I've read a lot of threads about upgrading to the Navigation system. Has anyone successfully completed it? Was it worth it? How much time did it take, and how much did it end up costing?

:2thumbs: or :banghead: ?

Yup. Many of us on this forum have. The hardest part is buying a used Nav. They typically go for $1000 on EBay ($3500 new from GM). You also will need the GPS antenna and a map disk, and also fabricate some harnessing.

Nav install:
http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navconvert/index.html

Map disk:
http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navdisc.html

There are now around 8 forum members that I am aware of that have done the swap. There are different phases of the swap and most only completed the first stage which includes replacing the radio, adding the speed sensor wire and adding the nav antenna. This gives a full working Nav with the exception of voice commands.

Its a very easy swap and takes a few minutes and the results are a much nicer and complete looking dash with a nav. When I first purchased my CTS I could not stand the way the dic looked so within 2 months of owning my brand new 05 CTS I swapped it and I could not be happier that I did it.

:bouncy: Yup, I'm a follower. Total cost was around $1600. That's for a used DVD Nav unit off eBay, new GPS antenna from GM Parts-Direct, new DVD Nav disc from Zenrin. Well worth the time, cost, and effort. Can only add to the value of the vehicle and it's fun to have!

There are now around 8 forum members that I am aware of that have done the swap.

Make that 9 members now. I Just installed my "new" nav today, well semi installed, still waiting on the GPS antenna and nav DVD. I got my nav unit from elliottent5 on ebay for $960 + shipping. The unit looks brand new. No scratches or anything, heck it even came with the protective film on the LCD screen! And it had already been cleared with a tech2 so it was a plug and play install.

I got my nav unit from elliottent5 on ebay for $960 + shipping. The unit looks brand new.

:( That's a great price you paid. I purchased mine from the same guy and I was really pleased with everything: item was in great shape, communication, fast shipping, and cleared Tech 2 code. It appears there is less demand at present for the DVD Navs on eBay. As a result, lower prices.

The funny thing is i could have got it for $900!

I had been watching the auction for a few days and it ended with no bidders for $900. He puts it back up and just as I bid, a bunch of other people want it too (up to $968.xx). Oh well, at least I won :)

Lol I FEEL bad i stole mine for 650

DVD nav, attenna, and caddy disk ;)