Got the XCarLink today and it does not plug into the bose radio on the 2009 R3. Anyone can comment on my options to get an IPOD interface for my RX8. Please don't respond if you are guessing based on Series 1 knowledge.
Thanks,
Mark

 

I got the one from Mazda and it works great.

 

Do you need the ~$100 cable and the ~$120 interface?

Does it lock the IPOD while in use?
Thanks,
Mark

 

I was wondering this myself. I just have the base radio tho. Going thru the aux jack sucks.

 

Are there any options for the series 2 base radio besides the Mazda module and harness? The adapters listed in the series 1 electronics FAQ all seem to be only for the series 1 radios.

With the Mazda module, does the track data (artist, title, album) show up on the audio/HVAC display? How much control do you have through the radio *****? Can you change tracks? Set to random? Select artist/album/genre?

 

I just installed the Mazda module in a car with the base stereo and no satellite radio. It was a lengthy but straightforward installation. The most difficult part was figuring out which space the module is supposed to be stuffed into. The diagram is not very good. I was assuming that the vehicle wiring harness you're supposed to zip tie the module to was above where the module was to go, but it actually runs next to the module on the inboard side. Also, all the diagrams were mirror-imaged. The iPod connector cable will reach back to the center console bin so that it enters next to the 12V socket and AUX input socket, if you choose to route the cable there instead of into the glove box.

Quick impressions: It does display the song title on the audio display. You can skip tracks forward and back. Pressing the #2 preset ("RND") does randomize the track order.

It looks like there is a way to browse by artist, genre, etc, but I couldn't figure it out just playing with it. I couldn't figure out how to display the artist or album title either. The controls are non-intuitive. I'll read the manual at some point.

However, all I really care about are track skip and random and that the iPod gets charged when the car is on and turned off when the car is off.

Note: I installed the 2010+ version of the parts, which were:
Module: TD91-79-CFZA
Harness kit: C9F8-V6-029

 

I have the same radio as Mark and wondering the same? I don't want to loose the sat, or local, just add the IPOD

 

There is a separate part number for the harness kit for cars with satellite radio. I assume that means the satellite radio will still work. You might lose the aux port. My kit came with a sticker that says the aux port won't work because the iPod connector is installed.

 

I have both Sat and the Ipod installed on my 09 r3 and they work fine, but you will loose your aux if you install either one.