The phrase "Sirius Satellite Ready" is misleading, IMO.

Anyway, got a 2008 MS3 GT with 6-CD changer. Must the dealer install the extra hardware to receive the Sirius programming, or can I go to any Sirius installer to get the same work done (Circuit City, Best Buy, etc).

Circuit City quoted me a much cheaper price but I'm not confident they have worked on many MS3s.

 

First of all congrats on your new ride. Mine is a blast to drive. I have the same trim level MS3 as you. It is Sirius Satellite Ready. It is a factory installed option, however from my understanding you can purchase it at the dealer and have them hook it up. With regards to Circuit City or Best Buy, I have not sure. Let me know what you decide to do.

 

I contacted the dealer and they need to add additional hardware before a "Sirius Satellite Ready" MS3 can actually receive the Sirius programming.

I'm curious if a third party installer can do the same work, or must this work be done at a Mazda dealer?

Anyone use a third party installer for this Sirius hook up?

 

The extra hardware involved is the satellite receiver, the wiring from the receiver to the HU, and the antenna/cabling. If you have an afternoon and aren't shy about pulling some panels off of your 3 (it's super easy btw) then you can install it all yourself and save the several hundred dollars the dealer would have charged you for it. Brand new from the dealer the sirius module runs about $300 but you can sometimes find them cheaper online (ebay, etc.).

 

hehe, i picked up and entire car kit (receiver w/built in FM modulator, antenna, dock) for 55 dollars at walmart. VERY easy to install via FM Modulator if you dont mind being able to see the wiring... but can be time consuming (3+ hours) if not, *I* installed it into the headliner in my truck, and ran ALL wires, (power, ant, Line out to back of aftermarket radio) above the headliner... CLEAN.

then i sold my truck 3 days later

 

Hey man I've got a really good friend of mine that works at Circuit City. They were going out of business I guess they still are in 7 more days. I wanted to buy a Sirius converter for my car. It looks pretty simple. It comes with the cord that connects to your head unit and a cord that runs to your antenna which is included as well. It looks fairly simple but my friend said it could be pretty complicated. I just bought my speed 3 in august and it sounds like we've got the same kind of package. I got the MS3 GT also with the BOSE 6 disc cd changer. It kinda sucked that it didn't come with the Sirius package already included. The salesman told me they could hook it up for a few hundred dollars. Considering I lived a few hours away in order to purchase the vehicle I concluded that wouldn't be my best option. The product was for sale at Circuit City for like 60 dollars so I figured it'd be a heck of a deal to buy. Anyway if you decide to do it or already have done it and it worked. Let me know. I only have 7 days to get that deal at Circuit City. I saw they have DIN kits for getting the old cd players out. They work really well. I had one for my Mazda Mx-3 and was an ease to work with. So if it's possible I'd like to do it. I'm going to do some more research online if I find anything I'll repost and tell you if it is possible or not. Talk to you soon! :

 

Can you advise of the "model" number of the kit as well as Circuit City's SKU #. I would like to see if my local store has one. Thanks!