Seeking Retrofit CarPlay Module Install Instructions?

[cody1717]

Hi Mazda Owners,

I recently inherited a 2015 Mazda 3. With a new baby on the way, I opted to say goodbye to my 2-door Honda Civic 2007,(owned for 12 years) and decided to give the Mazda3 a chance.

After driving the Mazda 3 for a week, I realized why these cars are so popular!

I'm looking to use CarPlay. I recently updated the OS to 74.000.367.I’m looking for step-by-step instructions with installing a retrofit CarPlay module. I would love it if someone can share some links!

 

[theblooms]

It's a lot easier and cheaper to just throw a Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, or JVC in the car and call it a day.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

It's a lot easier and cheaper to just throw a Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, or JVC in the car and call it a day.

No it isn`t

We did it in my parents 2014 this summer. As recommended in the Mazda3 forums, we went with the CARABC unit on Amazon. We did however have to get the Mazda Connect updated by the local Mazda dealership. Doing it as a DIY seems to require a specific version and the person who said to contact to get it never responded. As the digitizer was also gone, we upgraded it to a 2017 display, which is much clearer, looks to be of a higher resolution and is nicer looking. I had kinda conned the dealership is doing the work for me, as they needed to replace the display to be able to update the OS, and they did the AA/AC install as they were already there, at no extra cost.

 

[theblooms]

No it isn`t

We did it in my parents 2014 this summer. As recommended in the Mazda3 forums, we went with the CARABC unit on Amazon. We did however have to get the Mazda Connect updated by the local Mazda dealership. Doing it as a DIY seems to require a specific version and the person who said to contact to get it never responded. As the digitizer was also gone, we upgraded it to a 2017 display, which is much clearer, looks to be of a higher resolution and is nicer looking. I had kinda conned the dealership is doing the work for me, as they needed to replace the display to be able to update the OS, and they did the AA/AC install as they were already there, at no extra cost.

Yes it is. They make dash kits for the cars, you just have to make sure you get either an "L" shaped radio or a shallow mount. The problem a lot of people have is they try to use a generic no-name Chinesium unit off of Amazon.

A new QUALITY radio that actually works is pretty much plug and play.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

Holy crap, that's a new one for me.

 

[theblooms]

Holy crap, that's a new one for me.

I wouldn't lie!

I have Kenwoods in my cars, and to me, they're the best radios on the market right now. And this coming from a guy that ran nothing but Alpine since like 1992 when I could first afford one!

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

My 2 and my Pathfinder both have one. DDX6509S and DMX958XR. I definitely really like them. I used to be a Pioneer fan (I still have my DEH-P980BT on a shelf but unsure what to do with it. Should sell it) but my car audio guys have has service related issues with Pioneer here in Canada so they have a hard time recommended them.

I do however hate that install, but no choice and a proper solution for a true audiophile. For ease of use and simplicity's sake, I find the AA/AC upgrade great, especially with the upgraded display. The only downsize is the lack of touchscreen support . I wouldn't do an aftermarket head unit for my parents. They're fair good with tech, but yous till have to fuss about with it compared to a stock system.

 

[theblooms]

My 2 and my Pathfinder both have one. DDX6509S and DMX958XR. I definitely really like them.

I have a 958XR in my 911. It's superb.