Bose 6-disc MP3 vs. Non-MP3

[08MicaMS3]

My MS3 has the Bose system (it must... the speakers say Bose and the display always says it), but I'm stuck with the 6-disc with NO MP3 playback. Ugh.

I know there are options out there for Mp3 playback (ipod integration, etc), but I'm interested in the OEM 6-disc unit with MP3 playback. I know its available from Mazda as a part (it must), has anyone done this upgrade?

Anyone know the part, and what kind of install it is (is it the ENTIRE cd playing unit?) Any downfalls to this? I'd like to stay with the stock look, so several hundred dollars is OK for me.

I'd really appreciate part numbers or any help going from non-MP3 deck to the factory MP3 deck.

 

[kvndoom]

It would be the entire head unit. It's a double-DIN i believe. It should drop in in place of the older one and use the same connections.

And since you mentioned this, I remember I need to post a question myself...

 

[skallen]

I have that HU..The one that is the 6 disc AND plays Mp3's...But I think it is only available on Canadian Speed 3's. So you will have to source out a head unit from Canada. I'm not using mine right now, but I don't know if I want to sell it...If I ever sell my car, I would have to sell my aftermarket CD player with it (not sure I want to do that)... Nevertheless, if I decide to sell, I will PM you...

 

[ejh]

Here's a thread for someone that did this with the non Bose system:

http://www.clubprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22650

If you do this, I'd look at savage yards and ebay for the unit, as a new one will be over $500 from the dealer.

 

[ohioan]

several hundred dollars is OK for me.

I'd really appreciate part numbers or any help going from non-MP3 deck to the factory MP3 deck.

Just buy a bad ass ipod and put all your music on there. Then buy a $7 connector cable and use that! I haven't used my cd player since the last time I bought a cd and put in on the way home. Then it goes on the computer, then to the pod, then back to the car in a different form!

just do it. WWWWWAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY more convenient then cd's

 

[ejh]

Just buy a bad ass ipod and put all your music on there. Then buy a $7 connector cable and use that! I haven't used my cd player since the last time I bought a cd and put in on the way home. Then it goes on the computer, then to the pod, then back to the car in a different form!

just do it. WWWWWAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY more convenient then cd's

iPods have terrible DACs. MP3s decoded by the head unit sound much better. This is less noticeable if you have stock speakers, but if you have upgraded your sound system, you will really be able to hear the poor quality of iPods if you just use the AUX input.