Has anyone tried this yet? I've found several vendors on eBay selling replacement hard drives that will upgrade older Avic Z series head units to the most current Z3 including:

1. March 2008 maps
2. Updated GUI
3. Updated Bluetooth
4. Add additional HDD space for music (I believe the Z1 has a 30GB drive) 40GB and 60GB are available. The library can only hold 400 albums. So a 160gb drive would be a waste.
5. Updated voice commands
6. Adds additional map views
7. Updated CDDB database

Since its a simple HDD swap, and the some of the vendors I'm looking at have almost 100% positive feedback, I'm going to have to try this and create a walkthrough for everyone to check out. I'm liking this idea because it allows me to save the original HDD as a backup and comes in right around $160.00 for me with shipping. The Pioneer upgrade disk costs around $250 and overwrites the original HDD. If anyone has tried the disk, maybe they can post in here as well.

 

...just like an ipod eh?

 

I got the replacement drive (80gb!)and followed the instructions in the email. Very straight forward install. It does boot faster and the screen to screen functions are quicker. There is also an additional map view. BOO for not having the cool D3 style ipod interface controls.

It is a Z3 now, but I doubt I would recommend dropping the 160.00 on it.