MS3 rear valence on '08.5 Mazda3 install

[EastYork3]

Hey all, picked up a new MazdaSpeed 3 rear valence from Flipdaddy on friday, searched around and thought I'd do a little write up on the install.

I put this on a 2008.5 Mazda3 hatch. I don't think it will work on anything older than 2007 or on sedans without buying extra parts.

The part number from Mazda is BA6R-50-222C. Costs $47 plus taxes but talk to Flipdaddy for a better price.

Tools needed:
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Work light

Total time:
under 1 hour (and I was taking pictures)

Here is the stock rear valence on the 2008.5 3 sport.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V1.jpg

Get under the car (I haven't lowered mine so I didn't need to raise the car at all)

Here's what you see under the car.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V2.jpg
The red circles are plastic phillips screws, remove those and the expanding inserts, the green circles are bumper supports. They are snap-in pins that you can remove with a flathead screwdriver. I took these off so that you can push the bumper out more in order to get at the valence clips easier.

After all the screws are out you have to pop out the white clips. Here's a shot of the one near the exhaust. There is another one in the same spot on the passenger side and two more on either side of the license plate.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V4.jpg

the two clips near the license plate are tough to get out. I recommend popping out all of the tabs first. Start at the passenger side and work around to the license plate. When you get there, use a flathead screwdriver and push the white clip in and then up. The foam bumper absorber gets in the way so if you push the white clip out as far as you can and then push hard on the valence you can get it out.

Here is a shot of the new valence and all of the connectors.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V3.jpg

The red circles are phillips screws. The green circles are where the white clips go. the green circles with the (1) next to them are the tough ones near the license plate.The green arrows ate the push tabs.

Here's a shot with the stock rear valence off.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V5.jpg

Once you get the stock valence off it is very easy to install the MS3 valence. fit the push tabs into the slots, push, replace the screws and the two of the four white clips. I tried to replace the two white clips near the license plate and couldn't do. If the bumper was off it would be no problem but I don't think this thing's going anywhere without them.

And the new valence...
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V7.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V6.jpg

For not a lot on moola, this is a really easy mod that looks hot. Hope someone finds this useful!

cheers.

[EastYork3]

Couldn't edit this but here's another shot of from a little further back.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/Moshi_photo/Mazda3/V8.jpg

[Nick]

looks good! fill up that gap with a fat exhaust =]

[RJzMazda3]

looks good

[Busdriver]

thats really nice man. and for only 47 bucks? great deal.

[mazdas3sporte]

seems like a good cheap mod, congrats, loooks nice, exhaust need to be bigger though to complete the look

[EastYork3]

seems like a good cheap mod, congrats, loooks nice, exhaust need to be bigger though to complete the look

That's what I was thinking too! Now...how to justify a new CBE to the wife...

[VCM]

Nice mod

[Nick]

That's what I was thinking too! Now...how to justify a new CBE to the wife...

yea, it took me 8 months until i caved in. i really wanted one i just couldn't fight it! gl =]

i'm still very happy with it!

[mazdas3sporte]

yepp u fix that and then something else comes up, its never ending , in a year u see u spent hundreds if not thousands on mods, and then u realize when u sell the car ur not gonna get Shi* for ur mods lol, oh well its fun and u enjoyed it, i have soo many mods i want to do but iam hesitant cause i know once i sell the car none of the mods are gonna matter, for now just a tint and spoiler for me! in future maybe a sound system... iam getting the mod virus that going around!


That's what I was thinking too! Now...how to justify a new CBE to the wife...

[fini]

nice!
I was thinking about doing this mod as well. Your writeup will probably push me a little more to do it. Maybe next summer.

[Gizzmo_jr]

When I did mine, I hated the extra space around the tail pipe. Makes the stock exhaust look smaller. As mentioned already, now is the excuse for a CBE.

[EastYork3]

Anyone selling a CBE?! LOL....damn you guys!

[Videcak]

When I did mine last year I just took the bumper off, easier to work around...

[EastYork3]

Yeah I can totally see how it would be way easier. Did you get the two white clips near the license plate back in when you had the bumper off?

[Cardinal Fang]

Very easy install and you get an instant new look.

[slymazda]

So this can be installed on a 2007? Just want to make sure before I get one. Thanks!!!

[EastYork3]

Hmmm...I think it can, this is a question best answered by FLIPDADY...Someone turn on the FLIPDADY bat signal...

[Gizzmo_jr]

It can, my car is an 07

[Propofol]

Looking great:bana2
Installed mine a few weeks ago.
Those white clips are a pain, but it seems you did better than me, I ended up leaving all four of them out.

[slymazda]

It can, my car is an 07

Thanks!!!!

[Cudgel]

Yup, had mine done about 2 months ago as well. Taking it off and putting it back on was easy (about 45 mins) but about 30 mins of it was wasted just on the 2 white clips by the license plate.

In the end, very happy with the new look.

[EastYork3]

Did you get eh two license plate clips in? 30 minutes? I think I gave up well before that!

[Cudgel]

Did you get eh two license plate clips in? 30 minutes? I think I gave up well before that!

Hahahaha...put it this way, I ended up only getting 1 piece in and left the other out. My neck was hurting for a good 2 days afterwards. :chuckle

[FLIPDADY]

Looks great!

You just got yourself a sticky!

[fairleymac]

Agreed! $47 isnt so cheap when you add in the cost of exhaust mods... :chuckle


seems like a good cheap mod, congrats, loooks nice, exhaust need to be bigger though to complete the look

[EastYork3]

Hahahaha...put it this way, I ended up only getting 1 piece in and left the other out. My neck was hurting for a good 2 days afterwards. :chuckle

Seriously...my neck was killing for at least two days...I also found that I got a good ab work out while doing this mod.


Looks great!

You just got yourself a sticky!

Sweet !!! thanks flipdady !

[2zoom]

I know the feeling Eastyork....lol...I installed the part also and it was a pain....lol but looks sweet on the ride now... I picked mine up from my contact a Dufferin Mazda for $30 taxes in....plus gonna pick up Mazdaspeed exhaust tip for $80 taxes in... so over all its a $110 upgrade not bad at all....

[bunchi]

I got mine from Joe too like 4-5 months ago... god damn I think I buffed up my abs and neck after intalling that sh!t :chuckle nice write up!

[EastYork3]

thanks dude

[Pedro]

Thanks for the write up.

I did mine today since it was so nice outside. I have to say I am very pleased with the result.

It took me about 45min to take it off and maybe 10min to put the new one back on. And I am not a mechanic...

Super!

[Bluemazda3-S]

Add some wider tires too... the ones on there look like train wheels :P I can't wait to get the 07 MZ3 bumper on my g/f 04 MS3... its gonna make a HUGE difference on her car with that whimpy bumper on there now.

On a side note... I need some of those screw/clip thingys... anyone know of a place to get them for cheap? LOL

[Reaper]

looks good man..

[Woodman316]

I like it. One more thing on my wise list.

[mazdilla]

Add some wider tires too... the ones on there look like train wheels :P I can't wait to get the 07 MZ3 bumper on my g/f 04 MS3... its gonna make a HUGE difference on her car with that whimpy bumper on there now.

On a side note... I need some of those screw/clip thingys... anyone know of a place to get them for cheap? LOL

That looks great!

Car Quest or NAPA has the clips. Any good automotive/autobody supply would have them too, and probably a larger selection. You should be able to find such a place in the GTA with no problem. A bag of fasteners runs around $7.00 - $10 for a hand full. (Count/Price varies on size.)
I have a cabinet full of various types and sizes, as when I need 2 or 3, I have to buy 10.

BTW, the valance is the larger plastic component inserted in the rear bumper. The diffuser is the smaller lower piece through which the exhaust goes through.

Do you know if that MS3 diffuser will fit an '06 Hatch ? I checked my car and the angles appear to be the same, it's just that the '07's have an extra valance piece.

Maybe an '06 MS3 diffuser is what is needed. Time to look online at cars!

[Bluemazda3-S]

Ok I'm confused. I was under the impression that the interchangeable plastic insert at the bottom of the bumper was the valence. If the 06 rear bumper is the same as the 04, you'll need the foam bumper pad behind the bumper skin, and a plastic rebar piece that stiffens up the top of the bumper... also two little pieces behind the wheel (which I think you can do without)

[mazdilla]

Ok I'm confused. I was under the impression that the interchangeable plastic insert at the bottom of the bumper was the valence. If the 06 rear bumper is the same as the 04, you'll need the foam bumper pad behind the bumper skin, and a plastic rebar piece that stiffens up the top of the bumper... also two little pieces behind the wheel (which I think you can do without)

Ok, now i'm confused. If the plastic 'diffuser' is interchangable, then why do I need all of the extra stuff, which I should already have on/in/under/behind the bumper of my car?

[Bluemazda3-S]

if you have the 04 style, then there is no interchangeable lower piece, just the bumper skin can be changed. You do have the same style as the 2004... so the rear bumper is all one piece. To put a 2008 style bumper on, you need to change the foam rebar at least, otherwise if you take a hit from behind without it. your car will be effed

[mazdilla]

My '06 GT HB has an interchangable lower diffuser, but it does'nt have the larger valance insert.

[Bluemazda3-S]

Oh. so maybe the GT has a different bumper then. Have a picture?

[mazdilla]

Yup... and now that I compare the two diffusers side-by-side, it's a no-go.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt132/mazdilla/mazda_new_tip.jpg

... and BTW, I have this tip for sale. It fills the diffuser hole nicely. 3 1/2" Very easy install. It's listed in the classified parts section.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt132/mazdilla/ichibahn_tip002.jpg

[Bluemazda3-S]

pretty sure that is not removeable, thats the same bumper the wife had. The MS3 valence or difuser will definitely not fit. You need to change the whole bumper skin< then get the MS3 diffuser/valence. Can anyone verify this for him?

[mazdilla]

Even my 2006 Workshop Manual does not show the diffuser insert as that on my car. I just came from looking at the underside and it appears that the bumper is merely molded to look like two different parts. I even tried to insert a putty knife in the groove and that was a no-go as well.

&^%$*# !!!

I shoulda/coulda bought a 2007-2009; more parts are available for those model years. Fack!

[Bluemazda3-S]

just get an 08 MZ3 bumper and the MS3 valence. The parts to swap bumpers properly are around 100bux if you go to Joe at Toronto Mazda, plus the purchase of the bumper skin itself.

[Gizzmo_jr]

07-09 hatch rear bumper onto a 04-06 hatch will also require the Styrofoam insert.

[Bluemazda3-S]

Thats what I was saying earlier... that and the plastic rebar is 100bux and change


07-09 hatch rear bumper onto a 04-06 hatch will also require the Styrofoam insert.

[mazdilla]

just get an 08 MZ3 bumper and the MS3 valence. The parts to swap bumpers properly are around 100bux if you go to Joe at Toronto Mazda, plus the purchase of the bumper skin itself.


07-09 hatch rear bumper onto a 04-06 hatch will also require the Styrofoam insert.


Thats what I was saying earlier... that and the plastic rebar is 100bux and change

OK! Now I understand... I think.

I'll put that mod on the back burner, since I have the following to install first this spring:

Eibach Pro Kit and camber set
Simota CG II sri
MSDS header and Vibrant exhaust

and...
** F2 SC (I'm hoping if the pennies hold up and the wife doesn't go furniture shopping again!)

Thanks guys!

[Ogata]

I noticed on some hatch bumpers, the license plate area is painted to the body's color where mine is simply all plastic not painted to my cover...different trims?

[Iceman_F1]

I noticed on some hatch bumpers, the license plate area is painted to the body's color where mine is simply all plastic not painted to my cover...different trims?

I'm pretty sure

04-06 = body colour
07-09 = black plastic

Meaning 04-06 = needs to replace whole bumper to get the MS3 style (Broli could probably chime in as he did it with his hatch) whereas 07-09 = simple swap.

I could be wrong, but this is from my understanding...

[Gizzmo_jr]

07 & 08 were colour matched in that flat spot your talking about. 08.5 and 09's were black, identical to the speed3.

[Iceman_F1]

07 & 08 were colour matched in that flat spot your talking about. 08.5 and 09's were black, identical to the speed3.

I stand somewhat corrected. 07 & 08 are body colour...however, style is the same so they should have no issues direct swap of that one piece. 04-06 still I believe requires full bumper replace or at least quite a bit of work to get it to work.

At least from what I can see looking at your bumper (07) and RedRaptors (04)

[Bluemazda3-S]

This is correct... I did this swap with the wifes 04 Hatch... Lemmie get a picture for ya http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4048767080_7710d51958_o.jpg


I'm pretty sure

04-06 = body colour
07-09 = black plastic

Meaning 04-06 = needs to replace whole bumper to get the MS3 style (Broli could probably chime in as he did it with his hatch) whereas 07-09 = simple swap.

I could be wrong, but this is from my understanding...

[mazdilla]

This is correct... I did this swap with the wifes 04 Hatch... Lemmie get a picture for ya

(pic deleted in quote)

Wachitcostyah??

[Bluemazda3-S]

The bumper we got used from a member on here for 200, we got the bumper and spoiler painted for $400, and a case of beer for someones assistance to install them. Add $100 for the correct foam rebar, and plastic rebar. so if my addition is correct, $700

[mazdilla]

The bumper we got used from a member on here for 200, we got the bumper and spoiler painted for $400, and a case of beer for someones assistance to install them. Add $100 for the correct foam rebar, and plastic rebar. so if my addition is correct, $700

$200 + $400 + $100 + case of beer = $700

Hmmmmmmm.... :whoa

Hey! Where did you get the free beer ?!?!?

:gone

[Bluemazda3-S]

LOL... damn, forgot the price of the beer... so lets round up to $750. I know how to do it now, so maybe I can help with yours for a case of beer :P

[Woodman316]

Did mine the other day, how there is room for the Magnaflow CBE 4 inch tailpipe, which is on order.:chuckle

[Bluemazda3-S]

Did you put the speed valence on?

[Mr Wilson]

Another big thank-you for the great write-up. Took about a half hour + a good 10 minutes going over and over the instructions. Didn't bother with the centre white clips once they were out. Also glad I'm not the only one with a heavy head, neck is killing me.

[Bluemazda3-S]

Did you get the 2008+ style bumper to fit over the 2007- bumper backing junk??


Another big thank-you for the great write-up. Took about a half hour + a good 10 minutes going over and over the instructions. Didn't bother with the centre white clips once they were out. Also glad I'm not the only one with a heavy head, neck is killing me.

[Mr Wilson]

Sorry little lost. I have an 2008.5. Was a straight up no issue remove the one, put the other in. Just need to find some 2010 MS3 wheels and some springs.

http://lp1.pinkbike.com/p4pb5039642/p4pb5039642.jpg

[Bluemazda3-S]

Ahhhhh... So you just replaced the plastic piece so it has the honeycomb texture. I did a full bumper cover swap on my 2004

[Mr Wilson]

That's it. Thankfully no full bumper switch. Still can't get over that an OEM Mazda part can be had to cheaply.

[e_biz80]

Just got min done too and my neck hurts as well... couldn't believe that i could fit under my lowered car and still manage to do the work.

[07carbon3]

can the 2 piece rear valence from a hatchback fit on a sedan so you can put the bottom part from a speed 3 one on a sedan?

[cwp_sedan]

can the 2 piece rear valence from a hatchback fit on a sedan so you can put the bottom part from a speed 3 one on a sedan?

There is only 1 answer to that question and it is no. There is no option for a rear valence for the sedan.

[07carbon3]

There is only 1 answer to that question and it is no. There is no option for a rear valence for the sedan.

ok thanks:)