I'm looking for some advice about modifying the stock Mazda 3 audio to support my iPod and my bluetooth phone. I'd prefer to have something that let's me use the steering wheel controls.

I went to a local car audio store that is an Alpine dealer and they said that they could not find a dash kit for the Mazda 3.

- luigi

 

I am also interested in doing a custom install of an ipod in my mazda 3. I am also interested in maybe making some sort of mount or installation for my powerbook that matches my titanium gray mazda 3 . I have an extended manual for the 3 but I haven't checked it out much yet, and I don't have a ipod yet, but plan on getting one. The U2 Ipod would look sick with the black/red interior of the car.

 

I just use a Monster Mobile adapter. It lights up red which matches the car interrior and I am in the process of making some sort of mount to where the navigation screen is suppose to be. However it is not able to connect with the steering wheel controls, so I have to reach for it...

If any1 is interested on more info, just ask.

 

My friend has an rx-8 and he got a kid to put the ipod where the extra expansion (for a tape deck or MD) is and it hooks directly to the stereo so you don't loose quality and it allowed it to be controlled by the steering wheel. The steering wheel is the same in the 3 and the rx-8 and the radio is the same sort of system I think.

 

hey if you guys have it done post pics i want to see it mabe il do something like it yo i was trying to look for the dash kit in the post i could find it if you could get that pic for me and the info it would be awesome

 

I'm going to get a solution from DensionUSA.com. I think it's called the ice:Link Plus. They have a special kit for Mazdas that lets you control an iPod with the steering wheel controls. Pretty cool.

http://densionusa.com/merchant/merch..._Code=IA_Mazda

Looks like it costs $229. I don't know how easy it is to install.

Now I'll say it - I used Dension to buy an ice:Link for a Tacoma, and we had to return it because it didn't work with aftermarket JVC radios. The representatives at Dension can be rude and ignore you after the sale. To get a refund for the ice:Link, I had to initiate a chargeback with my credit card company. Then Dension payed attention.

If anyone has this already, let me know!

 

Actually, PolishDriver77, could you include a link to for the Monster Mobile Adapter? I can't find it online. I see something called the iCar Play.

 

RIght now im in school so I will look better for it a bit later. However I bought it at Radio Shack, so maybe look at their webiste.

 

PolishDriver77, does the Monster Mobile adapter plug into the back of the radio? Did it require custom install?

 

if you don't mind a little cordage you can buy the tape player for 170 (30 bucks cheeper then mazda) and then get it installed somewhere for cheeper the mazda's 80 buck instalation fee. Then you can buy that new griffin tape that lets you control the ipod through the tape deck.

 

It plugs into the car's cigartte lighter, and into your cd player/mp3 player or w/e. Then it has a couple of settings for diffrent stations like 88.9, 87.1. You pick one of them and switch to your radio onto that channel and it will play it through with no cables to the radio.

I drive on some rough roads and stuff, and I had no problems with it skipping or any static. Now I am only thinking of maybe just splicing into that thing that goes into a cigarrete lighter to make it just go off some fuse, then I could make a mount for it and still not be using my lighter ( I do not use it anyway, as I do not smoke).

 

This is the FM Transmitter that I use in my 3. It works great. It plays though the radio, and it also charges your Ipod at the same time.

http://www.theistore.com/monstericarplay.html

I also just got the vent mount from the same site. It fits pretty well onto the vents. It swivels to the left or right, so the driver or passenger can control it.

http://www.theistore.com/ventmount.html

I still do want to somehow integrate the Ipod directly through the stereo, and also use the steering wheel controls, but right now this set up is perfect.