I just purchased a 2008 Mazda 3i. I am still in college and couldn't swing the extra 4 grand for the power package. I didn't really mind not having power windows/locks etc but I will be driving from Miami to New Hampshire in 2 months and would really like to have cruise control. I have done a lot of searching online and have failed to find any useful information regarding how to add cruise. Is it possible? Is my car already wired for cruise and do I only need to upgrade my steering wheel (to one which includes the buttons) or
can I just add the buttons? Are the components available through Mazda and would I go through a Mazda dealer to install it?

Obviously I have a lot of questions so any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Someone might have better knowledge of this than I, but in my experience adding aftermarket cruise is not practical. In addition to the componants (many and fairly expensive), the wiring is a bear and is best done by someone intimately familiar with the make of car. I try to avoid dealers like the plague they are, but in this case, unless you know of a really, really good electrical shop in your town, you're probably stuck using one for the installation. Don't be surprised if the cost including labor tops $1,000 - $1200(it could be higher depending on the dealer). Being the cynic that I am, when it comes to work such as this, you will likely also have problems sorting it out and that will suck even more money out ofyour pocket. I'd say just live without the cruise until you trade. Good luck though which ever way you decide to go.

 

From what I've read, just add the switches and you're good to go. Someone on here did it a while back.

 

I know cruise can be added up to the '07 model, but haven't heard anything about the '08...... I'm looking for some info. right now. That being said if the '08 is the same then you only need to replace the steering wheel switches and the brake switch. That's right, two parts and you're in business (again assuming it's the same for the '08). The parts are

BS3E-66-4MO SWITCH, STEERING WHEEL W/CRUISE
BN7N-66-490 SWITCH, BRAKE, W/CRUISE

I recommend checking out some junkyards in your area to see if you can grab them, barring that if you plan to buy new I'd go with someone like Jason at www.onlinemazdaparts.com..... he can also make sure that those are the correct p/n's for the '08 before you order.

 

I had it installed by mazda for about 500 bucks.

cheers

 

I also have the isport and would also like to know if it's cheaper to do power locks and power mirrors installed by a shop other than the dealers. Does anyone have experience on this? Thanks!

 

Where did they mount the cruise control? On the steering wheel? That's including tax? I'm here in CA

 

I did a little more research on the topic and found detailed directions on which parts to order and how to go about installing the parts whichare posted here. I chose to avoid paying a dealer to install it so I attempted it myself and was 100% successful. The parts costed me about $130 bucks and it took probably 45 minutes to finish. My cruise works and looks as if it came with the car upon delivery from the dealer.

 

Good Job, collin!! I have seen that thread before but couldn't have told you where.
You don;t say whether or not your car is a manual or an auto-stick?
If a manual, did you have to add the clutch pedal switch as well?

 

IIRC even on the MTX cars you don't have to add a switch for the clutch pedal... at least no one's ever mentioned it and people have been adding the cruise this way for several years.