Update 2016 ND to Apple Car play

[Cylon2007]

I'm sure no-one is really interested but I've just added Apple Car play / Android Auto and a reversing camera to my 2016 2.0 Recaro Sport in 2 hours at a total cost of £228 - £120 for the Apple Carplay / Android Auto kit from Amazon and £108 for the plug and play reverse camera kit from MX5parts.

Straight forward job just a bit fiddly

[Cylon2007]

It's quite straightforward but needs a fair bit of the dash taking apart but it comes apart well - the clips are robust. I watched a couple of Youtube videos of the install first (both LHD cars) that show what needs to be removed. Then it's just a case of threading the cables down from behind the display to the back of the USB inputs (new box) and tidying up the excess cables. I did the reverse camera as well which involves threading a cable back into the boot (needs the boot liners removed and drilling a hole in the rear bumper. I did the lot on about 2 hours without rushing.

Works well too

[Cylon2007]

Oh one thing though, I noticed after a couple of days the clock was showing the wrong time and once on start up the Carplay didn't connect. Reset the clock, checked it as set to get time via GPS and the next day time was nearly an hour out - yep you've guessed it I didn't reconnect the GPS antenna cable (idiot). So dash back apart fished the lead out plugged it into the Infotainment unit (and checked all the other connections) all fine now.
I've also added a Quadlock Wireless carplay adapter (I use Quadlock on the bike so decided I may as well use the kit in the car as well).
It's a bit slow booting up but works fine and removes the need to plug a cable into the phone so it can stay in my pocket.

[Cylon2007]

rix said:

Old thread bump...

I'm thinking of taking the plunge into an ND but carplay/ android auto are essential for me. Whether dealer fit or DIY, will all ND cars be compatible with this upgrade or does it need to be equipped with a certain type of Mazda infotainment system from the outset?!

I gather the standard upgrade requires a wired connection (livable) but wireless (ideal) is also possible?

AS far as I am aware all ND MX5's will take the upgrade as they all use the same infotainment system, ND2 I believe (may be spec dependant) have it built in.