[Barryng]

My Boxster is not yet three months old but a map update a few days ago to my BMW X3 Nav system caused me to think about what it takes to update the map data in a year or so. BMW charges well over $200 but reliable easy to install updates are readily available from third parties for only $50 to $60. Just curious if anyone has addressed this and what has been their experience?

For a number of reasons I much prefer native Nav systems over Waze, Google Maps, etc. and I typically update the map data in my cars once every year or two. Fortunately, I have been able to do this going back to my first native nav system in a 2009 Lexus without paying the absurd and insulting cost of having a dealer do it. So, now I am interested in knowing what to expect with a Porsche product.

 

[DriveInHouston]

...

For a number of reasons I much prefer native Nav systems over Waze, Google Maps, etc. and I typically update the map data in my cars once every year or two.
...

I have the NAV option on my 2018 718 CS.

The street I live on is a one-way street, terminating in a T-intersection where it becomes pedestrian for the HCCollege. NAV insists to barge through the pedestrian street and harangues me to go back and do it for a few blocks after I turn right. The change to pedestrian street happened 6 years ago.

As far as I am concerned, I can't trust the Porsche NAV (I believe it is Tom Tom) as far as I can throw it. If it can't get the information right in the middle of Houston, how can I trust it in NYC or Washington DC? GoogleMaps hasn't disappointed me once yet. It knows even temporary diversions/detours.

 

[RussellHodgson]

I have nav in my 2017 CS. I have never updated it since it was new. So far it hasn't let me down.

Note I mainly for longer highway trips where I want a backup to remind me where to go. But even for the odd local trip in my town to a destinaton I haven't been to before it has been fine. I suspect not too many roads change near me!

 

[GregW]

My understanding was that servicing by a Porsche authorised shop included map and software updates (as well as continuing the Porsche Roadside Assist).

However, somehow my car knows about diversions that have happened after my last service. ?????

 

[718Niko]

The nav update come for free the first 3 years of ownership along with a whole range of other pcm stuff. does it not? And then the update is completly automatic.
Maybe I dreamed it too.

 

[alfaguy]

Hi! Newbie here so be gentle!
My just bought '17 Boxster. It has factory
NAV, but I just get a 'maps unavailable' screen when trying to use it....\
Is there a tutorial or guide available?

 

[718Niko]

I think you need to activate it online in your "my porsche" account. I was just browsing the options online and just found they can be updated there :

"
Online updates of the navigation database are available for the latest status of your maps.
You can download updates or new maps via an Internet connection, without having to visit the Porsche Centre. Select the preferred countries and regions that you would like to update. If the connection is lost during this process, you can continue the update at any time. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) informs you about available updates.
You can select and update up to three partial regions at least twice a year.
"

That's what I did but then my car was new - I remember creating an account there before I buy my car and seeing the option to add a car - other people in the forum will confirm (or not) but sounds you can create an account, add your boxter and then top up how many years of service you want.

 

[msacks]

My understanding from the service department at my local Porsche dealership is that PCM map updates are not free. That's pretty much consistent with every car from every manufacturer I've owned in the past. It's a revenue stream for the dealership.

When I updated my BMW's in the past, you had to purchase the Navigation DVD, you insert it in the CD/DVD slot and it runs through an update process. You don't need the dealer to do it.

I just checked Suncoast, and if you do a search for "PCM Navigation Update" you'll 10 results, pricing looks to be about $255 plus S&H. I didn't see any updates for the newer Caymans (2017 or later).

 

[Veets]

Does anyone have a more recent Navigation database version than mine? The one that came with my 2017 Boxster is:

V03959802GC 0054 NAR 2016/2017

I attempted to update online through the PCM but it timed out after searching for awhile and returned the message: Error during software download - No update files found for this vehicle. Seems hard to believe there hasn't been a Nav update in the last two years.

 

[Veets]

My understanding from the service department at my local Porsche dealership is that PCM map updates are not free.

They seem to be available through the PCM if you have Porsche Connect. Here is an FAQ about this from the Connect store:

How can I perform an online map update in the PCM?
Up to three regions can be updated per update. If you need additional regions, please contact a Porsche partner.
If a data connection is established, you will find the Online Map Update in the PCM under:
911, 718, Macan and Cayenne 2nd generation: NAV button > OPT button > SET NAV > Navigation database update > Online update > Select download package and the desired region if necessary > Start.

I have Porsche Connect, a data connection, and see the Nav update option, but no updates are available.

 

[CaymanMatt]

They seem to be available through the PCM if you have Porsche Connect. Here is an FAQ about this from the Connect store:

How can I perform an online map update in the PCM?
Up to three regions can be updated per update. If you need additional regions, please contact a Porsche partner.
If a data connection is established, you will find the Online Map Update in the PCM under:
911, 718, Macan and Cayenne 2nd generation: NAV button > OPT button > SET NAV > Navigation database update > Online update > Select download package and the desired region if necessary > Start.

I have Porsche Connect, a data connection, and see the Nav update option, but no updates are available.

If I remember correctly, Porsche Connect gives 3 years of upgrades. Without that, you must pay for the upgrade.