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by Swade

Saab 9-5 navigation for central and eastern Europe

February 6, 2011 in Saabology

We have an SU reader in our midst who is contemplating the purchase of a 2011 Saab 9-5. He’s a very keen Saab fan and the 9-5 will suit his business requirements very well.

One problem – the 2011 model doesn’t come with maps for central and eastern Europe (CEE) as standard and there doesn’t seem to be a factory fitted solution at the moment.

His question:

I know of many successful map conversions for the older-generation 9-5s, which (also) didn’t have CEE maps standard, using maps from other car brands utilizing similar systems or even refitting the control module to take DVDs from systems with maps of CEE ready. There was apparently also some success using Mazda (I think) maps for the post-facelift current 9-3s (private imports from Western Europe came without the CEE DVD, and the GM price for it was absolutely prohibitive). Perhaps some of SU’s more techy readers do know what system the 9-5 is fitted with (it is my understanding the maps are still Navteq), and whether there are any CEE maps available for it I could somehow put on the 9-5′s disk, or any other solution that could make my possible future Saab provide me with navigational aid ON THE BUILT-IN SCREEN.

Buying a car with the best in-dash nav screen only to use an external system and mess up the great visibiity through the wraparound windscreen does not seem to compute.

I agree with that point 100%. If you buy the nav system, you don’t want a TomTom stuck on your windscreen.

I really hope this is something that Saab can address in the near future, but it seems that the 2011 model year will not see a solution for CEE, which is a shame given the support in some CEE countries.

Until then, maybe someone with a new 9-5 has found a solution for this issue, as suggested by our anonymous colleague, above.

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Little Saabs for Garmin Satnav

June 30, 2010 in Saabology

This is cool!

If you use a Garmin portable SatNav device then you might want to consider these downloadable Saabs that you can install on your Garmin unit, and then display as you drive!

From the designer, Thilo:

Hello Steven,

I don’t know if many of the community use handhold aftermarket-GPS units from Garmin, I use a Garmin Nüvi 760 in both the 9000 Aero and the 96V4.

Those who use them may probably be not satisfied with the default cars or those they can download at the Garmin garage. I was not and began to create some of my own cars.

I’d like to share two cars, which should work with the most Garmin Nüvi units (I tested them on the nüvi 760 and 200 unit). The Aero-X is bigger but changes a bit in size when it turns (because of the size limitations of the units)

Here are some screenshots and the cars (*.srf) which should be placed in the \Garmin\Vehicle directory in the gps-unit. Enjoy!

Best regards
Thilo

You can download both of the images in a zip file here (right click, Save As) and then upload them onto your Garmin nav unit.

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by Swade

Saab navigation problems

April 26, 2008 in Archive

I don’t own a car with satnav. I live in a small city on an island and I own a street directory, so I’m ok. I’ve had the satnav discussion here before and now, after much deliberation and contemplation I’m quite set on the idea that factory satnav vs aftermarket satnav is a total no-brainer.
Aftermarket wins every time. It’s waaaaaaay less expensive, is easier to upgrade, and you can take it from car to car as you change your ride. Makes total sense.
If you’ve chosen integrated satnav then you’ve got the bonus of having it look very nice and blended with your interior. But the cost is rather prohibitive and it’s not just the cost of purchasing it, as Joe M let me know via email:
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Swade,
This is more than slightly annoying. I paid an additional $2,795 for my Saab’s navigation system (’07 9-5 Aero SportCombi) pushing the MSRP to almost $45K. This is one of GM’s highest priced passenger cars and by far the most expensive of all the navigation systems that GM offer (it’s the same exact Denso-sourced unit found in the Corvette, Cadillac STS, and the Cadillac XLR). The ’06 – ’08 9-3s and 9-7s share the same Delphi unit with one another and almost all other GM units.
For some reason, ALL run-of-the-mill Chevy, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette et al driver gets two free disks, one on their first anniversary of ownership, the second disk on their second anniversary. Saab is not included in this complimentary upgrade program even though the ’06-’08 units are the EXACT same GM units, utilizing the exact same discs found in their lesser GM siblings’ dashes.
Is their any way to get GM to explain their alienation of some of their most discerning customers? Why do we have to shell out $200 per disc? Here are the FAQs:
https://www.gmnavdisc.com/faq-browse.do?category=SUB
Here’s the part number they want me to shell out $199.00 when my STS, Corvette, GP counterparts receive it free of charge in the mail. Click to enlarge.

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Like I said, this whole things seems to need directions of its own.
I know some people like the integrated thing and I can see why. It’s not as practical but it is a touch more premium.
If my dealer were throwing in a Navman I’d be quite happy to spend my several-thousand-dollars on some other optioins. Everybody wins and I still get to find my way home.

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