2015 Mazda 3 Aftermarket Apple Car Play Unit Advice

[JeffKeryk]

Any experience and recommendation for Apple Car Play / Android Auto for the factory system with nav screen? Crutchfield seems to have the 6" and 9" that are for most cars. I've seen some that are wider. I don't want any junk. Thanks in advance!

Factory unit:

 

[gogydm]

Why not retrofit the official Mazda parts and update the software? It will be a wired system but it works great. Parts should be less than $200.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Why not retrofit the official Mazda parts and update the software? It will be a wired system but it works great. Parts should be less than $200.

Can you point me to a video or whatever to follow? I am very open to this solution.

 

[gogydm]

Something like this should be a good purchase, just make sure you get original Mazda parts. An install PDF is also on this website. https://mazdaparts.org/mazda-3-smartphone-mirroring-kit.html

And a little more info: https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/new-74-mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-help.236775/

If you decide to go this route, let me know and I will find the link for the software so you can update before you install the hub as they call it. If I can't, I will upload it and send you a link.

 

[frankbee3]

I didn't think there would be a factory solution, but I would imagine that would be the best way to go?

 

[gogydm]

I'd say it is. I am not a fan of Chinese Android units.

 

[_Will_]

Something like this should be a good purchase, just make sure you get original Mazda parts. An install PDF is also on this website. https://mazdaparts.org/mazda-3-smartphone-mirroring-kit.html

And a little more info: https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/new-74-mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-help.236775/

If you decide to go this route, let me know and I will find the link for the software so you can update before you install the hub as they call it. If I can't, I will upload it and send you a link.

Did this route for my wife's 18' 3 Touring, has worked perfectly for a number of years. Not sure if there are any differences for your 15' though.

 

[gogydm]

Did this route for my wife's 18' 3 Touring, has worked perfectly for a number of years. Not sure if there are any differences for your 15' though.

It should be the same apart from current firmware version.

 

[nthach]

I'd say it is. I am not a fan of Chinese Android units.

Ditto. If you can install aftermarket, stick to Pioneer, Kenwood/JVC or Alpine.

Mazda was nice enough to allow eligible models to upgrade to CarPlay/Android Auto for a fee. Toyota/Lexus is doing the same for certain 2018-2021 models.