Media connection

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
2

I have a 2008 Mk3. When I bought it it was already fitted with a cable in the glove box that enabled me to connect an IPod Classic to act as a music server. Since then, both the IPod Classic and the 30 pin connection have become obselete - at least as far as Apple are concerned. My Ipod has stopped working and Apple will not repair it.

I have thought about using adapters to connect the existing cable to my smart phone but a better solution may be to start afresh and get a new cable from the radio/CD player to the glove box, say with a USB connection, and link my phone that way.

Somebody out there must have faced the same conundrum, or at least I hope so! What advice can you give me on the best way to resolve this issue?

3

Hi

There are lts of different options for replacing the existing OEM cable (which just unplugs from the back of the head unit)

A search for “MX5 Audio cable” on ebay brings up lots. The ones with the white plug on should be the direct replacement for the connection in the back of the unit, but make sure you choose either “with bose” or “non bose” depending on your type in the car

You can also go bluetooth if you wish, again several items available in that search

4

Hi, I had the same dilemma, ended up using a Bluetooth adapter plugged into the aux socket. Streaming direct form my phone. Loads on Amazon eBay.

5

Hi, I had the same dilemma, ended up using a Bluetooth adapter plugged into the aux socket. Streaming direct from my phone. Loads on Amazon eBay.

6

These work well.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-AUX-Input-Female-Cable-for-Mazda-2-3-5-6-RX8-MX-5-for-iPhone/292604957554?hash=item44209d5372:g:GWsAAOSwWrxb5lVL

It will require that your phone has a headphone socket though, some newer phones are now coming without them.

 

Hook one of these to a bluetooth receiver if you need bluetooth.

7

Was going to suggest the above for the simple cheaper option.

I went a bit further and fitted on of these below. Mine was much cheaper at around £27 if I remember correctly (see ebay)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Receiver-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Handsfree-Broadcast/dp/B07DZYHYFR/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1547214573&sr=8-14&keywords=dab+car+radio+adapter

It just plugs in to the 12v, it’s a bit fussy with a few wires but works perfectly and gets you DAB channels. BT your music from the phone or via a USB drive and takes a micro SD card too, hands free calls or charge your phone comes with a stick on screen DAB aerial.

I’ve got a BT radio fitted so all I use this unit for are the DAB but it does work on everything, there are loads of others on the market.

8

Thank you very much for your helpful replies to date. I’m currently exploring Bluetooth options.

9

 

I take it in stock for it uses BT to connect to the phone and FM to re-direct to radio ?

And that the aux cable plugin would be a good addition ?

(I’ve just switched to a Mk3 from my MK2.5 where I used a cassette BT adapter )

10

All done and dusted; thank you everyone who took the trouble to respond. I got a quote from an auto sound specialist: £109 for Bluetooth audio streaming only, £179 for that plus basic hands-free phone operation. Then I found a one-man band around the corner who said he could sort it for ‘about £40’. Five minutes after pulling up at his shop I was listening to music stored on my phone via compact device that plugs direct into the AUX socket. It occupies one of the stored FM channels and I still have a 30 pin cable in the glove box but I have all the functionality I was looking for, including the hands-free phone operation, for a fraction of the cost. I’m happy. And I’ve supported the local economy!

11

[quote=Tim G]

I have a 2008 Mk3. When I bought it it was already fitted with a cable in the glove box that enabled me to connect an IPod Classic to act as a music server. Since then, both the IPod Classic and the 30 pin connection have become obselete - at least as far as Apple are concerned. My Ipod has stopped working and Apple will not repair it.

I have thought about using adapters to connect the existing cable to my smart phone but a better solution may be to start afresh and get a new cable from the radio/CD player to the glove box, say with a USB connection, and link my phone that way.

Somebody out there must have faced the same conundrum, or at least I hope so! What advice can you give me on the best way to resolve this issue   

 

A bit late with this reply…Sorry…but it might help others. I now have a 180 Gb Ipod permanently set up via an aux cable into my MK 3.

I have 3 classic Ipods for various uses. My earliest had a buggered screen and did not hold a charge. I contacted  …ipodrepairs.co.uk   for a full refurb. New screen, new high capacity battery , and replacement of the mini internal hard drive for a higher capacity SS card along with reloading operating system and full checkup !!!

!8 months later and everything is working perfectly.

DO NOT throw away a perfectly repairable Ipod just because Apple says they can no longer be repaired.

Regards, JohnD

 

12

I just bought one of these for £52.  Seems like half the price of competition, hopefully not a false economy!

 

Car Bluetooth Handsfree A2DP MP3 CD Changer Adapter For Mazda 323 CX-7 MX5 Miata RX-8 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N9KFJYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lSprCbK399KPQ

13

Fitted today. Overall v happy. Great music quality but it uses CD input rather than media and the phone volume is much lower than music on iphone7

14

 Thank you John D for your advice re the iPod repair. Fantastic service from those people. Sent it off Friday, received Monday, returned to me Wednesday. Good as new. Still had all my music on it and a full battery. I was able to plug it straight into the car. So now I have resilience in music delivery in the MX5!