Through searching the web, I found Med Center Mazda, who has a few items listed specifically for the 2008.5 stereo (which are linked below), making me wonder if the stereo setup changed, so I shot them an email.
http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda3-sirius-satellite-radio.html
http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda-ipod-with-sirius-radio.html
According to Marshall English of Med Center Mazda, there is a way to have an iPod integration module, Sirius module and the AUX jack all hooked up to the same stereo without the use of a Switching Box. Here is the latest email:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
Elliott,
Our information is that the 08.5 does not use the same set up and thus you do not need the switching box.
Mazda offers a harness kit for the IPOD unit on the 08.5 for use with the aux jack.
We include this kit with our ipod kit.
iPod® Integration Module Application Guide2004MY2005MY2006MY2007MY2008MY2009MYMazda3 (All prior to B/ A/
A/ 1 Mazda3 (All from 1/1/08) 4 or 5 B/ 4 or 5
A = C9F2-V6-572_-US
B = C291-79-CFZ
C = F197-79-CFZ
1 to retain function of AUX Jack, Switching Box (C9F1-V6-261) is required
2 Tribute 2005 production launched in December 2003
3 excludes models with factory in-dash Navigation System
4 requires installation harness kit, C9F1-V6-029 (with AUX Jack, without SIRIUS)
5 requires installation harness kit, C9F4-V6-029 (with AUX Jack, with SIRIUS and Bluetooth)
6 requires installation harness kit, C9F5-V6-029 (with Navigation)
▲ = new part numbers will be required (P/N's - TBD)
Thanks,
Marshall English
Med Center Mazda Parts Dept.
<http://www.mazdaparts.org>
800.749.0929[/b]
So, the 2008.5 Mazda 3's can use either iPod integration kit 4 or 5 from the above list, and number 5 makes me think that it can be used with the AUX Jack and Sirius set up (as well as Bluetooth?). I posted this on mazda3forums.com as well, trying to get some concrete evidence that this whole thing will work. Here is the link:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=112901.0 -- Reply #7
From that thread, it all sounds pretty new, like Mazda just released these part numbers and such, so I don't know if I will find much, but have you guys heard anything?