Garmin software on Kenwood units?
 

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a double-din nav unit for my Z. I've basically narrowed it down to the Kenwood units because I absolutely love the Garmin nav software. One thing I don't understand is can you actually update the Garmin software on the Kenwoods to the latest version or can you only upgrade the maps? I like the newer features Garmin has added like Lane Assist, etc. and I can't tell which Kenwood units have which features/software versions. From screenshots I've seen of various models it appears the Kenwood navs have different versions of the Garmin software, some newer/better than others. The product descriptions of the Kenwoods don't seem to have much info on the actual Garmin software that is installed.

I tried googling this but I couldn't find much useful info. I know several of you have the Kenwood GPS units so maybe someone here can help?

I have the Kenwood DNX-7180. The deck only came out earlier this year (March or April I believe). It has the newest Garmin software as far as I know. Like you, I love the Garmin navigation, that is one of the reasons that I bought a Kenwood deck. As far as the software, I don't think you can upgrade it, only the maps.

Thanks! Yeah the 7180 is one of the units I'm looking at. There do appear to be software upgrades for some of the kenwood units on the kenwood website. The whole thing is just confusing since Garmin has almost zero information about the Kenwoods on their website. It looks like all the software updates and map upgrades have to be done through Kenwood and not through Garmin?

The Garmin software is just like the portable units, you can't add new features as they come out. Garmin does upgrade their firmware via their site.
Check out Kenwood forums also. They have a massive amount of unit specific info.
This is the Garmin update page:
Garmin | Kenwood Software and Map Updates

Kenwood forums: http://kenwoodforums.com/

Yes, it is impossible to add newer version of software, than was released with. There is just updates for units, but mostly are nothing new except bug fixes :mad:
For example mine DNX5220BT has same software for 3 years. In this aspect are Kenwood units rubbish. But every map could be used. Don't have to wait for Kenwood install discs. :tiphat:

Is there anywhere I can look to see what garmin versions the Kenwoods have? I'd rather not have to buy the "latest" model and I'd prefer to get last year's model as long as it still has the newest Garmin features. I can live without the new ecoRoute stuff - let's face it, I'm not driving the Z for eco reasons.

Basically I'm trying to avoid having it look like this
http://www.whitegadget.com/attachmen...navigation.jpg

and instead I would prefer something like
http://goodmega.info/images/Daily-Sa...L._460_400.jpg

I'm thinking I might try to find a used/refurb DNX9960 which used to be the TotL model but I'm not sure.

Send a PM to WickedCAS here on the forum. He has GREAT prices on new kenwood headunits. A new 7180 could probably be had for the price of a refurb 9960.

Are you planning on installing yourself? If so let me know and ill come assist/learn. Otherwise I know two good installers in the area.