2014/Next-generation Mazda 3 mega-thread

[$lickology]

Will do

[Cudgel]

Does anyone know what spoiler this is and whether you can provide a part #?

He has the OEM rear spoiler add on.

Part number is QBMN-51-9N0.

[$lickology]

When I installed my updated SD map card this morning my nav screen reverted back to the compass screen? So I restored the update to previous version and then reinstalled the current map update again just tried it and it worked. I checked the nav info then the about section, this is what that screen shows.....anyone else?

[unknown]

When I installed my updated SD map card this morning my nav screen reverted back to the compass screen? So I restored the update to previous version and then reinstalled the current map update again just tried it and it worked. I checked the nav info then the about section, this is what that screen shows.....anyone else?

I didn't have that problem. The updated OEM SD card worked for me as well as a 16GB class 10 card where I restored the backup (updated). I am currently running with the 16GB card and I can check what the nav info says in the about section after I get off work. Though should it say something like 2014 october somewhere?

[$lickology]

Well I'm just glad it's working cause man does it ever take long to complete

[unknown]

Well I'm just glad it's working cause man does it ever take long to complete

The download took forever! There's 4GB in the download cache for the Mazda Toolbox... Guess I should look into a faster internet connection.

[unknown]

The nav info screen shows the same thing on mine. Anti-grain geometry v. 2.4. Would be nice if they put some indication of what date the maps are from. Like oct 2014 would be nice

[ooltra]

Updating my SD card now. Hopefully I don't have issues, as I am still getting the sporadic usb freeze up / nav system disconnecting once or twice a week. Although turning the car off for 2 minutes seems to fix it, it's still annoying. Maybe that issue is addressed in this update, but it sounds like it's only a map update.

[ooltra]

@$lickology @unknown I updated the sd card on the computer which said it was successful with zero errors, went out to the car and plugged it back in. I started the car up, and basically it just said something like SD Card Nav detected, and a couple seconds later my navigation was back up and working. no sort of updating screen, nothing like what you guys posted. I checked the version and it said it's 33.0.500 ... does it sound like it actually updated?

[unknown]

@$lickology @unknown I updated the sd card on the computer which said it was successful with zero errors, went out to the car and plugged it back in. I started the car up, and basically it just said something like SD Card Nav detected, and a couple seconds later my navigation was back up and working. no sort of updating screen, nothing like what you guys posted. I checked the version and it said it's 33.0.500 ... does it sound like it actually updated?

Sounds fine. That's pretty much how mine went. There was no updating screen. That screen @$lickology posted was just the info -> about screen for the nav which doesn't seem to say much since it doesn't have a version or anything for the maps. I don't know how to tell if the maps are actually updated except for putting the SD card into Mazda Toolbox.

33.0.500 is the version of the infotainment system and not the maps. Last time I looked on the card there was a bunch of binary files (some digital signatures), a few zip files and a few text files. Some version files in some zip files but didn't make sense to me and I didn't bother spending time on it as long as the maps work.

[ooltra]

Sounds fine. That's pretty much how mine went. There was no updating screen. That screen @$lickology posted was just the info -> about screen for the nav which doesn't seem to say much since it doesn't have a version or anything for the maps. I don't know how to tell if the maps are actually updated except for putting the SD card into Mazda Toolbox.

33.0.500 is the version of the infotainment system and not the maps. Last time I looked on the card there was a bunch of binary files (some digital signatures), a few zip files and a few text files. Some version files in some zip files but didn't make sense to me and I didn't bother spending time on it as long as the maps work.

Got it, so this was literally a maps update as opposed to an infotainment system update. that makes much more sense. thanks!

[ESSYMOND]

He has the OEM rear spoiler add on.

Part number is QBMN-51-9N0.

Thanks for the info! Is this add-on included in the Aero Pack?

[Firefox444]

Has anyone else with a 2014/2015 GT had an issue where the auto brightness of their Active Driving Display (aka "heads up display") seems to change for no reason? I understand if it gets cloudy, etc., but it seems to occassionally get brighter/darker on me while driving on a sunny day.

I know that I could always change it to manual brightness, but I do like the fact that it dims at night.

[civuck]

Has anyone else with a 2014/2015 GT had an issue where the auto brightness of their Active Driving Display (aka "heads up display") seems to change for no reason? I understand if it gets cloudy, etc., but it seems to occassionally get brighter/darker on me while driving on a sunny day.

I know that I could always change it to manual brightness, but I do like the fact that it dims at night.

Yep.

[ooltra]

Music ****ing froze again in the car twice today. this is starting to really get annoying. Going to have to book an appointment even though it's probably a software issue.

[vcshox66]

Anyone hardwire dashcams into the m3?
any suggestions as to what to get and who get do the service?

Does it void any type or warranty? do you need to take it out when you go in for service?

[S.F.W.]

Anyone hardwire dashcams into the m3?
any suggestions as to what to get and who get do the service?

Does it void any type or warranty? do you need to take it out when you go in for service?

Many members have used Motormaniac and Lockdown to hardwire dashcams. Look in their sponsor section.s

[ooltra]

Anyone hardwire dashcams into the m3?
any suggestions as to what to get and who get do the service?

Does it void any type or warranty? do you need to take it out when you go in for service?

I recently emailed mazda canada to ask them this same question. I provided a couple different ways I was considering having the camera installed, and this is what they had to say in regards to it:

Thank you for contacting Mazda Canada!

Please be advised, any modifications to your vehicle with aftermarket products will only void warranty in the event a future repair is caused by the aftermarket installation.

Sincerely,
José
Customer Relations Coordinator
MAZDA CANADA INC
800.263.4680
[SR Number: 1-15951226]

[Victorminator]

Has anyone else with a 2014/2015 GT had an issue where the auto brightness of their Active Driving Display (aka "heads up display") seems to change for no reason? I understand if it gets cloudy, etc., but it seems to occassionally get brighter/darker on me while driving on a sunny day.

I know that I could always change it to manual brightness, but I do like the fact that it dims at night.

I don't believe I ever experienced the issue but the Calibration setting may have something to do with it. I have it increased for nighttime improved brightness actually.

[Firefox444]

I don't believe I ever experienced the issue but the Calibration setting may have something to do with it. I have it increased for nighttime improved brightness actually.

Yeah, that's what I did too. I cranked it up a notch or two, and the change seems to be less noticeable.

I have to say, despite the doubts that some people had, I quite like the ADD. I almost never look down at the digital speedometer now.

[Victorminator]

Yeah, that's what I did too. I cranked it up a notch or two, and the change seems to be less noticeable.

I have to say, despite the doubts that some people had, I quite like the ADD. I almost never look down at the digital speedometer now.

I love it too. I was mostly worried about how easy it is to lose sight of it when moving your head, but it actually isn't that bad and you learn to work with it, and if anything it also promotes good head-up centered posture.
I find it ridiculous when people pan it without either trying it, or giving it more than an hour of driving to get used to it. I can't imagine wanting another car without a HUD in general now.

And most importantly, the reactions people have when I put on the salesman hat and ask them to sit in the driver seat and press Start and look forward is priceless. I've never had so much amazed reactions out of people than with this car's HUD. Leaves one helluva first impression.

[Cyclic]

Anyone hardwire dashcams into the m3?
any suggestions as to what to get and who get do the service?

Does it void any type or warranty? do you need to take it out when you go in for service?

@vcshox66 I hardwired my dashcam to my front driver side fuse panel. I always feel nervous about tasks I have never done before but was stupidly amazed at how simple and easy it was and thought who would waste money to pay someone else to do this?
This is what I ordered for my mini usb dashcam. If you are using a micro usb dashcam, get the 0803 kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-0801-Ca...item1c434115a4

I highly doubt that hardwiring a dash cam would void any warranty. It's a simple job of attaching the ground wire to the bolt and tapping the fuse. And fuses are used to protect the car so it's unlikely, if it's even possible, to damage your car to void warranty.

[unknown]

@vcshox66 I hardwired my dashcam to my front driver side fuse panel. I always feel nervous about tasks I have never done before but was stupidly amazed at how simple and easy it was and thought who would waste money to pay someone else to do this?
This is what I ordered for my mini usb dashcam. If you are using a micro usb dashcam, get the 0803 kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-0801-Ca...item1c434115a4

I highly doubt that hardwiring a dash cam would void any warranty. It's a simple job of attaching the ground wire to the bolt and tapping the fuse. And fuses are used to protect the car so it's unlikely, if it's even possible, to damage your car to void warranty.

Did you route the wires up through the A-pillar and behind the headliner? I haven't figured out how to remove the A-pillar but perhaps Mazda is more worried about interfering with the airbags in there or something.

[gta_driver]

Did you route the wires up through the A-pillar and behind the headliner? I haven't figured out how to remove the A-pillar but perhaps Mazda is more worried about interfering with the airbags in there or something.

You don't need to remove the a-pillar cover, you just need to pull it enough along the edge to tuck the wire in.

[Cyclic]

Did you route the wires up through the A-pillar and behind the headliner? I haven't figured out how to remove the A-pillar but perhaps Mazda is more worried about interfering with the airbags in there or something.

You don't need to remove the a-pillar cover, you just need to pull it enough along the edge to tuck the wire in.

@unknown gta_driver is correct. You don't need to remove it. It takes barely any force to pull the headliner down a bit to push the wire in. The A pillar is easy as well. I used a flat head screw driver to give it enough space to tuck it inside. No damage was done. The A pillar cover tucked nicely and did not leave any gap from the wire. I wired it outside to the rubber lining of the door. Just pull the rubber off the frame of the door and tuck the wire inside and push the rubber back on the frame. 99% of the wiring is hidden. Just choose the right fuse for your needs. I used the #11 fuse that turns on with ignition.