After some searching and reading I have some questions that needs to be answered for clarification.

I'm getting a Z1 from a friend and I want to upgrade to the Z3 HDD. Is the firmware update for the Z1 different from the Z3 HDD upgrade?

In doing the HDD upgrade would I receive the newest Z3 firmware as well as the newest mapping data?

With a few posts I have read it seems as these are two different things. I would like to think that the Z1 is physically the same as a Z3, just using different data off the HDD.

Z1 and Z3 are the same hardware. Only difference is the firmware (updated by the hard drive) and the maps.

Cool...it will be a Z3 after the new HDD. I love this site!!

If you do the upgrade your self using files from this site, or buy a good Z3 upgrade hard drive, then yes. If done properly, you will have a full blown Z3 except for the fact the it says 'z1' on the front of the actual head unit

If you are looking for a pre configured drive, check my ad in the classifieds.

http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14915

Don't worry you will get my business.

Don't worry you will get my business.

I need to upgrade my original Z1 HDD maps on the original hard drive. I also have a Z3 hard drive. I like my Z1 drive because I have a nice library of music that I cant get any of the cd's that are on it anymore. So bottom line I just want the original harddrive with updated maps. Is there a link around to download and burn it. Thanks

I need to upgrade my original Z1 HDD maps on the original hard drive. I also have a Z3 hard drive. I like my Z1 drive because I have a nice library of music that I cant get any of the cd's that are on it anymore. So bottom line I just want the original harddrive with updated maps. Is there a link around to download and burn it. Thanks

You have to do the $43 unlock on your existing hard drive which leaves the contents intact, then copy the contents of the music partition to your new Z3 hard drive. I didn't do this myself since mine had nothing worth saving, but I have seen instructions for this in several posts when I was gathering info.

I need to upgrade my original Z1 HDD maps on the original hard drive. I also have a Z3 hard drive. I like my Z1 drive because I have a nice library of music that I cant get any of the cd's that are on it anymore. So bottom line I just want the original harddrive with updated maps. Is there a link around to download and burn it. Thanks

 

You have to do the $43 unlock on your existing hard drive which leaves the contents intact, then copy the contents of the music partition to your new Z3 hard drive. I didn't do this myself since mine had nothing worth saving, but I have seen instructions for this in several posts when I was gathering info.

What GnatGoSplat said is correct. You need to unlock the drive without deleting the contexts on the drive if you want your music. Once you have access to the drive you should be good to go to do anything with it.

Best