FYI: According to my Mazda service guy, the disk for updating the saoftware is no longer being made available from Mazda to its service people. He stated Mazda is hip to people purposefully earasing their software to get an update. He stated the only solution is to swap the erased unit for a newly programmed unit. The manufacture of the Nav System and software, according to my service guy, is a company named United Radio.

I personally think it's bullshit Mazda will not provide an update. Those Nav systems were a $2000 option. A person with a cheap *** $400 HP or Compaq computer from WalMart can go online and get free updates anytime. These updates should be a customer satisfaction issue. What is the point in keeping the software unavailable?

I'll be calling Mazda on this issue today.

More updates will be posted on my progress with this Nav Update issue.

 

Update:

Mazda service will have to order a new system and do a swap out. No disk is available anymore.

I called United Radio, http://www.unitedradio.com
They were very helpfull. They told me what all the dealership does is order ahead to get a new Nav Unit from them. Once the dealer has the new unit they swap it out and send the old back to United Radio and the circle continues.

They have the new software and updated hardware. That's right, updated hardware. I guess there is an emurging issue with the processor in some Nav units according to United Radio. This will be a perfect chance to nip a potential problem in the bud.

Good luck to all!

 

ChechsMix, what about the M-tip or whatever needed to get the dealer to make the change out?

 

i'm working on that as we speak...problem is, i don't know if the DVD-Rom is DVD-/+R/RW...i'll try with DVD-R, then DVD+RW first since i just procured a newer (2003) Navteq navigation disc from the Mazda 6

 

Just picked up my 8 from the dealer with the new NAV system. :D My impressions are:

1) the fonts appear to have been changed.

2) the zoom level icon is only active while zooming in or out. On the old system, it stayed on screen.

3) The system overall appears to operate faster.

4) The tracking appears to be more sensitive.

In short, I am really pleased. It occurs to me that MAZDA USA should be happy to upgrade these units as it would buy them a lot of customer satisfaction.

 

I guess the M-Tip has been updated to explain how people are hacking into their systems to erase the NAV software. Mazda has stopped passing the "few" updated disks they have. Now the only remedy is to swap a pre-programmed NAV unit from United Radio with the erased unit.

 

Actually, I think you are better off getting the new hardware. I seems to me that the data seek times on the DVD reader ar much faster when sifting through destinations or searching adresses.

 

If it's any help, I sucessfully copied the European 2004-2005 navgation DVD on to a DVD-R using Alcohol 120% as the software.

It might be worth having a look at this software.

 

So the map dvds do copy... <drools>

If it's any help to anyone, the upgrade DVD was a DVD-R that I believe was single layer (could be wrong on the layering, but I'm pretty sure).

 

i complained to Mazda yesterday and the customer service manager called back and told me they decided to just replace my system instead of haivng me wait for this upgrade disc to make its rounds...coincidence? yea right, but in either case, i'm pleased to get new hardware...now does the upgrade come with the new hardware?

 

Here is the straight goods on the NAV System Update:
Mazda will have a map update that will be offered direct to the customer from Navteq later this summer. They are working on the mailer and details right now. Mazda is having Navteq do it to keep the cost down, as you know the more hands that touch something the higher the price. Like other competitors the map updates would have to be purchased but will include the updated operating software at no charge to the customer. Due to enhancements the original mapping software is not compatible with the new operating software.
I for one am going to wait and get it as soon as it is available. If the cost is similar to other competitors I've seen on Navteq's website, it should be around $199.00 for everything.
I hope this clears some confusion. :p

 

So what? I just got my rx8 June of 04.. Im in Iraq right now... Im w/ USMC.. its waiting for me when i get home.. So you are saying it can play DVD?s in the Media Car screen... Im really wondering if the Nav was even worth purchasing....

 

Not from the factory it can't. You need to do an awful lot of mods, including building a PC in your car to run MediaCar.

 

I haven't tried hacking my system. However, recently, my HISTORY display has only been retaining the two most recent destinations. So, instead of A, B, C, D, etc., it now only shows, A, B, A, B, A, B, .... Anyone else seen this? Is there a way to get the regular HISTORY back without loosing all the MARKED POINTS? Would this glitch qualify my nav for the h/w upgrade? The DVD upgrade? thx

 

I would say that you have a good excuse for an upgrade. I use the history function all the time.
Has anyone tried to contact NAVTEQ through their website? I have tried three times already asking when they are issuing an update for the RX8 and if it would include the system software. The lame bastards never responded at all. Too bad we don't have any alternatives for map DVDs.

 

If you are the really paranoid type who believes in conspiracy theories, retaining the history may not be a good thing. Big Brother has probably been sneaking into your garage at night and downloading your NAV system to see where your have been.

Or maybe it was your wife checking up on you.....

 

Thats what I'm getting too

 

Hey Flyboy Indy. I got my car in Sept 03, so I'm assuming I have the older nav system. Is it just a DVD update, because when I look on Navtec's site they don't have any new updates for the RX8. That whole media center screen comes with the new Navi system? If it is just an update how would I go about getting the new DVD? Would all dealerships have the update and would they just give it to me?

 

are you guys getting new dvd maps when they replace your dvd unit? if so, you'd be better off waiting a few more months till the new 04 maps are released.

 

No, you dont get new maps... just upated software... The MediaCenter has nothing to do with the Nav Update... read throough the entire thread....send me a PM if you have any other questions... =)

 

In the UK we are experimenting with the whole satnav issue. It is possible that we have access to TMC - (a system that broadcasts radio messages to the satnav about traffic jams and such, and allows the satnav to re-route you around the jams) All the jacks and such are in place, and some have actually bought the receiver to try this out. We are also comitted to a group purchase of non-mazda software for the sat-nav units - they are panasonic, and it seems to be an issue of updating the satnav system with panasonic software, and using panasonic maps.

< rant >
I usually don't advocate going against manufacturers' recommended or supported software, but in this case, if the update works, I will be sendiing my original disks back to Mazda with a very large and creative F*ck You note. I paid £1500 for a satnav unit I need for my job, and was forced to buy leather seats I don't need or even want for an additional £1500. Apparently, the leather seats are needed to make the sat-nav work - maybe something to do with cow's DNA improving GPS reception or something. Ridiculous.

Anyway, for the £3000 I forked out to have this bloody sat-nav, I expect bug fixes and feature enhancements to say the least. Moreover, when the system *obviously* has both hardware and software support for features like TCM, allow your customers to use it!! at least, offer it as an option!! But no - some corporate ******** at Mazda / Ford has decided that what we have is good enough, and that there is no need to go the extra mile. More's the pity because this whole satnav fiasco is rapidly deteriorating what is otherwise a really nice driving experience.

The treatment we are getting from Mazda around this issue is shameful, and Mazda should stop pussyfooting about for the cost of a bunch of bloody CD's. I hope the panasonic software will work, and I can tell Mazda to p*ss off.

< /rant >

 

Wow...that would be great to see third party firmware/software for the DVD Nav system... Whoever comes up with that will make a FORTUNE =P

 

Just a thought, but if a group of people (say, 10 people) were to get together and buy a single copy of the upgrade DVD from Navteq at $199 and use a DVD-R burner to make 10 copies (at $0.40 ea), then it would only cost each person approx. $20. OR (a more legal route) would be for 10 people to split the cost of the update, then use the disc to update their software and pass the original on to the next person (of course, if they were to make a copy for their own use, that'd be up to them).

Normally, I wouldn't advocate either approach, but if Mazda is resistant to making sure that customer satisfaction comes first, then WE'LL make sure that we take care of ourselves.

I bought my RX8 two months ago, but the manufacture date for the car is Aug 2003. This means that although someone may've bought their car several months before I bought mine, they could have a NAV system with newer software (since RX8's with a manufacture date after Dec 2003 have the newer O/S). If I'd known, I'd have looked for a "newer" new RX8 - which may've been a difference of just going to a dealer a few miles further away.

 

It's interesting to say the least that 4 weeks ago Mazda was NOT going to upgrade my NAV system after the software "disappeared". A week later the dealer called and said they have the original software for the NAV system and to come in for service. They also stated that Mazda would cover this 1 time under warranty. Well, I decided to prolong the service and wait till my A/C amp came in and kill 2 birds with one stone. In the mean time, I threw up a bitch fest with Mazda headquarters about how crappy they treat the buyers of their 8.

I got responses, but none to my liking and nothing that stated I was going to get the upgrade. This past Monday I get a call from the parts department saying they have still have the new NAV unit, NOT software, waiting for me and I'll need to have it installed by today. I was a bit confused thinking maybe he meant the software disc he mentioned 2 weeks earlier. So, I said fine and went to the dealer to have the NAV fixed and at the same time the A/C amp came in as well.

After service was completed, I get into my car and start her up. LOW and BEHOLD Mazda gave me the updated version. They replaced the main unit under warranty.

I'm happy and all, but I still don't think all this is necessary for us buyers to go through hell for a simple upgrade.