Latest Satnav technology

[xlrlist01]

Hello all

Well, sooner or later the OEM Satnav will show its age and in my X, it is taking 2-3 mins before it can read the nav DVD, then it mostly works fine but sometimes takes a long time with directions.

So, I am considering options to replace the entire unit. What are the best options out there today, March 2021? My priority first is to be a good satnav (yes I know I can use a smartphone, but I'm after a good, standalone Satnav, I prefer them). Then integration into my X's electronics, keeping the HUD, steering controls etc. Able to play stored music yes (could be CD but won't be today) and radio, well I hardly ever use it. It will come with BT, so music from other sources will be looked after, fitting a wireless rear camera would be a nice option, though not essential. I don't use Apple. I want it to look good too, ie fit in the space of the OEM unit.

I'm open to all suggestions

TIA.

 

[rexster314]

Although the post is almost 5 years old, the principle is the same.

Kenwood DNX893S in the XLR

Looks like the Kenwood DNX893S is going to work in my XLR. They are buttoning up everything now after about 3 hours. Added a backup camera and Sirius/XM. I'll update as soon as I take possession of the car. Follow up: First off, the guys at Houston Car Stereo on Hillcroft in Houston are jam up...

www.xlr-net.com

 

[xlrlist01]

Thanks Rexster. As that started five years ago, I was wondering if the latest technologies had moved on over the last five years and what unit others would recommend for today.

 

[rexster314]

Thanks Rexster. As that started five years ago, I was wondering if the latest technologies had moved on over the last five years and what unit others would recommend for today.

The installation would still be pretty much the same. It should work with just about any aftermarket unit you would want. What would be pretty cool if the Maestro unit was compatible with the XLR and the aftermarket units. I've never seen one installed and I never had the courage to experiment with it

 

[xlrlist01]

Thanks. This is a slow-time job.

 

[xlrlist01]

So, returning to this thread, what is the advice for the latest technology sat nav units and the interface units too.

Anyone want to chip in?

 

[RubyRod]

Crutchfield is probably your best starting point. The offer a few in-dash Sat/Nav units with Rear Camera options that "fit" the XLRs. They also still offer installation kits for the XLR. You didn't mention what year your car is so I just checked using my '05 as reference.

I'm interested in updating the Nav DVD for my car but I doubt it's possible. The original Cadillac DVD Nav system in the XLRs has been out of production for a while so finding an updated DVDs is probably impossible. I'll probably have to replace the head unit in order to upgrade the Nav system. The up side is that any replacement unit will upgrade to Bluetooth and make a rear camera an option. There are a few downsides to aftermarket units but they're the only practical alternative.

The biggest down side is that I don't want to replace the trim plate over the touchscreen display with the black plastic plate from the installation kit. I want to use the original factory trim plate even though they'll be no CD changer behind it. I'm not sure if this is possible but I suspect that the tech support at Crutchfield will know. The touchscreen of the replacement units might be a different size than the OE unit which will make using the original trim plate ... challenging.

Be interested in seeing what you do with your upgrade.

 

[xlrlist01]

Crutchfield is probably your best starting point. The offer a few in-dash Sat/Nav units with Rear Camera options that "fit" the XLRs. They also still offer installation kits for the XLR. You didn't mention what year your car is so I just checked using my '05 as reference.

I'm interested in updating the Nav DVD for my car but I doubt it's possible. The original Cadillac DVD Nav system in the XLRs has been out of production for a while so finding an updated DVDs is probably impossible. I'll probably have to replace the head unit in order to upgrade the Nav system. The up side is that any replacement unit will upgrade to Bluetooth and make a rear camera an option. There are a few downsides to aftermarket units but they're the only practical alternative.

The biggest down side is that I don't want to replace the trim plate over the touchscreen display with the black plastic plate from the installation kit. I want to use the original factory trim plate even though they'll be no CD changer behind it. I'm not sure if this is possible but I suspect that the tech support at Crutchfield will know. The touchscreen of the replacement units might be a different size than the OE unit which will make using the original trim plate ... challenging.

Be interested in seeing what you do with your upgrade.

Ah yes. 2004! Thanks for your thoughts. As you can see from this thread, I started thinking about this years ago and then got busy on other matters.
Agree re map DVD. I tried to get a Toyota DVD to work (same brand), but no joy.

 

[MPRCTCL]

My suggestion is to consider a new head unit that does not have NAV built in because it will eventually suffer from the same problem of aging, but rather get one that works with Apple Play or Android Auto. I use Waze which is free, has real-time traffic and construction info, and will route you around them.

 

[rexster314]

My suggestion is to consider a new head unit that does not have NAV built in because it will eventually suffer from the same problem of aging, but rather get one that works with Apple Play or Android Auto. I use Waze which is free, has real-time traffic and construction info, and will route you around them.

Not a bad idea, but when you get into an area with no cell service puts you in a bad position.

 

[MPRCTCL]

Not a bad idea, but when you get into an area with no cell service puts you in a bad position.

Good point, but (at least with Waze), if you start a route while you have internet (WiFi or cell coverage), it downloads the whole route. You lose features like traffic, police warnings, etc. and it won’t re-route you if you deviate, but it will continue to direct you and show progress without a cell signal.

 

[xlrlist01]

Good point, but (at least with Waze), if you start a route while you have internet (WiFi or cell coverage), it downloads the whole route. You lose features like traffic, police warnings, etc. and it won’t re-route you if you deviate, but it will continue to direct you and show progress without a cell signal.

For me, this is the advantage of having both. I have lost signal, been diverted and then have to go into fallback mode of getting a paper map out...