Hi Everyone,

I'm kinda new here and lurk often but rarely have anything good to offer so I don't post.

That said, I have done a lot of research on our OEM subaru navigation units and wanted to consolidate the info here so that you can learn a bit on ways to update your maps without having to purchase the OEM ones from Subaru.

So, firstly the subaru OEM navigation systems in 2007 + Subarus are ALL Kenwood DV3200 based systems. These are actually made by DENSO, who happens to make systems in Toyotas, Saabs, Volvos and Landrovers along with lots of GM vehicles.

This is important because it is possible to use Toyota, Saab, Volvo and Land Rover Maps in your Subaru Navigation system.

Your navigation system "MAP" DVD actually consists of 2 sets of data. The 1st is the "System" and the second is the "Map" itself.

As far as I know, you can only update the "system" software using Subaru branded DVDs, but if all you want is the most up-to-date map data, then you can use certain other DENSO maps, many of which "might" be available to registered users over at gpsunderground.com

The way you get your Subaru Navigation system to load a non-subaru DENSO map is actually quite easy.

1) Eject your current Map Disc
2) Disconnect the battery and then reconnect it
3) Turn your car to the on position, but don't start it
4) Put in your Subaru branded DVD
5) Let the "System" load
6) Eject the Subaru branded DVD
7) Insert your non-subaru DENSO DVD
8) Wait - if you have inserted a compatible DVD, your Navigation will load the map data. Be patient.

If for some reason your system displays the error message "Load Map DVD" and you can't eject the DVD that you just burned, a "secret" way to force the DVD to eject is to press the "tilt" button on your navigation unit and wait until the face tilts all the way, then hold your finger on the upper right corner of the unit until the map dvd ejects.

I am not 100% certain what Denso maps work with what Subaru models specifcally. I can tell you that I have the Toyota Gen 5 V 11.1 (2012) maps running great on my 2009 WRX.

Please don't ask me for maps. You are going to have to find these on your own. They are out there for free if you look and you read my post. Enjoy.

Great info, thanks!

What happens if you only turn the key to ACC and not ON? I think that answers the question of why the Navi needs +12V Ignition (pin 16). Normal audio and nav functions seem to work fine without it connected.

Good question. I'll have to go and check.

Works fine in the ACC position as well. Was able to load the version 3.0 Euro system today and discovered that it does away with the AM band on the radio.

This worked for me... but the nav does not talk to me anymore or tell me directions... Are you guys experiencing this too?

This seems to be a common problem. I have read that if you can find volvo mmm2 north america, they work fine. FYI.

Anyone have any clue where I could get the volvo maps?

Try your local Volvo dealership, or ask around on Volvo forums. Swedespeed would be a good start, just be careful you don't go asking people to pirate stuff for you.

Thank you for the great info! I couldn't find the Volvo maps so I went ahead and installed the Lexus Gen 5 Ver. 11.1 map disc.

I was confused about your Step 4 (Put in your Subaru branded DVD). I only have the 3 version 2.2 map discs, I don't have a system disc or anything that says it has the system on it.

I didn't want to disconnect the battery so I merely ejected my Subaru disc and inserted the Lexus disc and now the unit tells me I am running Ver. 11.1 maps!

It could not have been more easy lol.

I'll have to keep poking around for the Volvo maps since I liked having the turn-by-turn directions

do u have to follow the step every time u turn the car on or is it set once u put the "new" disc in?

Hey, I'm trying this out. Just out of curiosity, I'm checking the gpsunderground site. The only rar files I see are for Western Europe. I can't find anything for North America. Are they one in the same?

I just burned Volvo 2012 maps (from GPSunderground) and they are working without any problem on Legacy (2006 model - Navigation 3300 Kenwood 2004). Map version is 2012 V1.
I tested with D map of Europe (part 4) on Traxdata DL disc.

Procedure: Just eject old disc and put new one.

Bringing this topic back from the dead, has anyone updated their maps with non-SUBARU data and kept turn-by-turn directions?

Noone?

Bump!

Question on this topic. What would it take to install a non Subaru GPS system in your car? I have an 04 impreza ts. I local scrap yard has 3 full dvd/gps systems. 2002 Mercedes, 2000 land cruise, 2002 Range Rover. They've had them on the shelve for over 8 years.They were asking $170-200 for each. Has anyone ever done this before? Oh, they are selling each as a head unit price, but these 3 just happen to have, the DVD, GPS, wiring, antenna and had unit. I've done shoot of research and can't find anyone that's done anything like this.

Anyone did any recent map updates with a 08-12 2.5i/WRX? My 2008 V4 maps are seriously dated now..

is there a way to do it with a sd card system ?