Mazda3 (2014–2018) Overview
The 3rd-generation Mazda3 (BM/BN, 2014–2018) shipped with the Gen 6 Mazda Connect infotainment system, the same CMU found in the contemporary CX-5, Mazda6, and ND MX-5. Most of what owners search for (CarPlay, firmware, ghost touch, slow boot) is platform behavior, not Mazda3-specific. This page covers only what’s particular to this car; the platform pages cover the rest.
Model years and codes
Section titled “Model years and codes”| Code | Years | Infotainment |
|---|---|---|
| BM | 2014–2016 | Gen 6 Mazda Connect |
| BN | 2017–2018 | Gen 6 Mazda Connect (facelift) |
| BP | 2019+ | Gen 7; different system entirely |
BM and BN share the same CMU hardware and run the same firmware; the facelift was cosmetic and trim-level, not a head-unit change. The 2019+ BP moved to Gen 7 and is a different platform; see what changed in 2019+.
Screen and hardware
Section titled “Screen and hardware”All Gen 6 Mazda3s use the 7-inch center display with the rotary Commander knob on the console. The screen is touch-capable only at a standstill; above a few mph it’s knob-only by design. There is no larger-screen option within the BM/BN range; the 7-inch unit is the only one fitted.
CarPlay
Section titled “CarPlay”No 2014–2018 Mazda3 left the factory with CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda backdated the feature to Gen 6 cars as a dealer-installed hardware-and-software retrofit announced in late 2018, so even the last BN cars need the retrofit kit rather than a software toggle. For the kit, what it costs, and the DIY-vs-dealer question, see Mazda3 CarPlay. The retrofit’s place in the broader rollout is in the CarPlay timeline.
Quirks worth knowing
Section titled “Quirks worth knowing”- Ghost touch. Some 3rd-gen units register phantom touches from a delaminating digitizer: a hardware fault, not firmware. A Mazda warranty extension or the class-action settlement may cover the repair, so check before paying. Symptoms, coverage, and the fix are on Mazda3 ghost touch.
- Disclaimer screen, slow boot, beeps, no menu wrap. These are stock Gen 6 behavior shared across every supported car; the mechanism and remedies live in Mazda Connect troubleshooting and common problems.
- Bluetooth dropouts and random reboots. Usually traced to a weak battery or low system voltage before firmware. See Mazda3 common complaints.
Firmware
Section titled “Firmware”The newest Gen 6 firmware is v74.00.324A, and it’s shared across all BM/BN cars regardless of build year. How to read your current version and what’s safe to update to is on Mazda3 firmware compatibility and the platform-wide firmware versions page.
If you’re on v74.00.324A, ScreenTune clears the disclaimer screen, unlocks the touchscreen while moving, cuts boot time, and enables menu wrap in one install.
Mazda3 pages
Section titled “Mazda3 pages”| Topic | Page |
|---|---|
| Buying a used 3rd-gen | Buying guide |
| 2014–2018 infotainment detail | 2014–2018 infotainment |
| 2019+ (different system) | 2019+ infotainment |
| CarPlay retrofit | Mazda3 CarPlay |
| Ghost touch | Ghost touch |
| Common complaints | Common complaints |
| Firmware | Firmware compatibility |
| Navigation SD card | Navigation SD card |
| Maintenance | Maintenance |