I recently plunged for an iPod, and integrated it into my RX-8 stereo using the AudioLink iPod adapter from therpmstore.com. The iPod is mounted on a ProClip holder nicely out of the way, but within easy reach for scrolling/selecting tracks and to see what track is playing.

For the ProClip holder, I chose to use an iPod holder that acts like a dock by integrating the docking cable from the AudioLink. It's part 840640 (http://www.proclipusa.com/?sectionpath=143&pageid=11626&processor=content&pcategoryid=13759&categoryid=15910&p_origin=143&p_sectionid=143&p_pageid=8900&p_processor=asp&p_asp_processor=product&p_action=proclipcategorysearch&p_ppagecategoryid=&p_pagecategoryid=&p_pcategoryid=13759&p_categoryid=15910&p_sitecategoryid=&p_year=&p_countryid=0&p_leftorright=) (Padded Holder with Tilt Swivel for Cable Attachment Apple iPod 5th, "USA Spec" cable). That fits the AudoLink's cable perfect. I also used the passenger side mount, which is part 853302.

Total cost was $110 for adapter + $75 for ProClip (I got a deal).

The sound quality is pristine. The first track I put in had a lot of highs and lows and it came through crisp and clean, like it did off the mp3 from the stock cd/mp3 player. iPod sound volume control has no effect.

At night, the iPod dims the screen by default, so it's not illuminating the whole interior. Tap the click wheel (easy finger motion off the ebrake handle) and it lights up, so you can see the track title if needed. I like being able to control the iPod where it is. iPod can be swivelled toward the passenger, so passenger can operate (well, it really swivels to be just straight or ever so slightly toward the passenger).

Steering wheel controls are fine. Shut off the car and the iPod shuts off. Switch from iPod to FM or turn off the radio and the iPod pauses/shuts off. This is perfect... I can rock out to the iPod, then switch to NPR for some news, then switch back to the iPod w/o losing last track position or even thinking about it.

Only in some rare circumstances, when nothing was already playing and the iPod was in the main menu, it actually starts playing everything instead of shutting it off.

I have not tried using the "playlist mode" yet, I don't see a need for it. One of the photos shows that the RX-8 radio display looks like when the iPod is playing in the regular mode. So I can't comment on the "playlist mode." I don't like the idea of losing the iPod controls in that mode. (I also don't use playlists much).

The iPod holder is easy to work with and feels "secure." However, that support piece in the center (see photo below) does rub against the iPod when you insert it and it's not silky smooth. I noticed very light wear marks on the back of my iPod's chrome. So if you want to keep your iPod's chrome backing perfect, I suggest getting a film over the chrome back (which is what I did).

IMO, this is the best iPod integration solution for the money out there. I can see the track titles on the iPod (can't see track titles at all with a stock Mazda iPod adapter, which was unacceptable to me), sound quality is pristine. The next level up of integration would've been track titles (and other text) on the native headunit, but I guess we can't have that. (The next real level is actually an aftermarket headunit with really good iPod support, but I am staying stock HU here).

http://ilp303.com/albums/ipodintegration/ipodsetup.sized.jpg (http://ilp303.com/pix/ipodintegration/ipodsetup?full=1)

http://ilp303.com/albums/ipodintegration/ipodsetup2.sized.jpg (http://ilp303.com/pix/ipodintegration/ipodsetup2?full=1)

http://ilp303.com/albums/ipodintegration/installed3.sized.jpg (http://ilp303.com/pix/ipodintegration/installed3?full=1)

http://ilp303.com/albums/ipodintegration/install1.sized.jpg (http://ilp303.com/pix/ipodintegration/install1?full=1)

nice:)

ive gotten so confused.. the audiolink need 9.55+ or no?

i coudl have sworn there was one that didnt need it and still gave steering controls. i have a wired in aux in to the CD input right now.. but i get whine and i wasnt to be abel to change tracks with the steering controls. my mount is similar to yours so LCD display crap doesnt mantter

audiolink needs 9.55+

nice man... i don't have mine mounted, cause i dont like the idea of those things sticking out every which way in my car, but it does look good... have fun with it!

Since this is a 3yr old thread, was wondering if there is any new products for this kind of ipod integration setup?

I do believe that mazda also makes a integration kit now

I was looking at:

http://www.audiolinkcanada.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16133&cat=249&bestseller=Y

and mounting us using:

http://www.neocaraudio.com/installs/ipod/rx8/#Required%20Tools instuctions.

Does anyone have experience with that product and these instructions?

Thanks,

Wheels

how do you know if you have 9.55+?

"To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. "

I have version 9.82 does it work with that bc on their site it says doesnt work with before 9.55, 9.81, or 10.01 and mine is just .01 above 9.81 so i was wanting to make sure before i buy something that is might be useless to me.

9.82 is not 9.81.... so I would assume so.

9.82 is not 9.81.... so I would assume so.

just making sure

Im going to be installing mine today.. any tricks or tips you can give me? I keep hearing about the hidden bolt too.. I will be installing a new faceplate as well since the connectors on mine are messed up.

and what type of clips did you use to attached the adapter?

Hi Guys
Sorry to dig up ths thread
I own a 2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Rottary Engine Edition of 2008 and I am looking for a way to connect my Iphone 4 so i can acess my Ipod.
I have read this very carefully but I have a small doubt.

My system has a 6 cd Changer and Sat Nav system. And I didn't found any info regarding OEM stereo with Nav Sat

Is this
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=3&cat=1&page=1
compatible with my system?

What is today the best module so I can plug in the iphone?

Sorry to dig up this and sorry again if this is alreay answered somewhere.

Mate just to let you know I have the same dilemma I also have a nav model. I opened up the radio today and both the cd changer port and the port underneath are free which I should imagine means we can fit an xcarLink. I am also on v9.55 so think I am eligible so gonna give it a go.

Navigation plays no role in all these iPod integration modules. Have at it guys.

Cheers firebird dude, input very much appreciated I was just concerned as satnav voice goes through speakers and there was no information on the net I could find about this so thought it may be through cd changer input but upon looking today I see it doesn't. With your confirmation it means I have no worries so have ordered it today. Just can't believe this hasnt come up as a post before as I scoured for ages yesterday.

Anyway many thanks again.

Scott

Hi Guys
Thanks for the answers.

But we have an issue with original CD Changer wich I have
The cd changer port is already ocupied so we need to buy a Y cable.

See email received from XCarLink

"Compatibility with the RX-8 stereo depends on its firmware. To check which firmware your Mazda Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds.
The LCD should then report your firmware version. If the firmware is between 9.55-9.99 then our interface is compatible.
If it is the new firmware 10.01 or 9.81 then unfortunately it is not possible to use any type of CD changer interface with your system.
As you have the navigation, you may also require the Mazda Y cable which can be purchased from the accessories section of our website".

Here is the explanation of the use ofr the Y Cable:

Y cable for Mazda factory car radios, allows you to retain your existing external CD changer when used with our range of Mazda interfaces. It is also required on some models which already have some of the control wiring connected to the CD changer port, such as the factory fitted bluetooth.

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/images/P/Mazda-Y-cable.jpg

Not really sure how that applies to those with navigation...

Just to let you know jclacerda I looked on The back of my radio yesterday and my cd changer port was empty my model is a 53 plate 231 the firmware is 9.55. I got the same email from xcarLink but have no need for the y cable as I said the changer port is free. I take it you have checked your radio then? I also phoned them today and they said they accept returns within 14 days so just try it and if it doesn't work send it back. But it is weird that your changer port has something in and mine doesn't. I will let you know tomorrow when my Bluetooth module arrives whether it works or not. The xcarLink came today but without the bluetooth module as they were out of stock.

I may have my wires crossed here as my cd changer is part of the head unit. Have you a separate cd changer unit?

@Scottyadams611

Thank you very much for your clarification.

I am still studying this matter because as my Rx-8 is not a everyday car i haven't removed my radio yet or bought anythng from XCarlink.
I am trying to see what I need exactly before buying. I still need to check the firmware version also :)


For now I can't confirm if my radio has the CD port changer occupied.
It has a built-in 6 CD Changer and OEM Sat Nav not an external cd changer Unit.

Whe you receive the module and finish the work in your car please, if you have the chance, tell us if all went well with that.

Cheers

Right I fitted it yesterday and tested it with the sat nav and it works absolutely fine. The bluetooth is really quite good. I would say the connectors are the biggest pain to get off. The brass bolt on the side is easier than people make out with an extension bar just loosen it and you can fit you hand in and undo it by hand. One thing the iPod connector doesn't charge newer apple models which is a bit of a pain but I will be using the Bluetooth anyway and I can easy get a charger into cigarette lighter and charge iPhone that way. I fitted the car link in the glove box and the Bluetooth adapter is hidden under steering column and the microphone I clipped onto the seal on drivers side with the wire tucked in the seal. Can't see anything apart from the microphone which is good.

The Audio Link worked well on mine, I have no issues but I also dont have Sat/Navigation

Does anyone have a picture of this mount before installation? I could probably make one if I had a picture to go by.

I just bought an Xcarlink with Bluetooth for my 2003 RX8. The head unit is Bose and it also has the in-dash sat nav.

I was advised by Xcarlink that I would need the Y splitter which I then bought but discovered that the socket was not already being used for the Satnav so didn't need it.

The installation went fine and the iPod play side of it all works very well. However . .

I now find that my Sat Nav has no audio on it, which is a puzzle as it definitely wasn't connected via the Xcarlink socket before. I also got some pretty amazing (Japanese) text up on the Sat Nav screen initially although this seems to have settled down now. Bit surprised that the Xcarlink unit has had such an impact on my Satnav. Has anyone else experienced this?

I guess the alternative is that I yanked out a wire when I was fitting the connector to the head unit (it was all a bit of a tight squeeze).

I've also had a problem with the Bluetooth part - it worked initially (and very well) but when I tidied up all the wiring and tried again there was no power to it and eveything else stopped working too. I could only get the iPod to work by disconnecting the Bluetooth at the USB connector. Anybody else come across this problem?

Well first off, your RX8 is a 2004. That's technically the first year of production.

Second, the Xcarlink requires headunit firmware 9.55 and newer to function properly. A lot of the 04's didn't have this. Check out therpmstore and read the xcarlink's page. It's all explained right there.

Firebirdude,

Sorry but my car is most definitely an RX8 and most definitely registered in 2003 - think I would know if it was 2004!

As for the headunit firmware, I did read the Xcarlink website, and I did check the firmware version, and it is 9.55.

So, any help or advice on the points I raised.

Firebirdude,

Sorry but my car is most definitely an RX8 and most definitely registered in 2003 - think I would know if it was 2004!

As for the headunit firmware, I did read the Xcarlink website, and I did check the firmware version, and it is 9.55.

So, any help or advice on the points I raised.
Where are you from?

England

Ahh. 2003's were not available in the states.

So .. back to my original post. Any help or insight into Xcarlink working with the in-dash SatNav, or my problems with getting the Bluetooth to work?