New M35 Owner Seeks Advice

[Henson50]

I'm new to the Infiniti family and had a couple of questions regarding my 2008 M35 Sport.

1. Are there any good Honest, Affordable Nissan/Infiniti repair shops around Atlanta?
2. I just bought the Navigation Update from Navitech and it gave me a activation code and said I must go to dealer to have activated. Is there a way to do this myself so I don't have to pay the dealer's outrageous charge for something so easy?

[Larz]

From what I read at Navteq when I helped another member, seems that the activation code you were given works similar to activating any new software installed on your home comp. The dealer has the physical upgrade files and downloads it to your car, then your activation code allows your car to use the new update after installation.

[quinner49er]

Larz is correct. I just updated to the latest navigation version a couple of months ago in my 2008 M45X. Starting in 2008 the navigation became based on a hard-drive system. Earlier years you inserted a disc to run the navigation. You have already bought the update from Navteq. You now have the privilege to pay again to the dealer to actually install it, using the access code you have been given. Nice way of generating cash for the dealers! My solution is to just update less often than I would otherwise. This has been well-discussed many times on this forum. Not aware of any way to do it yourself.

[atlM35]

Gwinnett Performance
508 Maltbie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
http://goo.gl/maps/163D0
http://gwinnettperformance.com/About_Us.html

Vince is a great guy.Master Nissan/Infiniti tech who worked at dealerships for years, but opened his own shop a little while ago. He takes pride in his work and fair on pricing.

[SteveTheTech]

Any of the models with the CF slot require update using the dealers computer and a special program to connect to and update the navigation maps.

The standard charge is typically 1 hour labor and it takes just about that amount of time.

I have been doing these for several years and I know we are just as glad as you guys that you can DIY the newest versions (on 11+ models as well as 03-08). Although the new HDD style requires the car to stay running for about an hour and a half while you pay attention to it and swap out disks.

[quinner49er]

The standard charge is typically 1 hour labor and it takes just about that amount of time.

Thanks for the info, Steve. That is the first time I have heard how long it takes. I had assumed that it was a lot shorter procedure than that. Now I don't feel so bad about the dealer charge. Maybe the dealers would do themselves a favour by explaining what is involved and then people wouldn't assume something else and feel ripped off!