Hello all, I've been wondering why the 3 doesn't have a storage compartment where the navigation system goes (when you don't buy that option). The mazda 6 has a little storage bin above the clock but not the 3. Is there anywhere to buy this dash piece... the one for the nav system version?

Thanks for any info.

Dave '07 M3 GT

 

OOH, I would like to know this too. it would be neat to fit my ipod or cell phone in there.

 

Well I did some looking, and if anyone is interested in cutting their dash up - there is an outline on the back of the center dash section where they would mold in the nav system screen. This is something you may be able to add a hinge to and get something to work - at least you have a reference that's all centered and such.

What I was trying to do is install a nav system - being a 7" widescreen touchscreen (liliput 629) which would be driven from a laptop. But before cutting anything I made a fiberglass mockup and found you really can't see the whole screen without blocking your view - just by an inch. And the vents are rather high and i've got my seat low for comfort, so it's a combo of things on my end. Even if you get the screen in, it would cast a reflection on the windshield at night, not to mention the screen isn't really bright enough (at least for me) to see in the daytime, likely useless in full sun.

So there's a few things to think about before you get too far into a center dash mod. I'm sticking with a laptop and GPS system i've already got and plug it in when needed instead of installing it all the way. Oh, and a quote for the center dash "vent panel" as they call it is $180, and if you want the nav screen version it comes with the screen for about $3000 - completely too overpriced.

Hopefully this info is helpful.

 

If you go on ebay you can find OEM replacments for the top of your dash above the stereo, they have a slot for nav systems/DVD/aftermarket deck.

 

Thanks for the info, but I saw those, not really what i'm looking for. I never trusted the mechanical screen displays needed for that type of install. That also looks like it would cause a blind spot for the driver. If I was going to get one of that style with a DIN style radio mount, i'd put a stereo in the top section and move the nav screen to where the stereo is now...
Then i'm not sure how much electronics like the heat up there... with it 65F outside I measured 165 on the top of the dash - auto spec stuff is usually only to 185F so not a real good deal I don't think.

 

man for right at $1000 you can get a very good in dash 7" flip screen dvd/cd/nav/mp3/ect..and put it in stock radio position..problem solved..thats what i did