I have an '04 Mazda3 S with the 6-disc changer and the very rare Minidisc player. I am thinking about trading it in for a 2009 Mazda3 Touring Value Edition, once the 2010 Mazda 3 comes out, so I can get a killer deal on the '09. I will swap my old 17" 5 spoke wheels on to the new car, since I hate those new 'snowflake' wheels. But, I also want to keep my Minidisc player. Is there a way that I can do this? It appears that they no longer offer the Minidisc or Cassette Tape option, since they have that AUX input under the arm rest called MEDIA. Does anyone know if I can swap out the entire radio console from the '04 to the '09 without any hicups? I realize I won't be able to use the AUX input, but as long as everything else works, I'd be happy.

 

Sadly the connector the MD player is no longer present on the Mz3 HU after '08.5. Also the wiring for the LCD changed in '06 and became separate from the HU harness so the LCD wouldn't work. Beyond that the connector on the HU changed so I don't know if it would even plug into the car's harness.

I think you may need to say goodbye to the MD player.

 

Thank you, icspots, to your detailed reply!! I appreciate that. How did you learn all of that? But, I think instead of saying goodbye to the MD player, I may just say goodbye to the new car!! Mine still runs great anyway. Thanks again.

 

Mostly because I compiled a long list of audio inputs and ipod integration modules which which use both of the inputs on the stereo. Also I just tried to keep up with things that people talked about over the years, and as they found stuff that changed when new year/models came out.

 

Why stay with minidisk? - and if your wanting to utlize a huge MD collection (wow) use an external player with the aux in and get a new ride!