2008 Mazda 3 GT Head Unit question

[schmidtj]

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 GT with a basic stereo that has an SAT button that apparently is useless. Have spoke to my local Mazda dealer and even attempted to have a sirirus satellite module installed but it did not work. The module is only good for a 2008.5 and up which they found out after the fact. Anyhow, don't want an aftermarket as I do like having such a simple feature as my temp control. Would like to have a satellite funtion in my head unit and if there are other features too great. Does anyone know if a 2009 Mazda 3 (Luxury Package) head unit will fit into and actually function 100% in my 2008 Mazda 3? Any other suggestions would be helpful.

[leungalv]

The head unit will fit and will function 100%. Though I'm not sure which ones have the satellite function. Here are the corresponding codes for the 2009 radios:

tuner/recvr, (MP3), AM-FM-CD (single disc), w/trip display, (ID BAR566AR0)
tuner/recvr, (MP3), AM-FM-CD (single disc), w/o trip display; (ID BAR466AR0)
tuner/recvr, (MP3), AM-FM-CD (6 disc, in dash), 6 spkrs, w/trip display, (ID BAS266ARX)
tuner/recvr, (MP3), AM-FM-CD (6 disc, in dash), 6 spkrs, w/o trip display; (ID BAR966ARX)
tuner/recvr, (MP3), AM-FM-CD (6 disc, in dash), 7 spkrs (Bose), (ID BAS466ARX)

If you don't have a stock Bose unit, do not get the Bose unit because you will need a subamp as well as an amp (among other things). If you want trip display, you have to get one with trip display because the others cannot be "unlocked". I have a 2008 and I put in the BAR966ARX Everything works wonderfully, except I don't have trip display. Hope that helps.