that you are only relaying the information that Mazda has dictated, but the truth of the matter is that there is precedence for obtaining the upgrade. What I fail to understand is why we are being given such a hard time over something that costs the price of one DVD per dealership and about 5 minutes of labor. Customer Service? I don't think so.

Also, Navteq is not 'currently finalizing' the software. The software has been ready for release for some time now, but Mazda is in the midst of a copyright dispute, and will not authorize the release of the firmware. The problem lies with Mazda, not NavTeq.

Finally, I have no reason to believe that the software will be released in the next couple of months. Mazda said the same thing A YEAR AGO!

As a pre-order customer, I am extremely disappointed in Mazda's handling of this situation. I am paying a penalty for being one of the first people in San Antonio to exhibit Mazda's rotary flagship. And, being a pre-order customer, I paid full MSRP for the vehicle, which can now be had for close to invoice.

When I first got this vehicle, I sang the praises of Mazda and the rotary revolution to anyone that would listen. I have owned a rotary vehicle since 1986. However, the actions of Mazda as of late have quieted me, and may soon cause me, along with many other '8 owners who are frustrated over this issue, to sing a different tune. For the life of me, I can't understand why Mazda is allowing this to happen over something so trivial...

I would much appreciate it if you could pass this along to your superiors, so that they can fully appreciate the probable effect of their inaction.

Regards,
Kevin

 

Nice job Kevin... my thoughts exactly

 

Kevin, what is staci’s email address? If we all blast one person with nav complaints they might be more apt to take it to a higher level. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. (Actually that was the brakes come to think of it.)

 

I just have to laugh.
I have called Mazda many many times on this issue.
Today was a good one..
The women told me I should not consider this a big deal since I have an 05...
....because the people with 04's are STILL waiting for updated disks.
Gee.. thanks.. that makes me feel soooo much better.. HAHAH

She said end of summer at the EARLIEST.

Flame me if you want.. but after all this crap.. my 2 burners will be smoking when the disks come out.

 

Anyone know why the copy protection will be so tough to get around?

I'm pretty PISSED about this situation! I just ordered my car on May 9th and when the thing arrives, I'm going to have a 2 -3 year old map?! Thats absurd!
I shall begin calling tomorrow...

 

Kevin,

GREAT response!

I'm with you guys that this is total B.S. These disks should have been available to us MONTHS ago! (if not last summer)

Anyone have the email address of who we can send ALL of our complaints to? (i like Mx6 2 rx8's idea...)

 

do you mean to say you have a car coming from the factory? if so then you wont have this issue because you will have an entirely different brand/model of nav unit.

 

I just called navteq and the woman told me that the discs are made and that they are waiting for Mazda's ok. I know thats nothing new but she did say that the discs were made in 2004. So we are pretty much waiting impatiently for out of date material. I'm going to call Mazda now.

 

Zoom... REALLY?!

Yeah, I ordered mine from the factory last month...That means I'll have a different Nav unit? Why is that?

Sorry if this has been discussed already but I had not heard this before.

Won't I still have an outdated disc?

 

sorry maybe i am reaching but- i know that mazda is switching nav brands- im assuming that the new brand will have newer maps or maps from a different company. i coul dbe wrong on that point.i guess it also depends on how many of the current model navs they have in house left to use and if they use them all before they start putting in the new hardware.

 

Zoom,

You're killing me! :p

Now you've got my hopes all up and you better not let me down. :D

I shall go on the assumption that I will not get the new unit (even though I REALLY DO want an updated model) and continue to fight the fight with Navteq.

Just out of curiosity...where'd you hear about the new nav unit? (rumor mill or did you read it somewhere? )

 

the info on new hardware came from the company supplying the new hardware. thats about all i can say. the rest was just extropolation. i really dont follow nav technology that much or the companies that make the software. although ... the new Mazda5s will probably have the new hardware etc. someone run and check one of those at a dealership to find out.

 

If the new nav hardware (assuming it is so) is compatible with the existing wiring and display.. then it sounds like upgrading may be easier then dealing w/ the existing Nav system mess..

This whole thing is just a mess.. it's a bloody data disk.. publish the damned disk and people will buy it. I don't understand this whole "copyright" mess. Some corproate lawyer messed up big-time if they didn't secure rights to produce upgrade media.

 

someone mentioned a lawsuit but I haven't heard of anything official.

Maybe we could start writing letters to major car magazines to let them know the injustice that you all have suffered. Remember when Mitsubishi was voiding warranties on EVO's because they'd been driven on the track? Didn't MT or C&D write a big article about it and start putting the pressure on Mitsu?

Just a thought...

 

That's might be the best idea. I'm gonna try to contact Autoweek see if anyone else wants to contact another mag.