Component compatibility, S4-S5

Pete_89T2 · 12-13-2010, 12:54 PM

FWIW, I've found that the following interior electrical parts are functionally plug & play compatible between S5 (recipient car), and S4 (donor cars). There are some cosmetic differences between the S4/S5 versions (i.e., how they look installed), but they all fit mechanically, plug in electrically and work as intended.

- Logicon climate control panel
- Air mix motor (for climate control)
- Power window switches

And to the OP's comment about retrofitting the S5 motor-mouse seatbelts with the standard 3 point belts from a donor S4, I wouldn't recommend it.

I've given that project lots of thought when I first picked up my S5 some 12 years ago, and concluded it wasn't worth the effort. In my case, I got used to the motorized belts, and they are covered under a lifetime warranty by Mazda due to a recall.

You may be able to *functionally* pull the swap off, but there are so many plastic trim pieces involved that making it look right (i.e., like stock) is next to impossible. Problem is the old used plastic trim pieces are so brittle they disintegrate on contact, plus the S4 parts were different, so there is little interchangability to begin with. You might have better luck finding an S5 donor car from a foreign market (i.e., Canada, etc.) that didn't require the automatic seatbelts. The other issues for a car registered in the US are of the legal & insurance variety - once modded in this way, it may be difficult/impossible to register and get insured. Or worse, you do get it registered & insured and find that if you get in a wreck, the insurance company won't pay out a dime and you're personally liable for damages because the car's safety gear was modified.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

12-13-2010, 12:54 PM	#6
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	FWIW, I've found that the following interior electrical parts are functionally plug & play compatible between S5 (recipient car), and S4 (donor cars). There are some cosmetic differences between the S4/S5 versions (i.e., how they look installed), but they all fit mechanically, plug in electrically and work as intended. - Logicon climate control panel - Air mix motor (for climate control) - Power window switches And to the OP's comment about retrofitting the S5 motor-mouse seatbelts with the standard 3 point belts from a donor S4, I wouldn't recommend it. I've given that project lots of thought when I first picked up my S5 some 12 years ago, and concluded it wasn't worth the effort. In my case, I got used to the motorized belts, and they are covered under a lifetime warranty by Mazda due to a recall. You may be able to functionally pull the swap off, but there are so many plastic trim pieces involved that making it look right (i.e., like stock) is next to impossible. Problem is the old used plastic trim pieces are so brittle they disintegrate on contact, plus the S4 parts were different, so there is little interchangability to begin with. You might have better luck finding an S5 donor car from a foreign market (i.e., Canada, etc.) that didn't require the automatic seatbelts. The other issues for a car registered in the US are of the legal & insurance variety - once modded in this way, it may be difficult/impossible to register and get insured. Or worse, you do get it registered & insured and find that if you get in a wreck, the insurance company won't pay out a dime and you're personally liable for damages because the car's safety gear was modified.