iPod Bose Hardwire Question

[mdavis]

First of please dont rake me over the coals if this issue has been discussed before. I tried searching with lack luster results.

I have the Bose head unit with nav and sat radio (the sat is not active). I would like to hard wire an iPod to the unit so that I can charge it, have a quality audio connection and possibly utilize the steering wheel controls to operate the iPod.

Is this even possible and if so, Is this something I should let a professional handle?

 

[Rotus8]

Yes, this is possible. Just add $$. Mazda sells a dedicated iPod integration box.

 

[icspots]

Quite possible and there are several options which range in feature and price. First off what year is your car? That makes a difference as some modules aren't compatible with some years, and currently only the new OEM one works with '08.5+ models.

Also did you see THIS thread stickied at the top of this forum?

Oh and please don't pay a professional to install one of these. They're super easy and basically require a screwdriver to put in. The interior of the 3 is mostly held together with clips and you can have the stereo out in less than 5 minutes.

 

[mdavis]

Also did you see THIS thread stickied at the top of this forum?

I feel dumb.

But its on 07

 

[icspots]

I feel dumb.

But its on 07

Don't feel bad, it's okay.

Since you have an '07 you won't be able to use the Axxess module, however all the rest will work for you. The main difference between the OEM one and the aftermarket ones is that most of the aftermarket ones provide an extra 3.5mm input whereas the OEM does not. Also all of them use the same port as your existing audio input so that will be disabled.

Since you do have the ACI (console input) you could always just get an ipod charger/line out (belkin and schosche both make them I think) and use the input. The ipod would be charged and you'd have a solid connection, however you'd need to control it from the ipod itself. It would save you a bunch of money though.