A6/C7 Navigation Update
#21
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The wording implies that you can't skip updates. Only the first 5 updates released after the version installed at the factory can be installed free of charge. The 6th update would not install for free anymore and probably needs dealer activation. If the first update you install is the 5th update released after the one that is already installed then you can only install one update for free.
That's how I read it.
That's how I read it.
#22
AudiWorld Senior Member
I just received a survey from Audi and did complain about this for those of us 12-15 owners. I encourage you to do the same. Audi CAN subsidize nav updates to make us happy and Audi CAN make new MMI software to improve the function if it decides to do so.
#23
AudiWorld Super User
Good luck. It's unlikely Audi will want to change their 4 year stance on C7 nav updates and willingly give up a revenue stream right now iwth all that they and VAG are facing financially. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if we see some existing benefits to disappear over time as well.
#24
AudiWorld Senior Member
Probably not, but if benefits disappear, that doesn't help them when people bail. An annual update isn't a big deal, but customers may decide it's not acceptable when they find they can't get where they want to get to go and are surprised by the extreme cost for something so basic.
#25
AudiWorld Super User
Probably not, but if benefits disappear, that doesn't help them when people bail. An annual update isn't a big deal, but customers may decide it's not acceptable when they find they can't get where they want to get to go and are surprised by the extreme cost for something so basic.
Now that the new MMI has free nav updates for 5 years, it makes this issue moot for new owners.
#26
AudiWorld Member
I don't think so. Audi's policy on nav updates has been in place for many years (until the MY2016) and apparently it had no effect on dampening sales including with repeat buyers. Same when Audi discontinued free five years of maintenance in 2008 - sales and market share soared afterward.
Now that the new MMI has free nav updates for 5 years, it makes this issue moot for new owners.
Now that the new MMI has free nav updates for 5 years, it makes this issue moot for new owners.
#27
AudiWorld Super User
In their infinite wisdom, Audi determined that U.S. 2012-2015 C7 owners might not have the skills to do their own MMI and nav updates, potentially borking their MMIs. It's possible the U.S. map data is considerably larger than the EU versions contributing to Audi's decision.
It's not just Audi, it's also dealer service departments responsible for the high cost of updating the Nav. The map/POI DVD itself is not expensive (I've seen other Audi nav DVDs run about $100). The high cost is mostly due to the labor time service departments charge. Even though a tech doesn't have to babysit the full 3-4 hour nav update process, they are charging for the service bay time. Why? Because they can.
Interestingly, owners of some earlier U.S. Audis, i.e. the D3/D4 A8/S8, can purchase a nav DVD (and MMI update discs) and roll their own updates. Perhaps in time, Audi will lift the dealer install requirement for C7s and also allow U.S. folks to do the same for considerably lower cost.
It's not just Audi, it's also dealer service departments responsible for the high cost of updating the Nav. The map/POI DVD itself is not expensive (I've seen other Audi nav DVDs run about $100). The high cost is mostly due to the labor time service departments charge. Even though a tech doesn't have to babysit the full 3-4 hour nav update process, they are charging for the service bay time. Why? Because they can.
Interestingly, owners of some earlier U.S. Audis, i.e. the D3/D4 A8/S8, can purchase a nav DVD (and MMI update discs) and roll their own updates. Perhaps in time, Audi will lift the dealer install requirement for C7s and also allow U.S. folks to do the same for considerably lower cost.
#28
AudiWorld Member
Nothing positive comes from overcharging for the maps. Sell me the part and if I mess up then charge me to fix it.
#29
AudiWorld Super User
You might want to add your model, year and trim to your sig and your location to your avatar. Helps others to know where you are and what you own.
#30
AudiWorld Senior Member
Interestingly, owners of some earlier U.S. Audis, i.e. the D3/D4 A8/S8, can purchase a nav DVD (and MMI update discs) and roll their own updates. Perhaps in time, Audi will lift the dealer install requirement for C7s and also allow U.S. folks to do the same for considerably lower cost.