So I recently bought a 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5L and it doesn't allow me to bring up the actual navigation on the screen except the "compass/bearing" display. Do I need to purchase an updated navigation SDcard and upload it to be a functioning navigation display? Or is there more than just buying the SDcard? Thanks in advance!

 

That is the default display when there is no SD inserted or recognised. Fitment of a suitable SATNAV SD card will operate the system.

 

Would you know of a company that sells the SD for a reasonable price other than Mazda or BAM wholesale? Not really wanting to spend $3-400 for the card. Thanks in advance!

 

@grim_reaper would you happen to know of a website or store that sells them for less than $300? BAM wholesale is the cheapest I've found for $294.

 

Personally no, however I've seen forum members buy SD cards off ebay & amazon.

 

Be wary of buying used ones though, they lock to the VIN.

 

No need to buy a used SD NAV card. From Ebay you can buy new NAV cards for $50 or less. The only trick is that you must know the Mazda part number before buying. Different models (year) use different software and therefore different SD Card part number. I bought one myself from Ebay for M3H 2020 and it works perfectly, including using the Mazda Tool Box to update it and activating the (not so great) speed limit signs display.

 

Have a 2019 Select

So from what I understand here, the navigation hardware is "native" in the vehicle. Only need to buy the maps on the appropriate SD card to go.

Correct?

 

You are correct. Buy the SD from Amazon and it should work fine. Make sure you get the one for your model and year. There are a few different versions.

 

What he said. What I saw is that Amazon is very expensive compared to Ebay, but still a lot cheaper than the Mazda dealer. As far I can see, the Ebay seller I bought from sells genuine Mazda part.
Make sure you get the correct part number FIRST from Mazda.