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Mazda6 Accessories and Modifications

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Comments

  • eskili74eskili74 Member Posts: 2
    hi,
    I bought a 07 mazda6 s sports touring 212hp v6 with 2 miles on. Currently it has 145 miles. when I start the car and leave it in park to warm it it have very light knockings. is that normal on new cars?
  • iviaxiviax Member Posts: 2
    Just an idea:
    Are you using the recommended fuel for your car? (If your owners manual says to use Premium 93, you should use that. I don't know about the mazda6's, but the mazdaspeed6's require premium.) If you put in the wrong fuel into the car (lower grade than the owner manual says), you will hear engine knocking, but it usually happens while you're driving.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    The MS6 requires premium (93+). The 4-cyl and V6 are tuned for 87.
  • eskili74eskili74 Member Posts: 2
    in the manual it is written 87 or above, so I use the 93+. I went back to the dealership and had it inspected but they said everything looks fine. I am going to try and use 87 in the next 2 fills. thanks
  • werm9werm9 Member Posts: 8
    kala8ee. where did you see this "accessory socket" I have a m6 on order and want a audio input but I couldn't find it when I test drove one.
  • kala8eekala8ee Member Posts: 8
    It was just a 12V socket in the storage compartment (between the driver's seat and passenger seat).
  • scottmsimpsonscottmsimpson Member Posts: 66
    This car is pretty loaded: Auto Climate, Bose, sunroof, leather, rear wing, autodim mirrors, etc. I'm wondering about changing the mirror to one with HomeLink built in, and I also saw a brochure about a device or something that allows ipod's and such to input into the stereo. Anyone done either of these upgrades?
  • evaddaveevaddave Member Posts: 156
    I installed the iPod Adapter into my Speed 6. It treats the iPod like an external CD changer. It locks out the iPod buttons and puts the Mazda logo on the iPod screen, so you sorta have to guess what playlist (or artist, song, genre, whatever) you're on.

    The instructions show how to install it so that the iPod sits in the glove compartment. I keep too much junk in there, so I wanted to run the cable to the top half of the center console. I was able to make it work, although in order to do so, I had to cut a hole in the console. The wires were just long enough.

    There are quite a few different options for adding iPods and such to your stereo. Do a search on your favorite search engine, and you'll find discussions on the options out there.
  • m6s1m6s1 Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a 2007 Mazda 6S. I just took the 3 yr. or 36,000 mi. coverage warranty. I would like to add some more horsepower (I think mine is at 212 right now). Will adding say a cool air intake or other modification void my warranty?
    I would appreciate any info on this, also any other suggestions on how to add some more horses or speed if I can.
  • jcotyjjcotyj Member Posts: 3
    I am wanting to put cold air intake in my 2006 6 s but I dont know alot about best brands or getting a good product but not spending a ton? What if any do you guys suggest? any help????
  • zzzoom6zzzoom6 Member Posts: 425
    there is a mazdaspeed CAI, but it's essentially a rebadged AEM model. the mazdaspeed one is warranty friendly, but the model made by CPE seems to get the most power and causes the least amount of cel's. it also costs the most... bang for your buck though, the mazdaspeed is a good deal for around 250-ish which I've seen on some mazda6 websites.
  • zzzoom6zzzoom6 Member Posts: 425
    I also saw a brochure about a device or something that allows ipod's and such to input into the stereo. Anyone done either of these upgrades?

    I installed what is called an "auxmod" about 6 months ago (around $50) and it works great. The installation could be pretty intimidating for a newbie, but there are websites that will show you pictures of what to do step by step. Anyway, I printed all the pages and went to work and found it was really very easy. Just a little time consuming since I didn't want to make any mistakes...

    But now I have an input in the center console and in the center glove box (the one above the stereo) since I used a splitter. I use one for when I use my gps w/ mp3 capability - nice since the music mutes when voice commands are given from the gps unit and the voices come out my car speakers so it's easier to hear. But the gps unit I have is really a crappy mp3 player, so the center console input is great for when I want to use my better mp3 player.

    Basically, you have to remove a few parts from the interior (cup holder, shift console, glove box screw (hard to explain w/ out pics), and the stereo/ hvac faceplate). It took me a couple hours to do after reading the how-to's.
  • todogg9todogg9 Member Posts: 2
    I have a Mazda 6 2004. The battery was disconneted and now my radio beeps every time I change the station. Does anyone know the button sequence to turn th beep off?
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    To turn off the beep do the following:

    1. Turn off the radio
    2. Press and hold the "seek"-down button
    3. Press and hold the "5" button until a beep confirms the setting

    The beep should be gone for all radio controls but not for the climate controls.
  • todogg9todogg9 Member Posts: 2
    Thank You that worked !
  • seanakioseanakio Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone have 19"s on there m6. If so how is the ride and was there and mods to get them on?
  • dateachadateacha Member Posts: 13
    I don't have them, but I would think 19s would be almost guaranteed to give you a harsher ride. Around here, the short sidewalls would mean bent rims in short order -- it's pothole season.

    Does anyone know of a source for the little clip-on parts that fit on the back of the headlights? The white plastic piece that allows you to use a phillips screwdriver to adjust the lights is what I'm talking about. I just had my lights replaced at dealer cost since the dust/moisture cover sockets were damaged, and even the new lights come with only one of these little angle drives. The lights will accept 3 more on each side and having them would make adjusting the lights almost easy. The dealer says they are not available as a part, the junkyards around here don't have any, and neither do the body shops. Apparently all the 6 drivers are being good and not wrecking their cars. :D
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I love my 18" 48 offset with 235 tire width. looks perfect on the car. in fact it can stand it's own against a merc parked next to it with those wheels.
  • zzzoom6zzzoom6 Member Posts: 425
    there are some guys who have switched to 19's on mazda6club ... you may want to check out their comments over there. look for the wheels/ tires section and you should find some answers there. but be ready to roll your fenders!
  • ccd1ccd1 Member Posts: 140
    I've had the M6 for a week which is loaded GTs and have the following impressions:

    1) My car came with 18" wheels and Pirelli P Zeros. Can't see bigger wheels. Probably much more wheels and tires than the power of the car justifies

    2) Don't see the big deal about Homelink. Programming seems to be a PITA and I have an extra garage door opener

    3) Bose 200 watt stereo is seriously underwhelming. Considering speaker upgrades and an amp as well. This stereo should sound much better than it does. This is probably the biggest disappointment with the car other than the desire for more power
  • atc717atc717 Member Posts: 1
    This forum is amazing and very helpful. Just a couple quick questions..I have a 2005 Mazda 6S. I just turned 30K on miles and my tires are almost shot. I might have a couple thousand left at best. The stock tires are Michelin Pilot's HX MXM4
    (P215/05 R17 93V). What are good replacements. Does Michelin build a better tire for the car? Just curious what other people were replacing with..I'm not looking for high performance..just something that will last with a nicer ride. It seems like tires are an issue for this car collectively. Thanks for the help.
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Check out Tirerack.com. You'll find tons of information about tires, and can enter your specific make and model to get the tires in your size, along with lots of test results and survey results, helping you find the tire best suited for your needs.

    My replacements for my '04 6 were Yokohama Avid W4S, in the stock size, but a higher performance tire than the stock Michelins were. Excellent tires IMO.

    A few things to keep in mind: I'd recommend H-speed rated or better, with a load rating of 91 or greater. Also, even if you don't go for Yokos, there are plenty of other quality choices that are just as good (or better) than Michelins (quieter, longer- lasting, better handling) at a fraction of the price of the Michelins.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    My wife is not satisfied with the sound(she says it's tinny) of the stock unit in our 07 Mazda6 SV I4 auto. There are a number of aftermarket head units that incorporate bluetooth for cell phones and coordinate it with the car's audio system. I saw a good review on CNET of a Sony unit and I think it was about $250 for the unit. I'd be interested if anyone has replaced their stock unit with a replacement head unit that has bluetooth. How well does it work? How much was installation? Any other info would be great. We are not looking for huge sound or anything just a better sounding system. Thanks.
  • ktlfamktlfam Member Posts: 1
    I can't answer your question but I too am very disappointed in my 07 Mazda 6 six speaker cd changer system. The bass is dead. It sounds like a thud. There is no deep bass resonation like I had with my Infinity system in my Jeep Liberty. The Mazda treble is tinny and after listening to the radio or a cd for a while, I just have to shut it off because the poor sound quality drives me nuts. I am looking for information on how to improve the sound quality with an amp or something. Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone upgraded their system to improve the sound quality?
  • scottmsimpsonscottmsimpson Member Posts: 66
    I just put General Exclaim UHP's on our 2005 6s. These are summer tires. We have a set of Blizzaks for winter. Great tires, quiet, great turn in, haven't been able to make them squeal around sharp turns yet. They had a $50 gift card offer, but it ended earlier in August. $87 each from Tire Rack.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I know what you mean. I have a Tundra with stock system, nothing fancy at all that sounds a whole lot better than my Mazda. I listen to talk radio a lot so I didn't really notice it all that much until my wife pointed it out and then I compared the two and the Tundra's sounds great in comparison. It's quite a shame. That's why I am interested in this Sony head unit that incorporates bluetooth for your cell phone. I don't really want to get into installing amps and subwoofers and new speakers and all that but I would like some nicer sound and bluethooth would be great too. Hopefully, somone will read this and have some ideas.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Not being a sound system connoisseur, I don't have a problem with the stock set-up, but isn't the weak link in any system most often the speakers? I don't know that you would gain much by changing the electronics and keeping the speakers.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I'm in the same boat and I don't know the answer. That's why I hope that someone that does know sees this and responds. There sure are a lot of aftermarket head units for sale that wouldn't make much sense to buy if all you had to do was change some speakers to get better sound. Like I said I didn't really notice the sound problem until my wife pointed it out. She was right. OMG I said it. ;)
  • blonkyblonky Member Posts: 1
    Thank you! Finally someone who knows what they are talking about. If you are not happy with the sound, you must get new speakers, you can have all the fancy head equipment, but the speakers will still sound the same. I myself have an '05 mazda 6 S GT with the bose sound system and it sounds amazing, even though it has the same head unit as a non-bose system, the speakers are what make it sound good. And if you were too cheap to upgrade to bose, then you should be happy with the quality you got, and seeing that you aren't, you are now going to have to spend the same amount, if not more on new equipment and speakers. But if you do want better sound quality, you must get new speakers- bottom line.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Finally someone who knows what they are talking about

    If you've been reading this thread(as it appears you have since you use the term "Finally") why didn't you answer the question in the first place. I've never had a problem with the stock radio in any vehicle I've ever bought and I actually didn't have a problem with this system. My wife is more of an audiophile than me which is why I'm even considering it and I was thinking about the bluetooth at the same time.

    And if you were too cheap to upgrade to bose, then you should be happy with the quality you got, and seeing that you aren't, you are now going to have to spend the same amount, if not more on new equipment and speakers.

    BTW, I see you're a new member. We don't usually call each other cheap when we have no idea what we are talking. Did I say I have a problem with paying more? Have you never purchased anything where later on you wished you had upgraded? I could call you arrogant but I won't because I don't why you came off so smartass. Maybe you were just having a bad day. Well, have good one.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    JLAudio did a check on the Mazda6 stock head unit couple of years ago and expressed their amazement at the signal quality that it produced. JLAudio also said that it has never seen such clean signals from factory oem head unit.
    So I went ahead and changed the speakers and put silk tweeters and infinty woofers.
    The sound is so clean and stereo imaging is gorgeous. All I need now is a subwoofer.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Tks for the info. That's all I was looking for was somebody that knew more than me to provide some decent inof. Maybe a stupid question but why do you feel you need a subwoofer on top of the new speakers?
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    'cause the woofers don't bring the roof down :)

    Seriously, even allrange speakers are OK. but we add tweeters to enhance the upper freq. similarly, we need the subwoofer for the low end.
  • s1monxsayzs1monxsayz Member Posts: 2
    I got the 09 mazda i GT with Bose System. Bose is a huge disappointment.......... Clarity? whats clarity, this system is only clear when you have it at a low volume. Once you turn it up, everything becomes distorted. (my tweeters blew and i did not even bump the volume up that high)
    occasionally, the system would shut off and turns back on while i'm driving.

    I want to upgrade my system without putting an extra sub in the trunk, any suggestions?
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Nope...

    Bose is a very complicated setup. If you want to have something else, you should have opted for standard audio, and then upgraded.
  • oxoxoxox Member Posts: 7
    my destination point is always off from the actual place. it can be off by a few houses or even by one block..wth!
    anyone experiencing this on their stock nav? called dealer & they dont got a clue. do i have a defect nav unit?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    When crossing an intersection, does it accurately show your location?
  • oxoxoxox Member Posts: 7
    it accurately shows my car's position no matter where i'm at, so i guess the gps receiver is fine. i'm suspecting could it be a faulty map disc?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Faulty by design, maybe. Map data is not accurate down to the address (or parcel) between indexes and they can't tell you where the driveway is located on that parcel anyway. So, until they get parcel data into those maps (don't hold your breath), NAV systems will do that to you.

    You still gotta have street skilz, yo.
  • oxoxoxox Member Posts: 7
    [quote]So, until they get parcel data into those maps (don't hold your breath), NAV systems will do that to you.
    [/quote]
    dang..this sux
  • crasht51crasht51 Member Posts: 9
    I recently purchased an 09 Mazda6 with navigation. Must say it is woefully lacking in Shopping POIs, especially in comparison to the Garmin Nuvi we have in my wife's car. Only Shopping categories are Grocery Stores and Malls. Here are a few businesses it does not contain entries for:: Lowes, Home Depot, Sports Authority. This is the only item in which I am disappointed; the rest of the car is great. I sent an e-mail to Mazda expressing my dissatisfaction.
  • oxoxoxox Member Posts: 7
    yea, the car is great other than the nav problem~~maybe all mazda owner w/ nav should write mazda a letter & let them know this problem.
  • prochieprochie Member Posts: 11
    There is a gitter deliberately built into the GPS system. Unless you are working for DOD and dropping smart bombs on unfriendly(s) you won't be able to get an exact position. The system works for us regular folk like a baton pass-off with a random gitter. As you pass a particular parcel or half-way point and the GPS will mark where you have been for sure and then start randomizing where you could be based on your direction. A major intersection will be a fairly accurate gauge of how well your map is working. If you have a GPS for bikes and joggers you can have some nerd-like fun and actually see how the algorithm works in practice. Wow dude... how do I know this kind of crap? I need to get some sleep.
  • mic1079mic1079 Member Posts: 4
    anyone know how i can turn off the odometer in an 09 6. is it just a fuse or do i have to go behind the dash
  • 09mazda6owner09mazda6owner Member Posts: 1
    Who could we send this to? I have my 200 dollar garmin in the car still so that I have a real nav device when I really need it. If you're looking at a new 2009 Mazda 6, bypass the 2000 nav system, it's a piece of crap, get a garmin nuvi instead.
  • barry626barry626 Member Posts: 78
    Not a clue why so many are having problems with their navs?
    Mine works just fine & gets me perfectly everywhere I want to go.
    Yes POI is not the best & so what? there's much more to navigation!
    I like having my Radio, Sirius, Bluethooth Phone + Audio on big screen!
  • ronny77ronny77 Member Posts: 4
    Has Mazda improved their IPod integration kit since 2007? I would like to be able to integrate my IPod into a 2009 Mazda6 factory audio system. My girlfriend's CX-7 has the "IPod kit" and its crap. Does not allow you to go from song to song, makes you set up playlists to hear songs, etc.

    Ideally, I would like to display song info on the Navi screen. Is that possible?

    Is the 2009 dealer installed accessory improved?
  • sg8sg8 Member Posts: 2
    Can you tell me more about how the sattelite radio and bluetooth interface with the nav system?
    Specifically:
    1. Does Satellite radio display the song/artist/station/information on the nav display? The standard interface (on vehicles w/o nav) displays radio data on the LED panel where the clock and the trip computer are located - and it is pretty weak.
    2. Does the buetooth/phone inteface import your entire address book from your mobile device at once - or do you need to add contacts one by one?
    3. Is there any other advantages the nav interface, and what is the most annoying thing about it?
    thanks
    sg
  • oxoxoxox Member Posts: 7
    1.satellite info does display on the nav screen, but only under the sat audio menu. if your using navigation you wont see those info.

    2.yes it imports the entire phone book from mobile device.

    3. advantage- bt-audio is great, no messy wires from my blackberry to car audio system, i can't think of any other advantages other than this feature.

    dislikes-
    1. crappy navigation software- i did notice this mazda system tends to take longer/weird route than acura's nav system (& yes, i've the settings right)
    2. poor screen resolution/display quality.
    3. poor choice of display color- it turns into night mode whenever headlights are on & in night mode the map screen is black with dark grey roads..wtf, its really hard to see anything at night. if i use daytime setting its too bright at night and kept on having glare in my right eye which is annoying. (btw i tried to turn brightness/contrast all the way up @ night n it only got worse)
  • sg8sg8 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the quick response.
    I would not expect the nav system to be as good as a garmin portable (they never are) or maybe even an acura. I like to have it as a back up.

    Having used the system for a while, would you have opted to purchase the system again if you had the transaction to do over?
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