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Mazda6 Accessories and Modifications

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  • gagabrielegagabriele Member Posts: 1
    I just finished reading the Family Comparison Review and the Stereo Evaluation section for the Mazda 6 mentions that the Bose system has an RDS capability. I can't find any reference to this in my manual. Does the Bose have RDS or is this a misprint?

    Thanks
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    Does anyone know if xenon kits are available for the Mazda 6, how much they cost, how much labor is required to install them and who sells them? My apologies if this has appeared before in the forum. A bit pressed today and didn't check the old topics.
  • bullmooseybullmoosey Member Posts: 18
    I would suggest you think twice about the xenon conversion. Most reviews of these lights report sharp cut-off of illumination at a relatively short distance. Within their range they are great but beyond that they are inferior (as well as annoying to other drivers).

    I find that the M6 std lights are very good and the built-in fogs of the sport option especially effective. They may not have the styling and visual appeal of the latest tread xenon's but functionally they will be hard to beat. If you are unhappy with the M6 lights maybe the aim is off slightly. This can make a big difference. Computerized aiming equipment is now in use in NY State inspection centers and should be available elsewhere (WI?) that will get it 100% to spec.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    Thanks for this. I don't have a problem with the MZ6 lights, as I don't yet have an MZ6; it's on order.

    My night vision sucks & thought I might consider switching for xenon when I got the car. In view of what you have to say I may be able to skip it along with the extra expense. I ordered one of the sport paks [under protest :)]--in order to get the security pak--but now it seems that the fog lights which come with it will be useful to me. I'm feeling reassured.
  • aprilnapriln Member Posts: 25
    chiznad,

    I can answer your first question - the player only randomizes within one folder. I figured this out the hard way, and had to burn a whole new disc when I wanted to randomize my Xmas mp3s.

    BTW, the randomizing is, well, not very random. Lots of repeats and missed songs. I was not impressed - but this is really the only feature I haven't liked about the mp3 unit.

    I can't really answer your other two questions, sorry. I just did a straight replace of the OEM cd player for the mp3 unit. Not too difficult (DIY), and great results. Good luck!
  • wcollegenjwcollegenj Member Posts: 2
    I'm planning on buying a Mazda 6s at some point this year. I was all ready to put my money down on the table until I saw the Mazda 3 and its availability of a navigation system. Does anyone know if Mazda will be offering this on the US-spec 6's either this year or next year? I read somewhere that the Mazda 6 in Europe and other markets have it as an option (it goes in the upper dash storage compartment).
  • thegreatvudinithegreatvudini Member Posts: 103
    Yes, the euro-spec does have navi, but don't let that detract you from testing out the 6. Believe U me: it's an awesome car. Mine is a '03 6s AT with 8000 miles (in 7 months). It's still making me grin everytime I take it out for a spin.

    About the Navigation system, you can get stand-alone units now (Garmin, or add-on PDA modules) for much less than what they (car manufacturers) want, around $600. Plus, you can take it with you to other cars, etc. Think about that. In the meantime, zoom zoom!

    vudini
  • wcollegenjwcollegenj Member Posts: 2
    Yeah, I did think about getting a portable unit....but after seeing it in the 3, I was pretty much sold on it.I've test drove both the 3 and the 6 and I like both. In fact, after comparing specs, there really isn't too much difference in the interior volume of the two. Only 2 cu. ft. of interior space separate the two and the 3 is actually larger in some dimensions which only adds to my confusion.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    I LOVE the Eibach springs. Body roll was reduced by half. Grip went up substantially. Ride improved (somehow). Shocks are still adequate (only a minor 2nd oscillation, no biggie). The tires do not go off-camber in turns anymore, so they don't go up on their sidewalls. You can see how big the improvement is here. It even changes the car's roll couple towards a more oversteer-biased distribution. I cannot stress how much of an improvement the springs made.

    The Falken tires are ok; that's what I run. I bought 225/50/16's, H-rated. They're extremely quiet. Amazingly quiet. They're even more quiet than the OE 16's. What I most like about them is how amazingly progressive they are- it's easy to slide the car out- SAFELY- in daily driving situations. I've never ridden on a more progressive tire, it's like the car would have to be completely sideways before the tires gave up. Rain traction is great, snow traction mediocre. They're still an improvement over the OE 17's in every way, and an improvement over (or equal to) the OE 16's in every way BUT snow traction. All that for tires that cost half what the OE's would cost to replace.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    I've got the 17" wheels with OEM Michelins coming. The general consensus is that these tires suck in the winter. I don't want to have to buy a separate set of snows and rims; and I don't want to have to switch around 8 tires twice a year and incur all the costs of mounting and rebalancing every time.

    I'd like to just get the very best all-seasons and replace the Michelins. I seem to recall that Consumers Reports rated both the Yokohama and Goodrich Control T/As as having excellent performance in snow. Any other brand suggestions?

    But what then do I do with the OEM Michelins? How do you trade? Can you trade? How to sell them in the private market?

    Forgive my ignorance. I've never been in a situation before in which I had to take off practically brand-new tires. I'd like to get some money for them.

    Finally, as absurd as it seems, do you think that when my car arrives the dealer might swap my 17" wheels for 16s?. Seems to me the 16s might provide a quieter ride and new tires for it would be cheaper. The "look" of 17s is not a big deal for me. What would be the reasons for me to consider keeping them? Would the performance on country roads be radically better? I mean radically :)
  • pazakpazak Member Posts: 16
    I'm getting very close to buying a six, but can't find one appropriately colored and equipped without the rear wing spoiler. I hate it.

      Does anyone have any experience removing it?

      I'm willing to have a body shop take it off, fill the holes and re-paint the decklid, but I'm unsure how to compensate for the third brake light which is integrated into the spoiler. To stay legal I will probably have to come up with some sort of aftermarket brake light and have it mounted on the shelf. That likely means having to also route new wires.
  • cop414cop414 Member Posts: 68
    cheesehead-In reference to your comment about the OEM tires. I have the 17 inch Michelins, and I can attest that those tires are horrible in the snow. Don't even think about starting out on a snow covered roadway in 1st gear. Those tires make the car act like a rocket sled.
    I have about 18K on mine and I'll need to replace them this summer. Go to tire rack and check out the Continental Extreme Contacts-I've been reading the reviews for this tire and it sounds fantastic, not to mention the cost from tire rack is in the neighborhood of 90.00 each.
    Good luck.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    cop 414 for the ContiExtreme suggestion . I went to tirerack and looked. These seem like a good bet. I just have to have something that behaves decently in the snow. Part of the cost of living in the Great White North...
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Or you could always move to the Southwest like I did. ;)

    I still prefer FWD though, as it does snow here sometimes and I still have to go to work.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    You're a mind reader, 6s. My wife and I are going to Tucson later this month to visit some friends--but also to check it out!
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    Those Contis are nice, but in terms of VFM (Value For Money - based on price, mileage, including warranty, grip and All Season capability), overall, two tires spring to mind that are better buys ...
     The Falken Ziex ZE 512
     The Toyo Proxes (4?) (FZ4) or some such designation

     One of these will be on my wheels when the AWFUL Michelins wear out.

     Also, you can get on ebay or one of the various car discussion groups and post a For Sale ad for your tires. Post LOTS of pictures.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    Yes its been done. A good body shop should be able to safely plug the holes and color match the paint touch-up job.

    Also, check with your dealership, or online at one of teh places you can buy Mazda parts, like mazdastuff.com, mazdaparts etc. There IS a rear-deck brake light part number that you can special order, and it would go where the carpet patch now sits in the rear deck.

    Ideally, of course, find someone with a similar aged (for paint matching purposes) 6 of the same color who WANTS a cheap spoiler, or a free one! And get your dealer (or do it yourselves if you're adventurous and handy) to swap trunk lids and deck tail light assemblies! YES it CAN be done, I know someone whose dealer refused until Mazda intervened and said it could be done, and it was quite easy, apparently.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Tucson is good in March - not too hot yet. You should take a look at Albuquerque too. Gets a little windy in March though. ;)
  • thegreatvudinithegreatvudini Member Posts: 103
    What color is it? I have a yellow and don't mind a spoiler..

    vudini
  • pazakpazak Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the feedback. I'll get it removed by a local credible body shop if necessary. It didn't dawn on me to use a stock Mazda brake light. That should be easy enough to get.
     
      This all may be for nuthin anyway. I've been tracking inventories of all the dealers around me thru MazdaUSA and it just so happens that 2 cars with close to everything that I want, hit my area yesterday. Both without spoilers.
  • pazakpazak Member Posts: 16
    Sorry, but if I cut a deal on a car soon it is most likely to be gray or silver. That would probably clash with yellow.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    I know I'd love tos ee photos of a yellow 6 with grey trunk and spoiler, and a grey 6 with a yellow trunk ;)
  • zorzor Member Posts: 24
    stretchsje, very impressive handling improvement!

    Does anyone here know if the Eibach springs void the 6s warranty? If so, which aspects are voided?

    -Zor
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Mazda Mania

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    Liven up your evening and join your fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday from 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for our Mazda Mania Chat!

    We have another set of Mazda-related trivia questions this week, so be prepared! Hope to see YOU there on Tuesday!

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  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...a company rep for Tirerack is now participating in Tires, Tires, Tires. His username is "tirerack", of course. :-)
  • kylerckylerc Member Posts: 17
    Can someone explain what this is? I have been looking at other sites and they say it is cheaper then chrome or new ones. I can't tell the difference from pictures. What is the process.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    Polished ... I'd say they were sanded and buffed down (or the machining equivalent) instead of being coated in chrome.

    Won't be judegemental - but lets just say I don't care for the bling factor associated with chrome. Not to mention, badly done chroming can chip (rare these days, but there are SO MANY wheel manufacturers, its always a possibility). Polished wheels, on the other hand, can only lose their luster.

    If you're considering new wheels, make sure to search the web for photos of the kind of car you have, with the kinds of rims you think you'd like. Better than being dissatisfied with an expensive purchase!
  • kylerckylerc Member Posts: 17
    thanks for the info. Don't want to spend too much-my son will take the car in 1.5 years. Any idea of the cost of polishing?
  • cut_shotcut_shot Member Posts: 11
    Does anyone know of some custom seatcovers for the Mazda 6. I have some dogs and would like to perserve the seats if possible. thanks
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    ... but I've been helping a colleague research 3M protective film/treatments for his new Scooby Outback - to 'somewhat' protect them from his slobbering Labradors (that rhymes!).

    I'll post more info when I find out.

    You can always have custom seat covers made-to-order. Google the term, and also ask your local dealers where they go for custom leather work. And ask the folks to use vinyl/plastic or whatever material you prefer! Check your local Yellow Pages for more options too.
  • hot6hot6 Member Posts: 5
    I am looking to get some 17X7" Centerline forged wheels which weigh about 13 lbs, about 8lbs less than the OEMs (21.2 lbs). Only thing is that the offset is 42mm vs the OEM's 60mm. What would that do, if anything, to the car's handling?

    Hot 6
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Be sure to check out our Town Hall chat lineup for Tuesdays... First up, talk the latest in new automotive technology during the Hybrid Vehicles Chat from 12-1-6pmPT/3-4pm ET
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    Hybrid Vehicles Chat Room

    Immediately following at 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET, we keep the chat party going with the Mazda Mania chat.

    Mazda Mania Chat Room

    The Town Hall chats are a great place to take these message board topics LIVE. Hope to see you there this week!

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  • thejohnnythejohnny Member Posts: 1
    Ok, so my Fiance has the 03 Mazda 6s w/sport package right. Well it didn't come with 17" wheels (came with 16's), didn't have the EL guages, the driving lights in the headlights, or the titanium pieces on the window switches. Are these things supposed to be offered with the 6s with sport package? Help me out on this one.
  • mazdamax6mazdamax6 Member Posts: 1
    Hallo! I am max, new owner of mazda6 Headlights are lousy according to my view. Would like to install xenon lights 100w. Would they work better? How can i get instructions how to install them? or should i go for whole HID conversion?
  • ccwinslowccwinslow Member Posts: 29
    The 6s should come with 17s. The 6i comes with 16s. But to get the EL gauges, you have to order the luxury package, I think. That's according to the list of specs on the Mazda website. Don't know about the driving lights or titanium pieces.
  • cutemorganitecutemorganite Member Posts: 37
    The '03 Mazda6 with the sports package does come with 17" wheels, has the EL gauges, and titanium pieces. I have a Redfire Mazda6i that has all of those things. The packages are different for the '04 model.
  • shov6shov6 Member Posts: 177
    cutemorganite is right... At least as far as the '03s, you do NOT have a Sport package unless you have the 17's, the EL gauges, fog lights in the headlamp cluster, and the body kit (f/r fascias, side skirts, spoiler). As for the titanium pieces on the window switches, my '03 brochure doesn't specify if this is part of the Sport Package. Of course the brochure doesn't seem to mention the polished exhaust tips as part of the Sport Package, either, though I seem to remember it said that was part of the package on the window sticker.
  • shov6shov6 Member Posts: 177
    I just stumbled upon my actual window sticker, and sure enough, the "titanium" pieces were part of the Sport Package, too.
  • escortownerescortowner Member Posts: 132
    I am looking into getting a Mazda6 here soon, and I have a question about the stereo system. Basically, I am trying to decide if I should get a 6 with many options to get the Bose system, or to get a pretty basic one and put in an aftermarket stereo system myself (or at a shop).

    I can imagine that the Bose system sounds better. But, what kind of options do I have if I get the basic CD player?

    Do they make aftermarket players with Pre AMP outputs that can go behind their special console that is all integrated? In otherwords, has anyone (or has Mazda) made a stereo that can fit behind the console and connect to all the standard buttons so you don't have to cut out the console etc.?

    If they do, where can I get one?
  • grahambgrahamb Member Posts: 47
    There is no easy way to replace the mazda head unit with an aftermarket one. If you want to do it, it takes a lot of hours of custom work, and most people that have done it have lost their internal display...not good if you have the automatic climate control.

    A few companies are saying that they will release kits to install an aftermarket head unit this winter....but I think they keep pushing back the dates...

    If you're satisfied with the head unit and just want to add new speakers, that can be done.

    hope that helps.
  • escortownerescortowner Member Posts: 132
    Thanks. I have also read that there is an MP3 player available, but I am not sure. One dealer said it was, another said it wasn't.

    I do want to change out the speakers, but one thing I wanted to change out would be the amp and sub. But with the Bose system, I am not sure that can be done. Or without the bose for that matter. Anyone know if there are Pre Amp outputs on anything?

    Also, I read somewhere that if you replace the speakers it may burn out the amp or something like that. I am not sure about the validity of that statement.

    Anyone know about the MP3 PLayer situation?

    I definitely don't want to cut the face all up.

    Thanks for your comments though.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    There is an MP3 player available. It's an accessory that can be installed at the dealer, if it's not already included in some cars from the factory. The player installs in a cut-out underneath the CD player slot, and the finished product looks good.

    If I were you, I'd have the dealer include it as part of the sale of the car. Save you a few bucks that way...

    Good luck.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    I saw this mentioned on an earlier post that someone modified the taillights on their 6 so that BOTH sets of taillights activate when the brakes are applied, as compared to just the outer sets.

    How do I make this modification? Is is an easy mod?

    Thanks
  • civiceater4uciviceater4u Member Posts: 7
    i got the kenwood indash dvd and nav system. i know they dont have the parts for the console and i would have to go custom. im debating on putting it in the passenger side and leavin the stock system alone. my question is does anyone know if i can wire my system and the stock together through maybe a switch that way i dont lose the ability to use both. another thing, does anyone have wiring diagrams or where to find them cause i haven found any since i got my car last week.
       appreciate it
  • wilheldpwilheldp Member Posts: 3
    I have seen in TV commercials that the Mazda3 has a Navi system where the useless dashboard compartment is on the 6. Has anybody you know, or you yourself, taken the same components from the 3 and retrofitted them into the 6?

    I think that the Pioneer Navi system could be put into the 6, but it wouldn't look as good as something that was made for a Mazda-specific installation.
  • wtlwtl Member Posts: 11
    I have non sport package (with no fog lights)on my 6s wgn. There is a non-functional light on each side of head light set and my headlight switch doesn't have the fog light switch integrated with it.

    My question is, does anyone know (or done it already) how to DIY so that those two fog lights will be functional?

    What I'd like to do is to have fogs and headlight operated on the same switch, i.e. headlights on, fogs on; headlights off, fogs off.

    Any suggestion?
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    You have two options:

    You can order a set of foglights as a dealer accessory and either install them yourself or have the dealer do it. You can also check out Ebay, they usually have a few sets up for auction...

    Or, you can order a set of aftermarket foglights and install them yourself as well.

    I have the S with foglights, but my buddy has one without them, and it seems that you could possibly install the foglights inside the headlamp assembly, but I may be wrong about that. My suggestion is to install them inside the lower front grilles, to avoid any hassles with the headlamp units.
  • wtlwtl Member Posts: 11
    After double check on the headlight assembly, there really isn't much space to work with. there are just full of stuffs that are installed very closed to the headlight assemble in the engine compartment.

    I may be a lot easier to just add a set of fogs on the lower front grille. I think I will get some repair mannual from MAZDA first before I start putting some money on this kind of mod. Thanks,
  • mak1mak1 Member Posts: 1
    Hey guys,

    i need a mazda6 full repair manual (not a book).

    Does anyone know an address in the internet.

    Of course i nedd a free of charge.

    thanks...
  • jtdrummer33jtdrummer33 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a portable mp3 player and I'm trying to figure out how to hook it up to my M6 stereo without using one of those bulky FM transmitters.

    I'd like to get it setup through the TAPE/MD harness and just run a wire from the back of the stereo to my headphone jack- has anyone done anything like this before or know how/if it can be done? thanks, JT
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