Mazda Connect: Update to get Apple CarPlay?

"mazda616" (mazda616) 09/03/2019 at 16:49 • Filed to: Apple CarPlay, Mazda

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Mazda owner question. I figured some other Oppos might know the answer.

Mazda has introduced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for new models and the 2016+ Mazda6 can be upgraded to have the feature(s).

Does anyone know the going rate for having the Apple CarPlay update done? I have a 2016 Mazda6 Touring, and as far as I know, it has never had the Mazda Connect software updated (unless the dealership did it when I went there for oil changes and tire rotations and just didn’t tell me). It doesn’t really give me any issues, so I never bothered with having it updated - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Anyway, I want Apple CarPlay. I found the Mazda verified part on Amazon for $160.00. And I called the dealer I got the car from and they want $240.00 to install it. That seems a bit high to me, since all they’re doing is updating the software and installing a new USB port as the current one doesn’t give enough amps for the CarPlay/Android Auto system.

Has anyone else had this done for less? Is it even worth it?

Mazda Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Retrofit Kit 0000-8F-Z34, TK78-66-9U0C

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I’m a little leery of doing the upgrade(s) myself, as one of the possible outcomes is a bricked infotainment system - which sucks, because the software to do the update is available online  through several forums.

Thoughts, Oppo?

Khalbali > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:08

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I worked as a Mazda tech and I know a couple people that did mods on their Mazda connects and didn't have any issues, there's all kinds of custom stuff you can do. I think the hackers had car play and Android auto working before Mazda did, and without upgrading the port at all. I've been looking into it myself and I'm kinda torn on it, I don't have access to the Mazda tech site anymore to download the updates from Mazda direct. On the one hand, it's easy enough to diy and I'm about 99.5% sure it would be fine, but on the other hand is it really worth the chance to save a couple hundred bucks? If you do try it, by all means let me know how it goes, I don't have a Mazda anymore but am looking at getting a 2014-18 Mazda 3 for my wife and want to add it too, but again not sure if it's worth DIYing or just take it to the dealer.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:12

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You can totally get it done, a couple hundred bucks is the cost.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:15

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My dad has a Mazda6 like yours and he bought the part did it himself. He said it was really simple.

MrSnrub > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:17

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I’d absolutely do it for $240. I use it for Google Maps all the time, and the ability to scrub through music or podcasts in 15sec intervals is nice too (not sure if Mazda can do that outside of Carplay, but VW can’t)

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:29

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Given that you found the part for $160, $240 sounds about right for having the dealer install it. $80 is less than they charge for an hour of labor and the tech is going to have to pull apart the center console/dash in order to install it. To me it sounds well worth it to pay the $240 to the dealer to have them install the part. That way you guarantee you are getting a genuine Mazda part, you know that Mazda won’t have any excuse to deny you a warranty claim for any infotainment issues you may ever face, and the inevitable squeaks and rattles that pop up with interior work will be the dealer’s problem to fix instead of yours. As a bonus they might even vacuum your car for you when they are done.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:30

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Interesting, when it was announced we debated it for our CX-5 and had decided to largely ignore  it for the cost.  Looks like it might go back into the budget.

promoted by the color red > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 17:30

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It requires updating over USB, which isn’t hard, but you’ll have to pull the dash apart, which isn’t necessarily for the faint of heart . Personally it doesn’t offer enough over an $8 magnetic phone mount for my sake but $80 seems a fair price to have a dealership do it. 

mazda616 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/03/2019 at 18:02

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No. They want $240.00 JUST to install it. If he out $400.00 total including the part.

mazda616 > promoted by the color red 09/03/2019 at 18:03

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No. They want $240.00 JUST to install it. If he out $400.00 total including the part.

promoted by the color red > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 18:15

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Oh yikes, that’s crazy. Time to get online and do-it-yourself then. 

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 18:29

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My install was free, because the 2018s were supposed to have them from the factory, but didn’t. So when I went in for my first service, they asked if I could stay an extra two and a half hours, so they could install what was SUPPOSED to be on the car.

Seeing as yours is longer in the tooth than mine, I doubt the dealer will do as such for you. But considering the 2.5 hours of labor, the $240 install charge makes sense.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 18:50

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Shop a couple of other dealers in the area to see what they ask for it? You never know...

404 - User No Longer Available > promoted by the color red 09/03/2019 at 19:09

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Makes me wonder if anything are on the torrents yet. I mean if I can find GM eSI and BMW ISTA-D and Esys easily...

Bkkbroiler > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 19:15

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I actually just had it done last week at the dealer for $399 (original parts and labor) for my 2016 Mazda 6 Grand Touring after debating for several months.  I really enjoy having the Android Auto. I heard that the Apple Car Play is even better. It’s well worth the money.

Chariotoflove > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 20:15

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It’s possible you could get it installed cheaper at Car Toys or some such place.  The dealer is usually a premium for service.

john > promoted by the color red 09/03/2019 at 20:43

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North Penn Mazda in PA does the installation, including parts and labor for $300 plus tax

JMordu becoming “savethemilanos” > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 21:20

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We did it on my dad’s 2017 6 for his birthday this year. Compared the local dealers as he preferred we have it done at a dealer. $400 is about the going rate, we got it done for a bit less but got quotes much higher as well.

Might get it for a bit less if you call a couple dealers and don’t bring your own part, I’d expect they’d charge less to install their part than yours, but dealers be crazy so who knows. 

P5guy now GTIguy > mazda616 09/03/2019 at 23:23

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$400 seems in line or bit lower than what my dad was quoted here in northern IL. He didn't go through with it. 

Wantomless > mazda616 09/04/2019 at 00:56

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I also have a 2016 Mazda 6 and just did this update myself a few weeks ago, there are very detailed and easy to follow guides on how to do the software update as well as upgrading the hardware online. I was quoted 400 for the install from the dealership as well, so for the 160 dollar part on Amazon and about an hour and a half of my time I saved a ton in the long run. Try to not be intimidated by the thought of doing an update like this yourself, it’s extremely easy to do with very little chance of ruining anything. 

jarechiga > mazda616 09/04/2019 at 01:32

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I’ve seen the installation videos. Totally worth paying $ 250 for someone else to do it.

Local dealers charge between $ 500 down to $ 400 with birthday discount.

Still not worth it in my opinion:Mazda connect maps are good enough. Bluetooth audio is good enough. Adroid auto does not work well with the clicking wheel.

I would expect to pay $500 to go from FM Radio only  to carplay/Android auto with a touchscreen. Not for a USB cable and a memory module.

Nick S > mazda616 09/04/2019 at 01:58

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That doesn’t sound right. I think his post is just confusing us, or he misinterpreted. They probably won’t use the part he brings, they’re an official dealership and need to use their own on-hand parts. I paid $200 total  for the install, that included the part. I’ve seen others pay $300. So $240 for the part +install sounds right. 

Nick S > mazda616 09/04/2019 at 01:58

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That doesn’t sound right. I think his post is just confusing us, or he misinterpreted. They probably won’t use the part he brings, they’re an official dealership and need to use their own on-hand parts. I paid $200 total for the install, that included the part. I’ve seen others pay $300. So $240 for the part +install sounds right.  

Nick S > mazda616 09/04/2019 at 02:00

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I paid $200 here in Austin. $240 isn’t bad. I’ve seen others pay $300.

I’m assuming that’s their cost for the part+install rather than agreeing to use a part you bought online, so it shouldn’t be $400 total.

mazda616 > Nick S 09/04/2019 at 06:50

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She said with the part and the install, it’s $550.00. With just the install, it’s $240.00.

mazda616 > Nick S 09/04/2019 at 06:51

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The service advisor literally said  with the part and the install, it’s $550.00. With just the install, it’s $240.00.

Mazda > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/07/2019 at 10:50

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Central GA dealership wanted $600 for part/install. so, I installed it myself. Then, they wanted $240 for installing software. So, I installed that myself too. Thieving bastards as far as I’m concerned. 2019 car should’ve come with it.