iPod & Tech Package: Maybe ZE solution!

[Jerome Istin]

Hello all!

Looking to buy a CX-7, as a lot of us, I'm dying not be able to connect an iPod on the NAV System, which I want. It's bugging me so much that I'm ready to buy another car that will offer this option instead of the CX-7. But I really like the CX-7...

Reading these (and others) forums a lot, I posted here, few days ago that I read, somewhere (I found it since, on edmunds.com), that a gal name "Vince" wrote that a iPod can be connected to the NAV System "if the satellite radio is NOT used". Nobody reacted to this information which could be a way more better way to connect an iPod than with a FM modulator.
For my part, I'm ready to give up the XM Radio (which I don't want whatever) if I can connect my iPod, which will play only the music I like with a warranty of no commercial ever, even for the iPod itself ;o)

So, yesterday, visiting my dealership, I asked my sales guy to find me a way to connect my iPod (even in a '08 model) before I can make my decision of buying or not this car and I did mention if he can find if this information about the iPod/XM Radio was true...

He came back few minutes later and confirm that it was possible to do it with the Mazda iPod connector if I was gving up the XM Radio, and that was the only way to connect an iPod on the NAV Sytem...
When I asked him, half serious, half laughting, if he can write this statement because if it was not working, I will return the car, he replied, very seriously, that he will do it without any problems especially because they will install the adapter (and test it) before I leave the parking lot...

As far as I'm concerned, I understood that the Mazda connector will not give me a direct access to my iPod controls but only through the factory system. So, I will contact Neo soon to ask them if their connector will work that way or not (I mean using the XM Radio plug)...

In another hand, if somebody who have already removed his NAV package from his car, can double-check if the NAV plug as well as the XM Radio plug are identical, that should give us a good clue if this is trick may be a reality or not.

As usual, thanks in advance for any help or feeback!

Jerome

 

[PSULion22]

you'll be providing an aux input through the sat port. I'm wondering if XM or someone else makes a compatible sat receiver with an onboard aux bypass? Maybe that would work by plugging the iPod into the receiver instead of trying to go through the head unit. You would have to still use the iPod for controus and there would be no charging, but you'd have everything.

I have the HK drive+play connected with the wired FM modulator. The sound is very good, the nav still works perfect, and despite the additional screen, the interface is much better. If you don't mind the extra display module on your dash, I really think this is the way to go until the "real" solution is devised.

 

[lisevolution]

That doesn't help me with the Sat radio and Nav. All I want is a freaking Aux input, I don't care about radio controls or any of that...

 

[WWNJCX7]

Sat Rad Input for Ipod

I have beend wondering the exact same thing with regard to the Sat Rad input, as long as its not being used one would assume it could be used for as an aux input. I too am VERY disappointed with the lack of an ipod interface, at the very least they could have put a 9mm input jack in the front of the unit till they can figure out the technology. Kills me when I see these inputs in cars under 20k as standard, here we are paying an extra 4k for a technology package that has no ipod interface - WTF

Acura, Nissan , Toyota not only have ipod compatability they even have Bluetooth ! Again I say WTF Mazda, I am beyond pissed that I cant use my Ipod in my CX. I wouldnt have even cared about the charging issue, just the ability to use it in some way shape or form. This really sucks and I might find myself getting rid of the car sooner rather than later, I am that disappointed!

WAKE UP MAZDA AND FIND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM ! OR YOU WILL BE LOSING SALES TO THE COMPETITION - that new Nissan Altima looks sweet

 

[CX7_Scott]

WAKE UP MAZDA AND FIND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM ! OR YOU WILL BE LOSING SALES TO THE COMPETITION - that new Nissan Altima looks sweet

I'm sure you know this... but venting like that here, does no-good. Mazda does not read these message boards. If you want to make a difference, do as I have done (and continue to do): Contact Mazda Corporate USA.

I agree about it being utterly ridiculous that the "TechPackage" does not support one of the (if not *THE*) most-common pieces of consumer technology on the planet right now.

You need to voice your opinion(s) directly TO Mazda... otherwise, things won't change. Let's pretend that we "exercise our right to NOT purchase" the vehicle to prove our point - Without data to corroborate WHY sales drop, they could interpret as "Well - looks like they're just not selling well. Maybe they don't like the design. Let's drop it."

Know what I mean...?

 

[Jerome Istin]

Hello there,

Well, I found the solution... I bought my CX-7 WITHOUT the Teck package, was able to connect my iPod on the Bose System with the AudioLink ($125) and will buy soon a TomTom Rider that I will be able to use on my bike AND my car and that offer Bluetooth integration for $600...

OK, I will not have the factory NAV System, I will not have the SmartKey neither the backup camera but, all in all, iPod integration was more important to me than all these other things and I saved, final, $1,700...

 

[CX7_Scott]

How is that a "Solution" for us owners of the Nav-Unit...?

You made a choice, you didn't find a solution.

 

[ColoradoX-7]

CX-7 Scott,

I will post picture of my factory navi unit runing my Zune with the display showing the album cover and the song name. Take a look over at the thread titled "display video on the factory navi" (or something like that) or PM me and I'll let you in on the "solution". Only cost me $300 and It will also display videos stored on the Zune.

 

[ColoradoX-7]

Scott here it is... "Playing DVD's on OEM Navigation System?"