blutooth - usb - iphone integration for 2008 CX-9 : what do buy?

[raghucx9]

I recently bought 2008 CX-9. I would like to get bluetooth and usb+iphone integration. What is a good solution? I saw products from Grom on amazon (link : http://www.gromaudio.com/store/all-maz.html ). But the descriptions are a bit confusing.. about what I should order (and it does not have anything that says 'USB' works with iphone).

This is what I would like to have :

• Bluetooth phone (I understand if might work only if I am in right mode on the stereo)
• Bluetooth audio (from iphone, android etc)
• USB port I can connect iphone (with lightning cable), ipod, (and bonus any android phone).
• It is better if the bluetooth turns off when I am in another mode (say FM) so that my phone is not connected to it.

My car specs :

• 2008 CX-9
• Does not have a CD-changer
• Does not play mp3s
• There is a SAT button (one of 4 modes : FM, CD, MEDIA (aux), SAT). But it does not do anything.

I can post the pic of the dashboard if that helps.
Thanks.

 

[Pootie Tang]

I am looking at this too. If you have an iPhone, like I do, you may want to remove the existing head unit and go with one of the new double-DIN Pioneer units with Apple Car-Play.

If you are Android, not sure, but Pioneer also makes Android based head units with superior integration.

There are install kits that I expect make installation pretty simple.

 

[raghucx9]

I prefer not to remove the existing head unit. It is well designed and feels like integral part of the dash (like most cars these days).. it is not all in a nice rectangle area that can be just replaced by another head unit.

 

[Pootie Tang]

That's how I felt until I actually tried to us it for something and everything other than the radio. Mines coming out and getting crushed under a tire. You may be surprised how nice the install kits can look.

 

[raghucx9]

Thanks. What is the head unit you are replacing with? Crutchfield didn't have any for CX-9.

 

[Pootie Tang]

Look at any of the Pioneer NEX line. They have Apple CarPlay. I was on Crutchfield and they indicated a fit and an install kit which makes it very easy to hook to the factory Bose amps and to install.

 

[AZmiata]

I am not one for early adoption, but the hands-on reviews have been very favorable. I am seriously considering carplay. The original nav in these vehicles are worthless. Even with an extra module for music-over bluetooth, the interface will still be clunky. The last thing I want to do when I jump into my car is jump through hoops to play music. The Pioneer avic deck I installed in my miata is great. It just plays and is seamless with my iPhone.