Replace 2006 NAV with a better one
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Now that we are keeping our GX, i am wondering if it's possible to change the navigation to something newer like 2007+ models. Ours is a 2006 with nav/ml/rear entertainment. What are the possibilities? Has anyone upgraded the nav to something better? How?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
Intermediate
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Can someone please post a pdf of the NAV and radio wiring diagram from 2007+ model. The one with the rear entertainment will be better. This will help me compare it with my 2006 and check how different is the wiring harness in the newer models. I am in luck if the harness is same all around. If not then the swaps are NOT trivial.
Any other thoughts on getting a better, high resolution NAV in the 2006 (or older) models? Like, installing one of the "fast" tablets with the latest network connection? Anyone tried this?
Anyone tried to improve the sound from the ML system? How does it compare to the ML in other Lexus vehicles...audio wise? For some reason, the ML in my (2006) SC sounds much better than the one in GX![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
The above are the two things I would like to improve in my otherwise fantastic GX![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks and Cheers.
Any other thoughts on getting a better, high resolution NAV in the 2006 (or older) models? Like, installing one of the "fast" tablets with the latest network connection? Anyone tried this?
Anyone tried to improve the sound from the ML system? How does it compare to the ML in other Lexus vehicles...audio wise? For some reason, the ML in my (2006) SC sounds much better than the one in GX
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
The above are the two things I would like to improve in my otherwise fantastic GX
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks and Cheers.
#3
Lead Lap
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Somehow, I doubt that a newer ('07+) NAV head unit will give you the degree of improvement you're looking for. The factory improvements are frequently in the software that operates the system, not in the hardware or display. Major hardware improvements are usually saved/reserved for a new generation of the vehicle--like the change from the GX470 to the GX460 in 2010.
However, I could be wrong on this. I'm aware that there was an upgrade of some sort in 2007, but I have yet to read about the details (software, hardware or a combo). Perhaps it might be worth it? Anyway, on the ES forum I keep seeing posts on some after-market NAV units for original non-NAV cars. But (there's always a but), the GX (and ES) NAV head unit control MUCH more than navigation, such as audio & HVAC.
Good luck and I hope you post and tell us what you decided to do & why.
BTW- we still have the old Garmin NAV that we used in our cars before we bought Lexus. For $300, it is a marvelous device. It works at least as well as the Lexus NAV, plus lifetime upgrades are only $80. I just can't get rid of it--yet. I think they're even cheaper today.
However, I could be wrong on this. I'm aware that there was an upgrade of some sort in 2007, but I have yet to read about the details (software, hardware or a combo). Perhaps it might be worth it? Anyway, on the ES forum I keep seeing posts on some after-market NAV units for original non-NAV cars. But (there's always a but), the GX (and ES) NAV head unit control MUCH more than navigation, such as audio & HVAC.
Good luck and I hope you post and tell us what you decided to do & why.
BTW- we still have the old Garmin NAV that we used in our cars before we bought Lexus. For $300, it is a marvelous device. It works at least as well as the Lexus NAV, plus lifetime upgrades are only $80. I just can't get rid of it--yet. I think they're even cheaper today.
#4
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
actually 2007 had a jump in navigation. it's a new generation (gen5, from 07-09). 06 has the gen4 system, less resolution, less options, especially on the audio side. i am not saying it's great of course, even the 2010 gx (gen6) i think it's just so-so. the new gen7 in the 2013 systems (not gx) is much better imho.
rickc5, both your cars have the gen5 systems. trust me, if you go back to 2006, you WILL notice the old system
rickc5, both your cars have the gen5 systems. trust me, if you go back to 2006, you WILL notice the old system
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
joshua d
CL of Southern California
1
10-24-06 01:54 PM