[brumos]

Expected to be a dealer installed option in Fall 2004

More info available here: http://www.triplezoom.com/news/publish/article_123.shtml

 

[chickmod]

that's cool. I want to get one of those installed in my car. Too bad it wasn't already an option.

 

[raitchison]

Yeah to go back and add it, in a Mazda head unit would likely cost several times what an aftermarket head unit would cost. Of course the aftermarket head unit won't be really viable for most people until someone makes a faceplate to cover the afterkmarket. Of course that will probably exist by Fall 2004.

 

[SyChO]

My dad's Matrix has a radio that displays the radio station, artist, song while its playing. Its really cool. The only problem is that not alot of stations offer it. (stock radio)

 

[raitchison]

A Focus Radio/MP3 player (standard on most models) does the same thing.

 

[dinu01]

Moved to... Electronics!

 

[EnFuego138]

It might not be too expensive as a DIO, now that you know, maybe you can work in a deal for a future install...

 

[Kirk]

My dad's Matrix has a radio that displays the radio station, artist, song while its playing. Its really cool. The only problem is that not alot of stations offer it. (stock radio)

That's called RDS (Radio Data System), and is quite different from satellite radio. My old Kenwood Excelon that I had in my Probe GT had that feature; I know Kenwood's been offering it for years.

 

[treds]

So for those of us that have a 3 now, will we be able to have the dealer install sirius once it is available for the 3? I really, really want satellite radio, and if we are able to have it integrated in with the head unit, that would be awesome. That FM modulator stuff just sucks, worst sound quality ever :x . So hopfully this will all work for the better.

 

[vaBooM]

"Radio" in general, sucks. Whether its Sirius or XM.

Thank god for MP3/WMA players.

 

[FatMorbo]

Since its a dealer installed option, wouldn't it not matter when you had the dealer install it? I mean, if you bought the car new in Fall 2004 and had the dealer install it, it would cost as much as if you bought the car now and had the dealer install it later right?

 

[earl_s]

Since I used to be a Mazda salesman I know that the dealers are the last to know something, but this is ridiculous. I emailed Mazda using the email address posted on www.mazdausa.com about adding the Sirius tuner to the 2004 Mazda 3, this is the reply that I got.

"Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

In regard to your inquiry, we do not have any information on the
availability of a Sirius satellite radio for the MAZDA3 at this time.

Regards,

Lisa Lasky
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business"

This is crazy. The first Sirius option cars (Tribute and Miata) are being released this spring. It's a simple question, is it the FRS radio that we have, or the radio that the Miata has (I think it's FRS also). So, does anyone know if our radios will take this, or would we have to replace the whole head unit to go the OEM satelite route. I did a little detective work with my radio by shining a bright light on it while it was on so that I could see all of the possible icons. I didn't see anything that said SAT, but that doesn't mean anything really. Our screens already output text for the MP3 player. Maybe someone out there knows the answer.

 

[jeffs3]

It's been a month now since this was last discussed. Does anyone know anything new?

What I hope they do is figure out a way to use the same slot that the mini disc/tape player uses. It would then fully integrate into all of the controls, especially the steering wheel controls. Then all that would be necessary would be to add the ugly antenna, which I assume will replace the stock antenna.

 

[vaBooM]

If you want satellite radio, add it via FM Mod. Blah blah, the quality is still good and you cant tell if its CD or its radio.

With install and all equipment including the FM Mod, tuner pack, and antenna is about $200 or so. A perfect place for the display is between the airbag light and cig lighter.

 

[jeffs3]

vaBooM,

Since you seem to know your stuff, which add on unit matches the lighting the best?

I still think I want to find out more about the Mazda unit first just in case it is an add on to our existing radios.

BTW, how do you take off the "Multi Function Audio System" panel?

 

[vaBooM]

vaBooM,

Since you seem to know your stuff, which add on unit matches the lighting the best?

I still think I want to find out more about the Mazda unit first just in case it is an add on to our existing radios.

BTW, how do you take off the "Multi Function Audio System" panel?

The closest would be the XM Commander. Its a little pricey, but it has a red backed display.

The radio needs to come out to remove the Multifunction Audio System panel. Once the headunit is out, you will see a few screws holding it in place. Check out my tutorial on how to remove the radio.

 

[stinkypete]

Don't forget when you get that satellite crap, you have to pay a monthly fee to listen to it.

 

[MZ3_Toronto]

Update in Sirius

It's been a few months, anybody have an update on availability of Sirius for the Mazda3? The press release from a while back said "Summer 2004".

Getting my 3 in a few weeks...want satellite. I'm in Canada, but I'm going to try to get a subscription through a friend in Michigan. His XM works as far north as Sudbury, Ontario so good change it'll work in Toronto.

Have any other Canadians tried to get sat radio?

-Brandon