Howdy. Long time Mazda owner here, and I just picked up a used 2012 mz5 Sport yesterday. One of the things I'm already missing from my Mz3 is the leather wrapped steering wheel, and while it isn't super high on my list of things to change I'm keeping my eyes out for a used leather wrapped wheel. While I can buy the wheel itself brand new from a dealer there's no way I'm dropping $230 on that..... so used it is.

Used wheels also tend to come with the various bits and pieces (though sometimes they're stripped), at which point I noticed the GT ones have the voice command and phone control buttons (presumably for use with the bluetooth systems on those models. That got me thinking about where those wires connect and where they go. Also how the BT works in the 5.

I'm already planning to replace the stereo (my AppRadio 4 should arrive in a few days). That's coming with a harness to mate up to all the OEM plugs and retain steering wheel controls. And that got me thinking of those extra controls. Mazda often leaves wiring for non-equipped systems in all of it's cars to save money on designing and installed multiple harnesses (e.g. the 5 is wired for heated side mirrors even though it doesn't come with them). So I'm wondering if the wiring for all those extra controls is present in my harness. Further does the bluetooth work through the stereo, or is it a separate module/system which interfaces with the stereo to use the speakers?

I realize just adding the controls to my stock equipment (even if the wiring exists) wouldn't do anything for me, however if it talks to the wires, and those wires talk to the new stereo would I then get handsfree control for call purposes?

So if anyone could chime in on info they have:
-How does the BT work in the 5?
-Has anyone pulled their GT steering wheel and noted what the wiring looked like? (pictures of the harness inside the column would also be okay)
-Anyone with a GT 5 installed a Pioneer app radio?

 

It will have a separate BT module.

I've found in Mazda 6 & 3 & 2 that don't have factory Bluetooth, they aren't compatible with factory fitted BT systems.

Also, Iv'e never worked on a Mazda 5.

 

Ah okay, it's a separate system, so the new stereo won't care if it can hear the other controls because the BT signals don't go to the HU?

 

stereo problem?