Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Post by **Bikergonebald** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 4:29 pm

Hi Guys,

This question relates to an MX-6 which does't have an onboard amp like the Probe.

I finally found a Mazda dealer original radio cassette brand new and boxed, it only took a year to find. I wanted to add bluetooth and maybe upgrade the sound so i bought an amplifier with high and low level inputs just small enough to fit behind the dash, the high level input coming from the original radio speakers wires and for the low level i used a cheap Bluetooth receiver.The manufacturer told me it would switch between inputs automatically but it doesn't it just overlays both together and i also get alternator and other noise. I've renewed earths, fitted ferrite cores and re-routed cables but i can't get rid of the noise so i'm giving up on that route.

Has anyone found a good solution for an auxiliary input with or without Bluetooth that would allow me to keep the original head unit?

There are inline FM modulators and FM transmitters available online but they're cheap had have dubious reviews. I have a budget of £100 which should buy a reasonable quality device if only i knew where to get one. I've seen adverts for specialists that upgrade classic car radios but they are for older AM/MW radios and they replace the internals for about £250.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.
Kevin

Post by **jmx6** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:26 pm

I’m not fussed about originality so I have a Bluetooth head unit (which is currently in my daughters Fiesta as I’m using this at the moment while I fix the MX6)

Post by **Micron** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 8:19 pm

What is the purpose of the Bluetooth, is it to play music from your phone through your original radio or something else?

If it is the former, could you buy one of these Bluetooth transmitters that you tune your radio to. Hide it away somewhere and your phone just connects to it?

If it is another reason, please explain a bit more.

Post by **Bikergonebald** » Mon Jul 06, 2020 7:28 am

The Bluetooth would be for music from my phone. I’ve looked at Bluetooth fm transmitters that plug in to the lighter socket. So far I’ve discounted them because of how they look and various reviews on how reliable the signal is.

There’s another type called an FM modulator that plugs in line with the cable from the aerial to the head unit so it doesn’t have to transmit a radio signal. They only have a 3.5mm headphone socket cable not Bluetooth but I would go with this option and at the moment it’s my preferred option. My hesitance is they are cheap devices on eBay and Amazon and have poor reviews for quality and reliability. If I could find one of a reputable brand I would buy it.

Post by **Micron** » Mon Jul 06, 2020 8:43 am

Bikergonebald wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 06, 2020 7:28 am
The Bluetooth would be for music from my phone. I’ve looked at Bluetooth fm transmitters that plug in to the lighter socket. So far I’ve discounted them because of how they look and various reviews on how reliable the signal is.

There’s another type called an FM modulator that plugs in line with the cable from the aerial to the head unit so it doesn’t have to transmit a radio signal. They only have a 3.5mm headphone socket cable not Bluetooth but I would go with this option and at the moment it’s my preferred option. My hesitance is they are cheap devices on eBay and Amazon and have poor reviews for quality and reliability. If I could find one of a reputable brand I would buy it.

Does your current phone still have the 3.5mm jack, because my IPhone now doesn't. I am just looking in to one of the plugin Bluetooth transmitters from Amazon, it had nearly 6000 reviews with 4.5 stars, so I will see how it goes. I don't intend Hindi g it away, but like I said, I guess you could if you wanted to, just wire in a socket that only works with the ignition on?

Post by **Bikergonebald** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 7:44 pm

Well I still have the iPhone with a 3.5mm socket but a Bluetooth receiver that plugs in to a 3.5mm aux socket could be used with the fm modulator. It’s a bit messy though.

I guess there aren’t enough people like me that want an old cassette player with hidden Bluetooth to make it worth selling something.

Post by **Micron** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:12 pm

I have just purchased one of these, and it works really well. I am using it in a Q5, but the principal is the same, my phone will play through the device via Bluetooth which is then transmitted to the radio. I can play whatever I like through it.

VicTsing FM Transmitter, Bluetooth FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit with 5V 2.1A USB Car Charger MP3 Player Support TF Card USB Flash Drive, Aux Output and Input - Blue https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XD8P5ZZ/ ... bFb5KEZ6H9

Post by **Micron** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:12 pm

I have been using one of the Bluetooth devices that I shared a link for. My Audi and it works really well, the Audi has a separate outlet in the centre counsel which I use and it only comes on with the ignition, so it's ideal.

My phone pairs with the device and I just play whatsoever I want

Post by **Bikergonebald** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:56 pm

Thanks Micron.

I'm going to have one more go at eliminating the noise through my current setup and if it doesn't work i will ditch it and go for one of the units you've shown. When i want to the car to look standard i can just take it out and put it in the glove box.

Thanks.

Post by **Micron** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 5:53 pm

Bikergonebald wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:56 pm
Thanks Micron.

I'm going to have one more go at eliminating the noise through my current setup and if it doesn't work i will ditch it and go for one of the units you've shown. When i want to the car to look standard i can just take it out and put it in the glove box.

Thanks.

Have you considered adding a 12v outlet in the glove box, which only comes on with the ignition, then just plug in the device, turn it on and away you go. just tune in the radio to the frequency you have selected. When you leave the car it will turn off and as it's in the glove box, no one can see it. If you don't like that idea, just hide it wherever you like?

UKPOC forums

Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Re: Adding bluetooth to Mazda Mx-6

Who is online