I am planning on replacing the stock unit (Bose) with a new dbl din with ts, nav,mp3, etc. This solves a lot of mm issues I have with my 04. The factory nav stinks IMO, the firmware of my hu is ancient and I wanted to either access my iPod or at least be able to play mp3s. This will solve all these and give me BT as well. I am happy with the existing amp/speakers, I have no need to vibrate the driver of he car next to me out of his seat.

I have the headunit and the metra dbl din mounting kit. Is there anything else I need (I.e. Any cables)? I'm hoping that I don't need to cut or splice anything as I'm no tuner.

Any help would be appreciated. I couldn't find a post with a recommended parts list or anything.

Tx.

 

you will need a harness to swap from the mazda input harness to the one for your headunit. That will require some crimping or soldiering depending on how you want to do it.

Also you will need a remote trigger if you want to retain steering controls.

 

I'm doing this exact thing after Christmas comes around. You are going to want a harness, makes things much easier and allows you to revert to stock if you'd like. For the steering wheel id recommend something like this http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SWIP...iled_info#tabs This one is for Sony or Pioneer head-units, (im getting the Pioneer AVH 3200bt). You'll have to find one for your brand, Crutchfield will be a good tool for helping you find what you need.

 

Crutchfield is good for finding out what you need and reading reviews about the product, but make sure you buy the product from another site. Crutchfield is very expensive.

 

Corect me if i'm wrong, but the Metra kit's comes with a harness to goes between the OEM harness and the decks power/speaker harness.

the only thing i had to do was T-tap the VSS wire. (04-09 is the Grn/Red wire at the radio harness btw)

So going back to stock is really simple.

there is also the AxxessInterface ASWC for the steering control. Yes Crutchfield is expensive.

 

The metra dash kit doesn't come with the metra wire harness ... or at least mine didn't. Had to order them separately

 

That sucks. mine did, and you should get a refund.

 

I have seen them being sold without the harness on eBay. Usually much cheaper. So if you paid anything less than about $125 for your kit, you simply bought the wrong one.

And I agree Crutchfield has always been known to be more expensive, but they've been getting better. They frequently have sales and/or combo deals (I think the RX8 kit is $50 with purchase of headunit for example). I'd always give them a look because their customer service is top notch. If they're the same price, I'd go with them 100% of the time.

And here's a great thread to help you with common questions such as this.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-7515H...4151780&sr=8-4

Thats the one I got. Didn't come with a harness. Checking a bunch of sites actually I dont think any of the 09-10 kits came with a harness.

models:
99-7515HG
99-7515B

 

That is for 09-10. You're in the Series I tech forum and the OP said he has on 04.

 

^ oh i know, I just clearing up my claim of why i thought the metra kits didn't come with harnesses. Looks like the OP is all set then if he ordered the metra kit.

 

Yes it is! the info in it helped bunches when i did my install New Years Eve.

I understand the confusion now. I was thinking you had a S1 since it was in the S1 ICE section. I didn't realized you have a Series II Rx-8 until i saw the kit link.