Diffrence between 04-05 Mazda3 radio and 06-09 mazda3 radio
- Thread starter mx3
- Start date
For the most part the stereos are very similar, with some slight changes year to year. The biggest change is on the '04-'05 models the LCD above the HU is wired directly into the side of the HU for power. On '06+ models the LCD has a dedicated wiring harness which sends all it's power and information. This also allows the LCD to receive info from the CAN BUS to display the mileage information. If you were looking to put a '06+ model into your '04 then the HU itself would work, however your LCD wouldn't because your car doesn't have that dedicated harness to power it. Conversely you could put a '04-'05 HU into a '06+ model and it would work fine, it just wouldn't display the DIS stuff anymore.
Beyond that I'll note a few other changes between the years in relation to your '04 HU. Also the manufacturer changed between several of the year models. I believe Sanyo, Panasonic, and Clarion all built them at one point or another.
'05
- added SAT button
- available single disc CD/Mp3 player replacement HU
'06
- TAPE/MD button replaced with MEDIA (no function change in the button itself)
- Separate wiring harness for LCD
- DIS unlockable on all models (standard on GT)
- available 6CD/Mp3 player replacement HU (for '06-'08 models)
'07
- Added OEM ACI (Auxiliary Console Input) accessed by MEDIA button
- face plate on some models is painted silver
'08
- DIS only unlockable on 6CD HU's
'08.5
- DIS not unlockable on any non-GT models
- CD/Mp3 standard on all models regardless of single vs. 6CD
- TAPE/MD connector on bottom of HU removed (possibly in '08 as well.... not sure)
- faceplate on some models is piano black
- Main HU harness changed from 32 pin to 30 (no significant change in function)
'09
- no significant changes
So if you're looking for a replacement HU and want to stay with OEM then I'd recommend you look for a '04 or '05 model. Again a newer one will work but you'd lose the LCD so it would be a little difficult to see radio stations, etc. If you don't need the SAT function then you can stick with the '04 model, but if that's something you want to add you'd need the '05 model. New these all run in the $400+ range, but I've seen them go for $50 or even for free just to clear out closet space. If you want to go for bells and whistles then you can go with one of the OEM-style touchscreen replacement stereos like the Eonon D5102. You could of course go completely aftermarket with a kit, however the D5102 does have that nice OEM look.
Beyond that I'll note a few other changes between the years in relation to your '04 HU. Also the manufacturer changed between several of the year models. I believe Sanyo, Panasonic, and Clarion all built them at one point or another.
'05
- added SAT button
- available single disc CD/Mp3 player replacement HU
'06
- TAPE/MD button replaced with MEDIA (no function change in the button itself)
- Separate wiring harness for LCD
- DIS unlockable on all models (standard on GT)
- available 6CD/Mp3 player replacement HU (for '06-'08 models)
'07
- Added OEM ACI (Auxiliary Console Input) accessed by MEDIA button
- face plate on some models is painted silver
'08
- DIS only unlockable on 6CD HU's
'08.5
- DIS not unlockable on any non-GT models
- CD/Mp3 standard on all models regardless of single vs. 6CD
- TAPE/MD connector on bottom of HU removed (possibly in '08 as well.... not sure)
- faceplate on some models is piano black
- Main HU harness changed from 32 pin to 30 (no significant change in function)
'09
- no significant changes
So if you're looking for a replacement HU and want to stay with OEM then I'd recommend you look for a '04 or '05 model. Again a newer one will work but you'd lose the LCD so it would be a little difficult to see radio stations, etc. If you don't need the SAT function then you can stick with the '04 model, but if that's something you want to add you'd need the '05 model. New these all run in the $400+ range, but I've seen them go for $50 or even for free just to clear out closet space. If you want to go for bells and whistles then you can go with one of the OEM-style touchscreen replacement stereos like the Eonon D5102. You could of course go completely aftermarket with a kit, however the D5102 does have that nice OEM look.
