Been thinking of replacing the radio/cd unit in the M3 2.0, as far as I know its a standard factory fit… for a Radio / Sat Nav unit.
There are lots of interesting units out there at very reasonable prices, have seen some from Pumpkin, Naviskauto, Yinuo and they look the part and seem to offer good features for the prices.
Would there be any difficulties in fitting these to the M3 ?, I know I would need to get a faceplate. would the wiring cause any problems ? or would I be lucky and everything went ok…
Should be straight forward, I changed mine and I’m not electrical minded really. I fitted a double din Alpine unit Radio/CD/USB with BT for handfree calls, works great and a decent upgrade to the standard unit.
As you say get the faceplate and also you will need the necessary ISO lead and a steering wheel control lead. On the faceplate, there are two for the NC one for pre 2009 and the 2009 (Mk3.5) models on, there is a very slight difference between the two.
Car audio direct seem to have the parts, plus ebay sellers, I’ve used both.
Also search Youtube, it shows how the radio is removed, just search Mazda NC or Mk3 radio removal.
Thanks for the info folks, got the facia kit with your link, thanks.
Further searching for a good unit it seems they are either Android or WinCE software, Android versions probably come with google maps, and the WinCE with navii. don’t really like google maps and have not used navii. The WinCE navii software is problably more updateable for UK use.
Well I will wait until the new year before deciding on a unit, might even be some bargains then ?
I know you’re not a fan of google maps, but I would suggest going for the android version anyway. You can always install a different satnav app. There are many big names on the play store. plus, android is more customisable/ easier to work with if you know how it operates. WinCE is closed source so you’re unlikely to get as many updates as you think you will. Android is open source and can apply updates yourself if you want.
Thanks for the useful info, I have gone for a Pumkin Double Din unit, running Android OS, have all the parts (I think ?). Will be fitting it shortly and will post details…
It looks reasonably easy except for a cricked neck and backache
Glove box removed, side panels removed. There was no plate under the steering column, and no famous 10mm bolt holding the radio in. Two holding screws on facia plate removed, the radio was tight fitting due to the four side clips on the facia panel, gentle easing with a flat screwdriver released these clips and out popped the radio. removed antenna and three wiring plugs, ie climate control, on radio two white plugs, the large one I assume is the ISO the small one no idea.
In a lot of cases there is nothing plugged into this socket. It’s meant for the 6 CD changer that Mick AP has already mentioned or audiolink bluetooth kits that I have fitted in my car. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.If there was something plugged into it, try follow the lead as far as you can. you might have a 6 CD changer somewhere in the car.
I had the same question a while back. On my mk3.5 none Bose system it was for the aux in jack below the A/C controls, or at least that’s the only thing that didn’t work after replacing the head unit.
D.
Its in and working fine, no problems with unit. Its a bit of a tight fit because of the extra iso harness and the outside world connections, patience prevailed
Here are a few pics…
Pleased with result, only the reversing cam to fit and a tidy up of the leads.
Yes that is the inner surround, but I have since removed it as the radio looks better in the recessed space. The navigation software is IGO with UK map and voice, I tested it yesterday on a trip to Torquay and it performed pretty good, found all sats on route with no lags. Google Maps is also installed.
Next couple of weeks will be evaluating system further.
If you don’t mind, can you post the model you purchased.
Interested in this, I was thinking of purchasing a more up to date standalone sat nav, this may be a better alternative. I already have most of the kit installed, just another patch lead maybe and do the swap.
