direct connection of ipods to stereo
 

Here is a great way to connect an ipod to the mazda 3 stereo without using an fm transmitter. This will give you the best sound quality possible. Check out this sitehttp://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=445
You need to remove the head unit which is easy. Just pop off the carbon fiber strip that houses the screen for the stereo. This is easily done above the glove compartment. Then remove the four screws that are present. Make sure you disconnect your battery before trying this to avoid burning out your stereo.

The ipod is plugged into the device with RCA cords and there is a port on the back of the stereo that will fit the plug of the device.
Im definately going to get this and mount the ipod somewhere in the car.

i really want to get this too. only thing is that i have to buy an ipod first. :( and i dont have the money for one at the moment.

doesnt the Mazda3 stereos have aux input? i see the button on the dashboard...

The 2007 y/m has an auxiliary input in the armrest however no previous years have it. Those of us with older models had to go with an aftermarket solution for an input on the stock stereo. Also note that the last post on this thread was two years ago. ;)

oh ur right! hahaha thanks for pointing that out...

BTW, i have a Mazda3 '06... can somoene confirm that the stereo does not have an aux input in the back of it? if so, does this mean if i want to plug in my ipod, i have to get a new stereo?

You're correct that you don't have the built in ACI available on the 2007 models, however by no means do you need to replace your stereo. There are multiple options for audio input ranging from simple audio input to full ipod integration available in the aftermarket arena.

Look through THIS thread for details on all of the available input methods. If you just want an audio input then they start around $60. If you want full ipod integration then they start around $120. Let me know if you have any questions about anything in there.

ok, i'm not very familiar with all the lingo that was in the thread, but if i udnerstood it correctly, this are the stuff that i need to connect my ipod to my stereo and using the "Aux" button on my dashboard to select it...

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=884

will the back of my stereo (I havent taken the stereo out of my car yet, for inspection) have that 8pin female for this cable to be plugged into? or do I need another gadget to install into the back of my stereo?

I'm sorry for my noobness, i've only worked on stereos one time. And that was on my '97 Toyota T-100. My truck's stereo connections was very easy to follow...

In addition to that piece you would also need THIS in order to plug it into the stereo. The PIE module is the brain of the system, and what you linked is just one of the optional adapter cables. They also have one with RCA cables, or a 3.5mm cable, or for a bunch more you can get one with RCA, 3.5mm, and an ipod dock connector together.

You access the PIE module by pushing the "CD" button twice. All mazda 3 stereos (regardless of year) have the input on the back of the stereo (commonly used for sirius/ipod/phatbox), and the input on the bottom of the HU used for the TAPE/MD players.

thanks a lot man, dis is really very helpful!