Adding BlueTooth, AUX , USB and Iphone/iPad Connections to car? Advice Please

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ping182nz

188 posts

Master Geek

#228539 10-Jan-2018 19:57

Hi,

I have a 2007 Mazda Atenza (Not Bose sterio)

I am looking at Adding BlueTooth, AUX , USB and Iphone/iPad Connections to the car....

Options so far are

Adding Something like a GROM USB3 --> https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/mazda_02-08_usb_android_ipod_bluetooth_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html
Adding an XcarLink --> http://www.soundtech.co.nz/audio-accessories/interface-for-bluetooth-aux-usb/x-car-link-connect-ipod-iphone-playback-and-aux-in-with-bt.html?___SID=U
Adding AnyCar --> https://www.hyperdrive.co.nz/product/aux-adaptors/353/1080b-mazda-bluetooth-usb-sd-aux-adapter/154299/detail
Swapping out the entire stereo with a fitting kit and new head unit (double din) with BlueTooth, USB, AUX , iphone/ipad compatible etc...

Has anyone had any experience with any of these? If I was adding an attachment like GROM or XCARLINK, what one out of the three would you go for?

If I was getting a new head unit, what would you go for, what brand etc etc?

Any advice welcome, except for replacing the car

Thanks

jonherries

1395 posts

Uber Geek

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Subscriber

#1935835 10-Jan-2018 20:32

Just sold a UK version of this car, so not sure if this applies but:

You can get a connector that plugs into the back of the stereo with stereo mini out and there are some button pushes in the dash to activate the aux in, found the sequence on one of the uk mazda websites.

I then bought one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kinivo-BTC450-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-input/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515569330&sr=8-1&keywords=Kinivo+bluetooth+car+adaptor

Had to add in a ground loop isolator as there was an annoying alternator whine, but it worked really well.

Jon

jonherries

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#1935836 10-Jan-2018 20:34

This is the stereo adapter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Goliton®-Connect-iPhone-connector-adapter/dp/B006FFCONA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1515569619&sr=1-1&keywords=mazda+3+aux

ping182nz

188 posts

Master Geek

#1935949 11-Jan-2018 07:25

Thanks jonherries, I was hoping to not have to use lighter sockets etc.... an hopefully be able to charge ipad off a usb port..... but will take a look at what you have suggested...

Jase2985

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#1935975 11-Jan-2018 08:22

i doubt you will find a kit what will allow you to charge an ipad off it. the kit is normally powered off the headunit and plug into the back.

you would need a sperate charger for it. The USB is normally to connect a USB stick.

trig42

5809 posts

Uber Geek

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#1935978 11-Jan-2018 08:34

I have a 2007 Axela (Mazda3) and have a GTA Car Kit (it is a Bose stereo, but I don't htink that makes any difference).

https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/mazda-6-2006-2008-iphone-aux-kit/

Above is the link for the Atenza.

Mine works fine - it makes the stereo think you have a CD changer installed (so you select CD on the stereo - pressing once gives CD, second gives EX, which this is on). Works fine for calls via bluetooth and music. Steering controls work. Only thing is, to answer phone calls, your stereo has to be on EX (if I am listening to Radio, I just press the CD button to switch to the input, and press the up button on the wheel to answer the call). Has an Aux cable which I have hidden away in the tray in the console (I have never used it).

Given you do not have a Bose stereo, depending on how much you wanted to spend, I would be tempted to replace the entire stereo - so long as you do not lose any Aircon/Climate control functionality.

nickb800

2715 posts

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#1936020 11-Jan-2018 09:40

I don't think it's possible to replace the head unit in this model without loosing A/C functionality. So that leaves you with dongles etc.

I've installed/used the GROM kit in a 2007 Mazda 3 and was pretty happy with it. Was a model with bluetooth + USB charging, however USB charging is only 500mA so would be slow for a ipad or iphone

trig42

5809 posts

Uber Geek

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#1936026 11-Jan-2018 09:47

I think you can replace the fascia: https://aerpro.com/vehicles/mazda/mazda_6_atenza_2002_2008_gg_gy

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nickb800

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#1936054 11-Jan-2018 10:22

Ah - I'm thinking of the similar Mazda 3 in which the radio shares the LCD display with the A/C.

Ruphus

465 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1936062 11-Jan-2018 10:44

We've had a couple Atenza's and installed Parrot MKI9200 Handsfree car kits into them. They'll do everything that you'll want. Bluetooth, USB, AUX and Apple connector. They integrate with the factory head unit quite easily with ISO connectors. Tuck the blue control box behind the radio and run the connector cables into the glove box or down the centre console.

Go for the cheaper MKI9000 if you're not too worried about having an LCD screen.

Ruphus

465 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1936074 11-Jan-2018 10:54

Unfortunately Parrot haven't released a firmware update for MKI range in quite a while but my Samsung Note 8 doesn't have any issues connecting to an MKI9000 in my daily driver.