8.1 Nav

Doc H · November 14, 2008

Anyone have a rundown of the changes in 8.1? I have the DVD and the only thing I notice is that you have the option to set the display for up to 3 different drivers (at least I think that's new); presumably maps are updated as well, but harder to tell...

Step Hen · November 14, 2008

I asked the forum sponsors at clublexus, but haven't heard anything back from them. Strange that Lexus doesn't post the info more prominently. I did get a pdf file showing the updates contained on 7.1 over 6.1, and I would like to look over the updates on 8.1 before committing to upgrade. It might not even be worth it for me to update to 8.1 if it doesn't contain updates for my area.

reliceye · January 25, 2009

I have an '05 LS430 with Gen 4, v.4.1. I tried the map disc from my ES530 which is either Gen5 or Gen 6 (how do I know?)v. 7.1, and it could not read the disc. To get an update for my '05 LS430, do I need a Gen 4 update?? Can I get it cheaper than the dealer??

BillyShaft · January 25, 2009

To see if the latest Nav update has what you hope is changed, click the link in my sig. There is a pdf that tells you what was updated in the last update, and there is the ability to use the map online to see if it has what you need before buying.

I have an '05 LS430 with Gen 4, v.4.1. I tried the map disc from my ES530 which is either Gen5 or Gen 6 (how do I know?)v. 7.1, and it could not read the disc. To get an update for my '05 LS430, do I need a Gen 4 update?? Can I get it cheaper than the dealer??

The 05 LS430 is Gen 4 and the ES350 is Gen 5. The Generation refers to the Generation of the Navigation unit itself. The easy way to tell is based on the year and model of the car. There is a matrix that shows which is which.

Sadly the two different Generations do not play well together and require separate updates.

You can buy new updates at online places like Sewell Lexus that have discounts, or you can try buying an older version from ebay or craigslist if you do not need the latest and greatest updates. I would caution about buying anything other than an OEM disc. Many copies (besides being theft) do not work correctly.

Hope that helps.

reliceye · January 26, 2009

I have an '05 LS430 with Gen 4, v.4.1. I tried the map disc from my ES530 which is either Gen5 or Gen 6 (how do I know?)v. 7.1, and it could not read the disc. To get an update for my '05 LS430, do I need a Gen 4 update?? Can I get it cheaper than the dealer??

Do you know if the 8.1 has the "I agree" screen necessary before continuing, or is it like it the Gen 5 in my ES 350 which does that, in which case it will not be on the Gen4, 8.1? And Thanks!

BillyShaft · January 26, 2009

I understand that Gen 5 8.1 does the I agree screen automatically.

If I remember correctly, the Gen 4 does not automatically select I agree.

The other concern people have is retaining the ability to bypass the Nav system so that you can enter addresses while driving.

I am most familiar with Gen 4 and the highest update you can use while still retaining the ability to bypass is 5.1, or you can make a hybrid 5.1 / 6.1 data disc. This is a 6.1 disc that replaces the loading.kwi file from a 5.1 disc. I use the 5.1/6.1 hybrid personally.