Ranged28

I have an 04 RX-8 with a six disc running 9.50 Firmware and an 05 Mazda 3 with a six disc running 9.67 Firmware.

Does anyone know if I can just swap the head units between the 2 cars, or do I have to send my head unit from the 8 to Mazdaparts.com to get my P.I.E. to work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ranged28

I am not sure, but the after accessories are the exact same. For example if you want the Sirius tuner it is the same model number for both cars. The faceplates and such are different but I just wonder if the actual HU behind the faceplate could be switched while leaving the factory six discs in place in their respective cars?

Ranged28

If you notice online at mazdaparts.com you will also notice that the firmware upgrade for $50 says for RX-8 and Mazda 3 2004 and up.

Ranged28

Just got off the phone with the guy from Mazdaparts.com and he informed me that the guts are the same but the bolt pattern and size of the enclosure are very different. So I guess I will just be shipping in my HU to get it upgraded.

austinash

I think that if the HU can be upgraded, then whoever has the files and know how should be a good forum member and post the information rather then making everyone pull their HU out and ship it off...which is very inconvenient.

JP

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I don't think that will happen for two reasons:

- so far only the guys at mazdaparts.com are offering this service and it means $50 revenue for them for each upgrade
- I don't know what is involved but it might be not something simple like updating the firmware for a DVD player to hack them into being region-independent. It might very well be a chip replacement... but I have no idea what exactly are they doing.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yes,

and you have to have a interface to adapte to the hu...

i have had mine out and i did not see a usb or serial port...

beers

jus7o

damn, i thought it was free from MAZDA for them to update firmware?

austinash

1. The simple fact that the HU can be upgraded, and 2. The only place that seems to be able/willing to upgrade the HU is someone other then Mazda is pathetic!

MrWigggles

Yeah, working with Mazdaparts is OK but if you want decent turn around time you are going to wind up dumping about $45 for back-and-forth shipping. In the meantime you will have VERY limited A/C or heating controls while your HU is getting reflashed.

I will have my headunit back late next week so that I can do my IPOD install.

-Mr. Wigggles

Ranged28

Has anyone ever tried calling Mazda USA about this? I tried to today but they are closed for the holiday.