I am wanting to change the standard radio unit and replace it with a Din2 screen type complete with sat nav Bluetooth for phone etc…Is it an easy change and what are the best units to buy I have no idea…Thanks in advance.Alan
If you google mx5 mk3 radio removal, or something along those lines there are videos on utube showing how to do it. The only problem can be the 10mm bolt on the side of the original radio if fitted. As to what to fit its your choice. I fitted a pioneer that I bought off someone on this forum. Remember you will need the correct facia plate and adapter cable which will be different depending on if the original unit is a Bose or not.
Also search this forum. There are a few threads about this already.
Good luck.
The android units which do everything that you seem to be asking come in around £200.
Pumpkin is a name which seems to get the better reviews.
The Fascia plate will cost around £40 and the ISO cable about £10.
I keep looking at the Pumpkins, I just like to see one up close and personal before I commit.
I started doing a bit of research into this a couple of weeks ago. Then I left it to go off to France on hols. Admittedly my car is a mk3.5, but can’t see it being that different in specifications.
One thing I kept reading about was folk saying be aware of the strange amp outputs required for the speakers on the Bose radios. So, compatibility is important.
There was a lot of useful info and pics on the US miata forums too.I’d say more for the mk3 than for the 3.5.
That 10mm bolt is a right toad to extract. You need to be a bit of a contortionist and a torch to see it (it is on the drivers side).
I took most of my centre console out (and the 10mm bolt whilst I was there, just for the future, it’s only a anti theft bolt )at the weekend. For now I’ve connected a discreet iphone cable to play music via aux socket and charge phone at the same time. This I have routed through the back of the console into the glove box, so all that is visible is about 25mm of cabling. Had to remove the heated seat/aux/power socket trim section to cut a small upwards facing hole above the power/aux location.The heated seat connectors are easy but the other two require a bit more thought and care.
Hi
I’ve just changed the factory fit radio in my Mk3 MX5 to a single din radio with DAB and Bluetooth. I bought the whole lot, radio, cables including for the steering wheel controls and replacement facia from Halfords. The facia kit costs just £21 instead of the £85 Mazda OE part or £41 for an after marked kit (IL). Apart from getting at and removing the 10mm bolt, which is an anti-theft device, the installation is relatively straight forward. I’ve mounted the mike on the steering cowl where it is inconspicuous but picks up my voice no problem. Halfords also do some double din radio/cd players with Bluetooth and at least one with satnav and rear camera (for a hefty sum) so you might want to check them out before making your purchase. They will also install the radio for £30. I’m about to post a photo of my replacement radio on the forum so look out for it as it will give you an idea.
Good luck.
I fitted a pumkin to my MX and after 2 days pulled it out for the following reasons#
1 An over sensitive screen made entering info very difficult. ( I had adjusted the touch delay to max)
2 some have GPS maps inc Mine didn’t
3 very poor documentation
4 any add-ons such as a data dongle have to be supplied by pumpkin others do not work. or at least they didn’t for me
5 Poor DAB reception My other car has no problem so it is not a poor signal
6 Wi Fi is painfully slow even using my home wi fi network.
I should know by now the old adage is usually right by cheep by twice
Make of this what you will but my advice would be don’t touch it but then I’m a grumpy old Mx
My weapon of choice, A pioneer AV3700dab. Satnav is linked via the phone, full bluetooth, touch screen, can add reversing cameras, dvd capabilites etcetc
Interesting. I’ve only ever seen positive reviews, so it’s good to get someone esles perspective.
Sort of made me think twice now 