Blown Engine. Now A NEW Engine :) (w/3 vid's)

[b]

My car was always loud... but tonight leaving the oakville meet tonight something made a loud bang and then this...

My car has been in for many engine problems and whenever I have a problem I have to leave it for a week... I can't be without a car for 1 week every 6 weeks...

When I give it gas when driving it is 10 x louder. People were leaving me extra space from behind :)

Don't get me wrong... I love my car :)

Any ideas?

Today idle & rev'd a bit (bigger file):
http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/blackman99/?action=view&current=m3_3.flv

Today idle:
http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/blackman99/?action=view&current=m3_2.flv

Last night:
http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/blackman99/?action=view&current=m3.flv

[doughboyr6]

man that sounds like a ticking time bomb....i hope you're on a lease....return that car once its up and go get a M3S

[b]

man that sounds like a ticking time bomb....i hope you're on a lease....return that car once its up and go get a M3S


bought it :(

still... maybe time for a speed 3 if it turns out to be a major issue...

[MajesticBlueNTO]

hmmm....when i had a loose/broken butterfly valve in the intake manifold, it sounded like that, but wasn't prefixed with a BANG and wasn't as 'severe' sounding.

is your car low on power now after the bang? could also be a dead cylinder.

[DrunknFoo]

ACK, my heart is hurting for you. I do hope mazda gets this fixed up for you and provide you with indepth detail as to wtf happened.
Hopefully after all this, I hope nothing else happens to your car

[Skarbro]

That sounds serious. Better take it in asap to get diagnosed.

[b]

Yes power is slugish & reduced. I had a feeling it was a cylinder also... but wasn't sure if anyone else thought that. Now the bang could be something unrelated as I have had this bang 2 other times & both times it happened power was reduced and it stayed at mazda for a week... and they couldn't really tell me what happened... maybe it was related to this all along and now it just gave up all together.

[Nextmod]

ya your car was loud when you drove pass me onto the highway yesterday. lol

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Yes power is slugish & reduced. I had a feeling it was a cylinder also... but wasn't sure if anyone else thought that. Now the bang could be something unrelated as I have had this bang 2 other times & both times it happened power was reduced and it stayed at mazda for a week... and they couldn't really tell me what happened... maybe it was related to this all along and now it just gave up all together.


take it in as soon as you can.

your engine sounds similar to what happened with mazda3_mike. he had a similar, if not the exact same, issue and the dealership told him the same thing and gave him back the car to drive sounding like shit. the car eventually died on him in the middle of nowhere. in the end, he got a new engine out of mazda (long story that was posted on the crashed tm3).

[CoolColombian]

Could be the whip. (from the "blackman special") ;D j/k

Seriously now, man if this is like the third time you got that kind of problem, not the ticking but the bangs and what ever else, you should take the car to the dealership and deman a new engine, that sounds bad. I feel sorry for you man.

[Rollout-G]

If Mazda keeps trying to screw you, what you can do is contact Toronto Star. They have some person/department that deals with situations like these - where a customer is being screwed by a company or a store. In fact, I have a family friend that had problems with Mazda (not willing to divulge details), contacted the Star just to see if anything would come of it, and a day later, Mazda Canada contacted the family friend to inform him everything would be resolved. I'm sorry I don't have the contact info for this person/department, but I am sure you can find that out from thestar.com or by giving them a call. Sometimes you gotta go the extreme - mazda canada and any other big corporation does not want bad publicity. Hope it works out man.

[RedRaptor]

your engine sounds similar to what happened with mazda3_mike. he had a similar, if not the exact same, issue and the dealership told him the same thing and gave him back the car to drive sounding like shit.* the car eventually died on him in the middle of nowhere.* in the end, he got a new engine out of mazda (long story that was posted on the crashed tm3).

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw the video. :-[

[b]

Thanks everyone... Taking it over later tonight or tomorrow... & to think I have only 4000km of warranty left. Good thing this happened this week and not in 3 weeks.

[wtom]

No CEL tho? Sounds like the misfiring I sometimes get still (once in a few months, more random than "scheduled"). Are you limited in RPMs and speed? Probably not since you passed SSG on the highway.

[FLIPDADY]

That's at idle?

Which dealer are you taking it to?

[b]

No CEL tho? Sounds like the misfiring I sometimes get still (once in a few months, more random than "scheduled"). Are you limited in RPMs and speed? Probably not since you passed SSG on the highway.


No cel. Weird.

Well I am limited to speed now. It is soo loud and sounds like crap if I go above 40. When I passed ssg I was getting on the on ramp off 3rd line. Maybe going 60km. Then when I hit 110km on the highway was when it made a bang and started gradually getting louder. I pulled off the highway and limped it home the long route.

He must have heard something before I even noticed something was wrong... Before the meet ending I let my car warm up for 5 mins (as did everyone there) and it sounded fine...



That's at idle?

Which dealer are you taking it to?


Yep that is at idle.

Closest one to home that has friendly service. They always make me feel welcome.

[TheProfessor]

Wow, this really sucks, keep us posted.

[fourtrack78]

wow that sounds bad, i feel your pain........the Japanese guy that got trapped in your engine is trying to get out ::)

[sbmonkey]

One of the squirrels fell off its wheel.

[wtom]

Does blackman have an aftermarket CAI?

[b]

Does blackman have an aftermarket CAI?


Yep I have the injen. I know... I am worried about how much it will cost of off warranty...

Updated the main post with a video giving it a bit of gas...

[majic]

dude.. wtf did you throw inside your engine??? wow that sounds horrible.. hope you get it resolved soon..

[b]

dude.. wtf did you throw inside your engine??? wow that sounds horrible.. hope you get it resolved soon..


Goes in tomorrow. Remember that meet in oakville 6 weeks back when I met you and I had the miata? It was in for engine work then too...

[TheProfessor]

Man, I'm not even sure if you should be driving that car to the dealer......maybe it's worth calling roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer?

[majic]

dude.. wtf did you throw inside your engine??? wow that sounds horrible.. hope you get it resolved soon..


Goes in tomorrow. Remember that meet in oakville 6 weeks back when I met you and I had the miata? It was in for engine work then too...


in the words of some wise man..

shizzzle.. >:(

[b]

Man, I'm not even sure if you should be driving that car to the dealer......maybe it's worth calling roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer?


K I will look into this. I wondered that too.

[Flagrum_3]

Man, I'm not even sure if you should be driving that car to the dealer......maybe it's worth calling roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer?


K I will look into this.* I wondered that too.


I suggest strongly that you do not drive the vehicle at all.....just saw this post I can't believe you've been driving it since lastnight!! It sounds extremely serious, like a dropped valve maybe.Have it towed in and with warranty left you should be okay and like I remember telling a previous poster here way back with a similar problem ....Do not under any circumstances drive that vehicle away from the dealer until the motor has been fixed or preferably "replaced".


Good luck Blackman and keep us posted.


_3


.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

that engine is ****ed. sounds like it'll need head work at the minimum...possibly more than one dead cylinder and some busted valves.

its been in for the same problem before...you shouldn't leave until they say they're gonna replace the entire engine.

[b]

Man, I'm not even sure if you should be driving that car to the dealer......maybe it's worth calling roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer?


K I will look into this. I wondered that too.


I suggest strongly that you do not drive the vehicle at all.....just saw this post I can't believe you've been driving it since lastnight!! It sounds extremely serious, like a dropped valve maybe.Have it towed in and with warranty left you should be okay and like I remember telling a previous poster here way back with a similar problem ....Do not under any circumstances drive that vehicle away from the dealer until the motor has been fixed or preferably "replaced".

Good luck Blackman and keep us posted.

_3



Thanks. Nah the car sat in the driveway. I only fired it up for 2 mins to take the video clips so it could help me learn via you all and maybe help someone else out that gets this problem in the future.

I hope it all works out. I'll scan in the work order after so you all can see what was wrong with it...

[PlatMS6]

I hope you didn't take it in with the CAI especially with all the rain we have been having (tonight was messed). It definatelly is not the Butterfly valve within the intake manifold (that sound is a lot less pronounced and you actually have to listen for it). It sounds like you at least lost a cylinder, if thats the case plead with the dealer for a new engine, I would not trust anyone but the factory to get it right (unless its a renound engine builder). I got rid of mine at 99, 7XX KM, I would not want to own a Mz3 out of warrantee (pretty much goes for alot of new cars), but its not really a big deal anyways because its been almost 3 years that the 3 has been out and a lot of engines and tranny's available from cars that got in little mishaps :).

Try to get a new engine (if it is reasonable), just for the peace of mind.

Also if I were you, I would be there when the engine is cracked open! :-\

[sbmonkey]

Showed your videos my Mazda friend and he said it sounds like a bent valve. Don't drive it.

[royroy]

+1 for getting it towed to the dealer asap!!
tell us the problem when u find out!

[b]

8:00AM...

Took it in today to the dealership. He wanted to listen to it for a few minutes and determine what it could be. After 3 seconds he said "new engine" and I said let me rev it once so you can hear it all... when I did he said that it was the worst engine he's ever heard :( my luck. So he said try to round up all your service records for next week and he will get the ball rolling for a new crate engine. Said it should be a week and a 1/2.

On the + side he said he knows how much I baby the car and that it is in top condition and he would pass that on...

8:05AM...

On my way home. Very quick... Lets hope they get it all fixed.

When I get more info back I will post what happened inside if/when they find out.

Thanks for all the help and input over the last day everyone. I really had no clue what happened & I don't know a lot about engines. Just the basics. ie. oil, gas, more oil & more gas. LOL.

[TheProfessor]

Very glad to hear that things look like they'll be dealt with properly.

[FLIPDADY]

They should get the engine in a few days out of the U.S.

Let us know how everything turns out.

[sbmonkey]

That's good news!

[Flagrum_3]

Very glad to hear that things look like they'll be dealt with properly.


+1 Good news mang :) A no hassle dealership!


_3


.

[PlatMS6]

Thats great news. Even out of warrantee, you can pretty much rest assured that you have a new motor under the bonnet, ahahah I mean hood...damn fifth/top gear ;)

[majic]

So he said try to round up all your service records for next week and he will get the ball rolling for a new crate engine.


so i guess if you don't service it at a dealer you're SOL? what if you do your own oil changes.. anyway.. good to hear it's going to be taken care of.. maybe they can accidentally throw in the mazdaspeed motor :P

[Skarbro]

I hope you didn't take it in with the CAI especially with all the rain we have been having (tonight was messed).


What difference does it make if he had the CAI on? And what difference does it make if it's raining out?

[PlatMS6]

I hope you didn't take it in with the CAI especially with all the rain we have been having (tonight was messed).


What difference does it make if he had the CAI on?* And what difference does it make if it's raining out?


At some intersections in sauga anyways...the drains were clogged over the last two days and at some areas water was around 10inches deep. Couple that with an intake and flying through it, and you end up with a substance in your engine that cant be compressed. The end result is not pretty.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Wow... that sounds brutal.

My parents used to own a skidoo that sounded about the same.

http://community-2.webtv.net/cliffs/CliffsOldsledz/media/captureD63.jpg



Thanks everyone... Taking it over later tonight or tomorrow... & to think I have only 4000km of warranty left. Good thing this happened this week and not in 3 weeks.


Is this the comprehensive that comes with the car? or did you buy the extended warranty?

[b]

Comprehensive. I didn't think I would need the extended warranty when I bought it... Next time I might just buy it!

[b]

Does this count as a double post??

So I have all paperwork now. It has been in for service and some kind of work 31 times. I have all paperwork ready & looking back through my invoices I have asked them to look into the engine problems 4 times now. Funny I have had the car for 34 months and it has been in 31 time... That is once ever 4.38 weeks. The last 3 times in they have had my car for a week to a week and a 1/2. Once in 2004 they had it for almost a month with it coming home for 2 or 3 days here and there. Hope this helps my case...

[VU]Juan from m3f.com contacted me and said his car sounded identical.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=38274.msg554090#msg554090

Thanks again everyone. The input you have all given me is worth more than words can say.

[sbmonkey]

Wow... that's a lot of "service"!

[Flagrum_3]

Does this count as a double post??*

So I have all paperwork now.* It has been in for service and some kind of work 31 times.* I have all paperwork ready & looking back through my invoices I have asked them to look into the engine problems 4 times now.* Funny I have had the car for 34 months and it has been in 31 time... That is once ever 4.38 weeks.* The last 3 times in they have had my car for a week to a week and a 1/2.* Once in 2004 they had it for almost a month with it coming home for 2 or 3 days here and there.* Hope this helps my case...

[VU]Juan from m3f.com contacted me and said his car sounded identical.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=38274.msg554090#msg554090

Thanks again everyone.* The input you have all given me is worth more than words can say.


Blackman, how many of those 31 visits were not scheduled maintenance? (i.e. Problems.).-Point: Please don't quote me on this but I seem to remember reading or hearing about a so called 'Lemon Law' which states that if a new vehicle has had so many problems in an short period of time the manufacturer must replace the vehicle.
Anyone else have any knowledge of this Law?.....In your case BLKMN you never know, it could mean a Brand Spank'n new vehicle.


_3


.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Does this count as a double post??

So I have all paperwork now. It has been in for service and some kind of work 31 times. I have all paperwork ready & looking back through my invoices I have asked them to look into the engine problems 4 times now. Funny I have had the car for 34 months and it has been in 31 time... That is once ever 4.38 weeks. The last 3 times in they have had my car for a week to a week and a 1/2. Once in 2004 they had it for almost a month with it coming home for 2 or 3 days here and there. Hope this helps my case...

[VU]Juan from m3f.com contacted me and said his car sounded identical.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=38274.msg554090#msg554090

Thanks again everyone. The input you have all given me is worth more than words can say.


Blackman, how many of those 31 visits were not scheduled maintenance? (i.e. Problems.).-Point: Please don't quote me on this but I seem to remember reading or hearing about a so called 'Lemon Law' which states that if a new vehicle has had so many problems in an short period of time the manufacturer must replace the vehicle.
Anyone else have any knowledge of this Law?.....In your case BLKMN you never know, it could mean a Brand Spank'n new vehicle.


_3


.



lemon law is a USA thing and differs by State. basically it states something to the effect of, if the car is in for the same problem a minimum of 3 times and it cannot be fixed, then the car is a lemon and the manufacturer buys back the car.

this is coming from memory...some more info here Lemon Law - wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_Laws)

in canada, there's the motor vehicle arbitration plan (CAMVAP) (http://www.camvap.ca/eng/consumers_guide.htm) which some canadian owners of the 3 have successfully fought for compensation of some sort.....as long as there's a paper trail, you have a case.

[McGuyver_3]

If Mazda keeps trying to screw you, what you can do is contact Toronto Star.* They have some person/department that deals with situations like these - where a customer is being screwed by a company or a store.* In fact, I have a family friend that had problems with Mazda (not willing to divulge details), contacted the Star just to see if anything would come of it, and a day later, Mazda Canada contacted the family friend to inform him everything would be resolved.* I'm sorry I don't have the contact info for this person/department, but I am sure you can find that out from thestar.com or by giving them a call.* Sometimes you gotta go the extreme - mazda canada and any other big corporation does not want bad publicity.* Hope it works out man.




CALL MAZDA CANADA BECAUSE WHEN I HAD MY PROBLEMS WITH AJAX MAZDA THEY DIDNT WANT TO HELP ME THEN WHEN I COMPLAINED TO MAZDA CANADA I GOT A CALL BACK FROM AGINCOURT SAYING TO COME IN RIGHT AWAY TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED BECAUSE I COMPLAINED TO MAZDA CANADA BUT I HAD ALREADY FIXED MY CAR AT TORONTO MAZDA BECAUSE THEIR SERVICE WAS MUCH MORE LENIENT AND FRIENDLY

[Cardinal Fang]

CALL MAZDA CANADA BECAUSE WHEN I HAD MY PROBLEMS WITH AJAX MAZDA THEY DIDNT WANT TO HELP ME THEN WHEN I COMPLAINED TO MAZDA CANADA I GOT A CALL BACK FROM AGINCOURT SAYING TO COME IN RIGHT AWAY TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED BECAUSE I COMPLAINED TO MAZDA CANADA BUT I HAD ALREADY FIXED MY CAR AT TORONTO MAZDA BECAUSE THEIR SERVICE WAS MUCH MORE LENIENT AND FRIENDLY


A period! God damn it, use a farking period and stop shouting! It's scaring the children

:D

[TheProfessor]

Wait, I thought my avatar was scaring the children ???

[b]

To answer some questions from above... It has been in 13 oil changes.* The rest have all been frustrating issues with the air bag (many times), auto lights (3 times), some board behind the dash that controls the auto wipers, engine (4 or 5 times now) & just other odds & ends.. but everything has eventually been taken care of.* Just took multiple trips for most things to fix it... find out it didn't work and then re-fix it.* :)

Back to topic.* Got the call from Erin Mills Mazda today to say they have reviewed my history and it has been approved under warranty & the engine is on its way.

Man I feel much better.* I felt like crap for the last few days.* But as always, it turned out better than I imagined and I must have thanked Frank @ Erin Mills 5 times during our 3 min phone convo.

Horray... It worked out... For now... Now just have to play the waiting game.

Thanks again everyone!

[Cardinal Fang]

Glad to hear it looks like it's working out blackman.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Awwwwww thats good news everything was sorted out

How does one get a 'bent valve' though?

[majic]

wiiiicked!!! good shit.. keep us posted.. !!!

[CanadaGTO]

How does one get a 'bent valve' though?


A few ways, but I believe the most common is a valve spring sticking and the piston striking the valve.

[sbmonkey]

Great news about a new engine!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

How does one get a 'bent valve' though?


Has something to do with the red light on a flip key combined with a incorrectly installed "Fuel Genie".

[Chuckie]

How does one get a 'bent valve' though?


Has something to do with the red light on a flip key combined with a incorrectly installed "Fuel Genie".


i knew that fuel genie thing sucked!!

[TheProfessor]

So when a car gets a new engine is it safe to assume that the odometer does NOT get reset back to 0?

[majic]

So when a car gets a new engine is it safe to assume that the odometer does NOT get reset back to 0?


yup.. but if you were to get a new cluster.. you get a new odometer reading :)

[TheProfessor]

So when a car gets a new engine is it safe to assume that the odometer does NOT get reset back to 0?


yup.. but if you were to get a new cluster.. you get a new odometer reading :)


That seems so retarded.

[Flagrum_3]

To answer some questions from above... It has been in 13 oil changes.* The rest have all been frustrating issues with the air bag (many times), auto lights (3 times), some board behind the dash that controls the auto wipers, engine (4 or 5 times now) & just other odds & ends.. but everything has eventually been taken care of.* Just took multiple trips for most things to fix it... find out it didn't work and then re-fix it.* :)

Back to topic.* Got the call from Erin Mills Mazda today to say they have reviewed my history and it has been approved under warranty & the engine is on its way.

Man I feel much better.* I felt like crap for the last few days.* But as always, it turned out better than I imagined and I must have thanked Frank @ Erin Mills 5 times during our 3 min phone convo.

Horray... It worked out... For now... Now just have to play the waiting game.

Thanks again everyone!


Hey Great news Blackman, (Assuming you have Stick) and if you've got the cash, it may be a good time to put in a MazdaSpeed clutch and flywheel!! they'll have the engine out already, so zip-zap-zoom its done! :D

As for the question Kitten brought up about the bent valve, and if it was the valves, its possible the valves just overheated and bent, it dosn'"t take much and once their bent they slap against the valve seats and get even more damaged.This might be far fetched but it could have happened when he let the car warm up for 5 or so minutes the night before, at idle and when cold the fuel is delivered much richer hence the cumbustion is much hotter, thats why its not a good idea to let it sit too long......just a theory!


_3


.



_3


.

[b]

Talked to Erin Mills today. The engine has come in (that was fast), my engine is out & they are about to drop the new one in any minute now. They were saying I could have it back as soon as tomorrow if everything goes well and it fires up properly.

Still no loaner car tho... I don't mind if I can get my car back in 1 week for a major fix like this.

So far I would give the dealership 4.75/5 for the speed & great customer service. They lost .25 points for not having a loaner for me this time ;) ha ha.

[Midnight_Speed]

Wow, good work on the part of Erin Mills Mazda! That is incredible!

It's actually refreshing to hear a dealer treating their customer to such speed!

[MAZDA Kitten]

Talked to Erin Mills today. The engine has come in (that was fast)

WOW
That was FAST!
Holy shit....

I waited almost 7 weeks for my window trim (the one that started to rust)

[bubba1983]

your engine sounds similar to what happened with mazda3_mike. he had a similar, if not the exact same, issue and the dealership told him the same thing and gave him back the car to drive sounding like shit.* the car eventually died on him in the middle of nowhere.* in the end, he got a new engine out of mazda (long story that was posted on the crashed tm3).

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw the video.* :-[


haha
yeah he's after goign thru about 4 new engines since hten (he's a dear friend who i talk to all the time)

[wtom]

Sweetness, congrats, Andrew!

[FLIPDADY]

Yeah we just received a 2.3 engine that was ordered on the 30th of October today.

Good to hear everything is working out for ya.

[b]

Another update... Got the car back today at 4pm... Wow that was super quick. Very nice people. At the dealership they were asking about my lip (thanks ssg), rainguards (thanks flip) & intake. Super nice. Didn't charge me a penny.

It will be weird doing another break in for the 2nd time :)

It idles super quiet. Its nice for a change... it was always really loud when I started it up until it warms up.

I will post another update after the weekend... that should give me enough time to see if everything works fine.

[bubba1983]

haha must be weird seeling your cluster back at 0 again?
or how does that part work?

[b]

Cluster did not change... still in the 70's :) but I do have a sticker to remind me when my new engine was put in!

Driving it home tonight... All of a sudden my electrical goes. My engine stayed on but my interior and exterior lights go out. Then my power steering goes. So I put my emerg lights on and pulled off the road. Shut it off. Turned it back on... and everything goes. 5 mins later same thing. By this time people are getting pissed behind me. Shut it off and do it again. 5 mins later same thing....

So... I think I will be spending most of the day back @ the dealership... :(

I am sure it is just a loose connection somewhere. The engine stays running even when the lights go out...

[b]

Died on me again tonight... Had to have it towed home... Back to the dealership tomorrow morning again :( I have a CEL on again... eek.

[DrunknFoo]

OMFG! man I'm terribly sorry that you're having to go through all of this.

[bubba1983]

totally not cool


thinks we may have another mazda_3_mike on our hands!!!

least your not a gimp!
hahahahah

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I am sure it is just a loose connection somewhere. The engine stays running even when the lights go out...


Check the negative battery connection... sounds like that might be it.. maybe..

[b]

Checked the battery... not that.

Now it is all dead. Not even the engine will fire.

Had it towed into mazda again today... I waited there from 11 - now 6pm. They had to push it from the tow truck into the bay... and they couldn't get the computer running to load any info to their machine. They gave me a 06 m3 gt loaner for this week. They said they will try more on monday but they can't seem to figure out whats wrong & why they can't get any power to anything.

It will have to stay in the bay over nights because I (and the tech's) can't even get the windows up on it. I was having a smoke & driving when it died.

Hey atleast I was able to drive it for 25 mins this time before it went down... :P

I dunno...

[sbmonkey]

Smoking kills. :D

[bubba1983]

least u got a loaner
they can keep it forever

[b]

Got it back... They forgot to tighten the main ground cable. So whenever I hit a bump it would jump off the contact and shut off. Eeek.

They forgot to hook up my amp power wire after all was said and done.... I will have to go in tomorrow and have them do it. I would do it myself but I am not sure. Do you take the positive contact off the battery and put the power wire back then tighten it down? or do you pull off the negative, then the positive... then hook it up... then positive back then negative?

I don't know much about batteries in cars... I am always afraid I will fry something.

[Wild Weasel]

When a GM dealer needs to keep your car overnight for warranty repairs, you get a rental, no questions asked.

Is this not the case with Mazda? All those times they had your car for a week or even just a couple days, didn't you get a loaner?

I see mention of a loaner just once in this thread but earlier you said something about not being able to go a week without a car every month or two.

What's Mazda's policy on this?

[Skarbro]

Got it back... They forgot to tighten the main ground cable.* So whenever I hit a bump it would jump off the contact and shut off.* Eeek.

They forgot to hook up my amp power wire after all was said and done.... I will have to go in tomorrow and have them do it.* I would do it myself but I am not sure.* Do you take the positive contact off the battery and put the power wire back then tighten it down?* or do you pull off the negative, then the positive... then hook it up... then positive back then negative?

I don't know much about batteries in cars... I am always afraid I will fry something.


Only disconnect the negative terminal. It is not necessary to disconnect the positive - unless you have to wire in something to the positive terminal. Always connect the negative terminal last.

[TheProfessor]

Glad to hear they found the problem.....thankfully that's nothing major so there shouldn't be any more issues down the road.

[b]

When a GM dealer needs to keep your car overnight for warranty repairs, you get a rental, no questions asked.
Is this not the case with Mazda? All those times they had your car for a week or even just a couple days, didn't you get a loaner?
I see mention of a loaner just once in this thread but earlier you said something about not being able to go a week without a car every month or two.
What's Mazda's policy on this?


I've been given a loaner 1/3 of the time it has been in for serivce over night or more. Now when I say loaner I mean either a loaner or a rental. The other 2/3 of the time I was left with no transportation. Erin Mills Mazda was the only dealership to even offer it. I was never given the option at Burlington or Oakville Mazda. Part of the reason why I switched to Erin Mills. They have provided me with exceptional service. Very friendly.





Got it back... They forgot to tighten the main ground cable.* So whenever I hit a bump it would jump off the contact and shut off.* Eeek.

They forgot to hook up my amp power wire after all was said and done.... I will have to go in tomorrow and have them do it.* I would do it myself but I am not sure.* Do you take the positive contact off the battery and put the power wire back then tighten it down?* or do you pull off the negative, then the positive... then hook it up... then positive back then negative?

I don't know much about batteries in cars... I am always afraid I will fry something.


Only disconnect the negative terminal.* It is not necessary to disconnect the positive - unless you have to wire in something to the positive terminal.* Always connect the negative terminal last.


I have to hook my amp power wire up to the positive.

So from what I understand:
1st - Take off negative
2nd - Take off positive
3rd - Hook up power wire back to positive
4th - Connect positive
5th - Connect negative again

Is that right?* Sorry... I am just making sure before I muck it up ;)

[CanadaGTO]

Got it back... They forgot to tighten the main ground cable. So whenever I hit a bump it would jump off the contact and shut off. Eeek.

They forgot to hook up my amp power wire after all was said and done.... I will have to go in tomorrow and have them do it. I would do it myself but I am not sure. Do you take the positive contact off the battery and put the power wire back then tighten it down? or do you pull off the negative, then the positive... then hook it up... then positive back then negative?

I don't know much about batteries in cars... I am always afraid I will fry something.


Only disconnect the negative terminal. It is not necessary to disconnect the positive - unless you have to wire in something to the positive terminal. Always connect the negative terminal last.


I have to hook my amp power wire up to the positive.

So from what I understand:
1st - Take off negative
2nd - Take off positive
3rd - Hook up power wire back to positive
4th - Connect positive
5th - Connect negative again

Is that right? Sorry... I am just making sure before I muck it up ;)


sounds right..... don't forget the last step:

6th - Redo all radio pre-sets and clock.

[b]

Ha ha thanks. Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Does Mazda know the 'link' or the 'root cause' of all these blown engines?

[b]

Does Mazda know the 'link' or the 'root cause' of all these blown engines?


They said they don't open them up but just ship them back. The tech said that when he pulled off my oil filter chunks of metal came out with it. He didn't know what it was exactly but he said it looked like part of the valve assembly. Not 100% sure tho.

[doughboyr6]

o man andrew....you've visted the dealership enough times for the entire TM3 club...you should be an honorary member at Erin Mills now..

[b]

o man andrew....you've visted the dealership enough times for the entire TM3 club...you should be an honorary member at Erin Mills now..


Ha ha I know eh? :)

[wtom]

Assuming you haven't reconnected your amp power wire yet ... warning when connecting the negative battery wire; there will be a spark or two.

Don't hit your head against the hood when it happens. ;)

No it didn't happen to me, but I did jump the very first time I fiddled around with the battery. ;D

[Skarbro]

On the subject of warnings....

Be very careful not to bridge the negative and positive terminals with a wrench or something! For some stupid ass reason, Mazda didn't include a plastic cap for the positive terminal.

[Wild Weasel]

On the subject of warnings....

Be very careful not to bridge the negative and positive terminals with a wrench or something!* For some stupid ass reason, Mazda didn't include a plastic cap for the positive terminal.


Isn't your battery completely enclosed in a box??

[majic]

On the subject of warnings....

Be very careful not to bridge the negative and positive terminals with a wrench or something! For some stupid ass reason, Mazda didn't include a plastic cap for the positive terminal.


Isn't your battery completely enclosed in a box??


not when you take the battery cover off to disconnect the terminals ;)

[b]

Thanks everyone... All hooked up again!

I am buying a vibrant cat back off cta patrique... does anyone think I will have hook up issues with a 2004 car & a 2007 engine (the dealership said it was an 07 engine because that is what is coming out in all the new cars...)?

I think it will fit... I mean my existing setup bolted right up to the new engine...

Should I wait to install it? Should I give the engine a good break in before I swap?

[bubba1983]

wait till your engine runs before you slap on a cat back
we all know how dealerships like to deny warranty with mods!

[TheProfessor]

wait till your engine runs before you slap on a cat back
we all know how dealerships like to deny warranty with mods!


Good call. I'd wait at least a month before doing any kind of mods just to make sure everything is top notch with the engine. A month isn't going to kill you, and with winter coming I'd even say it's worth waiting until spring.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Ha ha thanks. Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)


Good choice!

So this is the second person with a new engine

[wtom]

I am buying a vibrant cat back off cta patrique... does anyone think I will have hook up issues with a 2004 car & a 2007 engine (the dealership said it was an 07 engine because that is what is coming out in all the new cars...)?

I think it will fit... I mean my existing setup bolted right up to the new engine...



Catback will fit because it hooks up to the exhaust manifold, not the engine. Unless you got a new manifold as well? But it'll still fit. Catback is literally a bolt-on mod.

[Midnight_Speed]

But you don't have the Injen CAI hooked up? Or is that left out from the new engine?

[b]

Ha ha thanks. Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)


Good choice!

So this is the second person with a new engine


Thanks :) I called my assistant service manager and he said there would be no problems if I installed it now. They know my history.



But you don't have the Injen CAI hooked up? Or is that left out from the new engine?


I took my car in with it lowered, cai, drl bypass & hid's, new stereo deck... and they had no issues about warranty and these parts. They only wanted to see that I had a shop install all the parts and not hacked it myself. I took in receipts to show I had the springs, hid's & cai installed properly @ a shop.

After the engine swap they hooked my cai and everything back up... no questions asked... very very helpful dealership!!!!!!

[CanadaGTO]

Ha ha thanks. Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)


Good choice!

So this is the second person with a new engine


Thanks :) I called my assistant service manager and he said there would be no problems if I installed it now. They know my history.



But you don't have the Injen CAI hooked up? Or is that left out from the new engine?


I took my car in with it lowered, cai, drl bypass & hid's, new stereo deck... and they had no issues about warranty and these parts. They only wanted to see that I had a shop install all the parts and not hacked it myself. I took in receipts to show I had the springs, hid's & cai installed properly @ a shop.

After the engine swap they hooked my cai and everything back up... no questions asked... very very helpful dealership!!!!!!


Great to see a good outcome like this from a Dealer. We always hear the horror stories, but almost never the good stories...... besides MoT that is ;D

Patrique

[b]

Ha ha thanks. Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)


Good choice!

So this is the second person with a new engine


Thanks :) I called my assistant service manager and he said there would be no problems if I installed it now. They know my history.



But you don't have the Injen CAI hooked up? Or is that left out from the new engine?


I took my car in with it lowered, cai, drl bypass & hid's, new stereo deck... and they had no issues about warranty and these parts. They only wanted to see that I had a shop install all the parts and not hacked it myself. I took in receipts to show I had the springs, hid's & cai installed properly @ a shop.

After the engine swap they hooked my cai and everything back up... no questions asked... very very helpful dealership!!!!!!


Great to see a good outcome like this from a Dealer. We always hear the horror stories, but almost never the good stories...... besides MoT that is ;D

Patrique


Had the vibrant installed today after my dealership said no problem and gave me the green flag. $60 to install at a local custom shop. Sounds amazing...

[CanadaGTO]

Wow, that was fast....... Good stuff

[bubba1983]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!

[b]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


LOL sounds nice. Loud inside the car... Not as loud as you would think outside... Getting used to it will take a bit of time...

[CoolColombian]

^^ you'll love it, good choice!!

[bubba1983]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


LOL sounds nice.* Loud inside the car... Not as loud as you would think outside... Getting used to it will take a bit of time...


it gets quieter after break-in, much quieter...until you add a header...then it never gets quiet! hahah

[b]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


LOL sounds nice. Loud inside the car... Not as loud as you would think outside... Getting used to it will take a bit of time...


it gets quieter after break-in, much quieter...until you add a header...then it never gets quiet! hahah


Is break-in around 2 weeks or so like I have read someplace else? or is by km's... I put on 400km yesterday alone...

[Skarbro]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


LOL sounds nice.* Loud inside the car... Not as loud as you would think outside... Getting used to it will take a bit of time...


it gets quieter after break-in, much quieter...until you add a header...then it never gets quiet!* hahah


Is break-in around 2 weeks or so like I have read someplace else?* or is by km's... I put on 400km yesterday alone...


I guess you haven't read your manual. ;) Break-in is 1,000 kms - although they don't exactly word it that way.

[bubba1983]

he's talking about the exhaust, not the engine


not sure how many km's i put on mine when i first got it....but it was a couple days before it got noticeably quieter...and about a week before it settled into its final db level.....and the rotten egg smell was gone, haha

[Skarbro]

he's talking about the exhaust, not the engine


not sure how many km's i put on mine when i first got it....but it was a couple days before it got noticeably quieter...and about a week before it settled into its final db level.....and the rotten egg smell was gone, haha


Ah ok. I guessed I missed some posts there. I thought he was talking about a new engine because of the subject title. :)

[bubba1983]

your forgiven!

[majic]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


ur not that special.. :P

[b]

he's talking about the exhaust, not the engine


not sure how many km's i put on mine when i first got it....but it was a couple days before it got noticeably quieter...and about a week before it settled into its final db level.....and the rotten egg smell was gone, haha


Ah ok.* I guessed I missed some posts there.* I thought he was talking about a new engine because of the subject title.* :)


;) ya I meant the exhaust. ya maybe I should have posted it under a different title...

& for the smell... Ya... mmm good.

[bubba1983]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


ur not that special.. :P


i know, its cause im not polish, right?

[b]

GO VIBRANT!

its almost like an elite club!!


LOL sounds nice. Loud inside the car... Not as loud as you would think outside... Getting used to it will take a bit of time...


it gets quieter after break-in, much quieter...until you add a header...then it never gets quiet! hahah


You were right... I noticed it getting much quieter already... 3 days and 700km later.

[McGuyver_3]

Ha ha thanks.* Now I need you to order that vibrant cat back :)


Good choice!

So this is the second person with a new engine


from what i know our engines are shit
sad to say this on the board but my friend at work knows a tech that works at mazda and this guy has said that these motors are being replaced on a weekly basis.








I took my car in with it lowered, cai, drl bypass & hid's, new stereo deck... and they had no issues about warranty and these parts.* They only wanted to see that I had a shop install all the parts and not hacked it myself.* I took in receipts to show I had the springs, hid's & cai installed properly @ a shop.

After the engine swap they hooked my cai and everything back up... no questions asked... very very helpful dealership!!!!!!


hmmmmmm does that mean i could get screwed? Or do u think they would accept work orders from bmw stating that i installed all this stuff there?

[b]

hmmmmmm does that mean i could get screwed? Or do u think they would accept work orders from bmw stating that i installed all this stuff there?


I think you'd be okay... Depending on the dealership... I took mine to my local tire shop to have my cai installed. Took it to another shop to have my springs installed. Took it to lockdown to have my hid's installed. Took it to a performance muffler shop for my vibrant.

[McGuyver_3]

^^^ thanks
hopefully they dont hustl me on thursday when i go to get my warranty work doen lol

[iconicrocket]

Just saw the vid just now. That's horrible.

[b]

Question:

Reading TM3.ca under hta & you... it says
"6. I want to paint this car a different colour. No Problem, just remember to get a new vehicle permit within 6 days. This also applies to if you change the engine, fuel system, number of doors, number of axles or convert the body style. HTA O.Reg 628 Section 3 – Vehicle modified – fail to apply for new permit - $85.00/$110.00"

It says change the engine not replace... so it sounds like I do not have to worry about anything...

Just making sure... I have never heard of this before!

[bubba1983]

thats for something liek if your swapping in an ls1 into an rx-7

or a vr6 into whatever dub model they can fit!

[b]

thats for something liek if your swapping in an ls1 into an rx-7

or a vr6 into whatever dub model they can fit!


Thanks that is what I was thinking... But wanted to be sure.

[Wild Weasel]

thats for something liek if your swapping in an ls1 into an rx-7

or a vr6 into whatever dub model they can fit!


Thanks that is what I was thinking... But wanted to be sure.


Yeah... you didn't change the engine. You just replaced all the different engine parts... all at once. ;D

[b]

So for the last week my check engine light has been on... nothing wrong yet... but I wonder what it could be now?

[Broli]

i hope it ends up to be nothing man!!!

[Wild Weasel]

Take it in, get it checked.

[b]

Pushed Black Betty off the road today. Can't wait to see whats wrong now :(

[b3GS]

wow man.. you've had some bad luck with your 3

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

just reading this thread gives me the headache!.....oh man to much trouble for you ... i give you props for sticking to your 3, but looks like you got a lemon car....why not sell the car when its fix and get a new one (if you like the 3 so much get one or something else) ....its comes to a point you had it/enough is enough!......

goodluck to you and hopefully everthing will work out.....

[jaimie08mazda3]

wow that reminds me of when my buddies 96 honda civic hatchback blew up ( i have pics and videos) and he blew a piston and there was about a 20 CM *circumference* hole in the engine block. was saddd

[b]

wow that reminds me of when my buddies 96 honda civic hatchback blew up ( i have pics and videos) and he blew a piston and there was about a 20 CM *circumference* hole in the engine block. was saddd

Shit that is a big hole. I'd love to hear/see the video.

[jaimie08mazda3]

well its a phone video and shitty quality on the computer but ill try to upload it. amazing this thing started up even with the big ass hole

[Dante]

brother went in, gave in all paper work, they want to keep the car for a while to take it apart and see if its somthing in the engine needing to be fixed. After that they said it could take a while and not to expect it back any time soon.. Same dealer Erin Mills Mazda. delt with John.

We are not even joking about this matter because we have paper work for lawyers ready.. JUST incase they dont swap his engine. He's done all servicing and everything is fine, no idea why he would blame the engine right away (the master mechanic.. old dude) then want to inspect it.

Well anyways, after inspection they'll have to wait for the motor to be put in.. no loaner car for my bro either.. BS..

[Darkfrosty7]

wow.... lol i remember my old protege 5 sounded something like that and it turned out to be the J pipe from the exhaust.

[BETRTHNU]

Another reason I did not look at getting another Mazda 3, their engines are just not reliable. Blowing up at 60XXX kms is just insane.

[Dante]

Turns out that the cataylitic converter was toast. Was replaced hence why he had such horrible noises BUT the engine was burning oil and needing to be replaced. would have never known this if the cat didnt go. Unbelievable these ****ing mazdas.

[jaimie08mazda3]

Shit that is a big hole. I'd love to hear/see the video.
next time i see you at a meet i will make sure i show you the video.

[Dante]

Engine swap declined, I'm going to ready up the lawyers. not like the last guy .

[b]

Damn. Did they say why it was declined?

[jaimie08mazda3]

jeeez now im afraid... if my engine blows up... im screwed. i have no money to get a new one...

[Dante]

Lack of maintenance from previous owner, Bought the car used. Previous owner missed 1 oil change and this is my brothers fault? Pure BS if you ask me. Were not going to even bother arguing with them and making bullshit calls etc etc. We are just gonna get lawyers, write this story to the newspapers.. make it heard they dont give a shit about customers with warranties etc etc. They do anything to get away from paying for shit. Trust me, this doesnt end here.

[3DEE]

What the hell are we paying for the warranty for. This is disgusting. This is bull. There's no way missing one oil change will blow your engine. Considering how many people had this problem, obviously they're just looking for excuses. Get them. Take them to court.

[Dante]

To court by the damn ears. Trust me like i said, im not like the last guy and we will put money that's going to the car monthly to pay for the damn lawyer! 1 oil change is not sufficient enough for the motor work to be neglected. Warranty? more like "Warrantsee" We will see if we will warrant you.

On top of this all the catalytic was missing 2 bolts that keeps the shield in place causing all the knocking. Did also a compression test and got a nasty 95 on the third cylinder. They must do the work.

[Dante]

If Mazda of canada is reading this, I am publishing this story to every single newspaper i know of. How unfair warranties really are. If a Mazda representative would like to step up and resolve the problem then PM me.

[Soyabean]

dante, when u publish it to a newspaper, please tell me. I want to read about it. hope everything works out

[BETRTHNU]

If you want to use my situation as well go ahead. I got lucky that they replaced mine under warrenty as I had done all the service. You're looking at about 5+ members from this board alone who have had to replace blown engines through no fault of their own. I would also call those tv guys, goldhawk or whatever and get them to follow up. They seem to get good results and love taking on the car companies.

[3DEE]

5 People locally had blown engines? That's sick. I bought the 3 cause I thought they're made in Japan. I might as well have bought a Ford. And to think I contemplated the Impreza. Shit.

[Dante]

dante, when u publish it to a newspaper, please tell me. I want to read about it. hope everything works out

For sure man, Has your engine issue resolved?

5+ people man.. Is my engine next? I did my oil change early using synthetic just because I'm so scared this will happen to mine..I'm not staying quiet about the situation though. I called Mazda of Canada to explain the situation and they dont seem to budge, they continue blaming the fact that the previous owner of this vehicle is my responsibility. Warranty should never be neglected, which is what warranty is for. Saturday is when I start talking to my father to gather up lawyers and what not.

The situation was brought to the original dealership where the car was purchased (non mazda) and apparently has extended warranty .. My brother didn't know so we'll see how that goes as well. This situation resolved by Mazda or not will still be spread.. If anyone can give me idea's as to where I can post the story or lead me in the proper direction please do so. Anything helps.

[Dante]

Lawyers say this is going to be easy . Thats all i can update with now.

[Dante]

ALRIGHTY,

Spoke to service manager frank at Erin Mills mazda, Provided all the oil changes EXCEPT the one receipt that's missing which is causing all of this damn fiasco and he himself told us that over 1 oil change a car should not be neglected. Now, they cannot add on later saying it was denied because of speeding either because on the service form it says "denied because of lack of maintenance"

If they pull a double jeopardy on me I'm going to laugh, On top of all of this, I printed out all of the threads including this one just incase and highlighted important details, I also printed out my letters to the Toronto Star and my local newspaper. As well as a future thread ill be posting here about erin mills service and Mazda of Canada. If all this fails I guess were just going to have to fork over the dough to pay the lawyer.. He's really confident and willing to start soon but I am doing everything i possibly can my self before pulling out the guns. ANY suggestions?

[3DEE]

Was the oil change really missed, or you just don't have the receipt?

[Dante]

no receipt

[b]

Since I started this thread... and you said you printed it off. Black out my name...

I wish you well. Hope you get it fixed. I know the pain you are going through. BS sometimes eh!

Frank is a very good guy! I am sure he'll try to make it happen for you.

[Dante]

Yeah, All names have been blacked out.

[b]

Yeah, All names have been blacked out.

Perfect thx.

Stick in there... If you have any questions about the process feel free to shoot me a pm.

[Dante]

Offtopic but this entire time your sig never caught my attention because im thinking its loading like my ipod touch -_- sub conscious thing really

[b]

^ ha ha.

So any updates? Any good news on your engine?

[Dante]

Well, service manager was supposed to call me back, obviously isnt SO i guess ill pop by surprise surprise and ask what the **** is going on.:)

[b]

Dante, whats the update? Haven't heard about your engine in a few weeks.

[alhope34]

5 People locally had blown engines? That's sick. I bought the 3 cause I thought they're made in Japan. I might as well have bought a Ford. And to think I contemplated the Impreza. Shit.

Mazda 3's are made in Hiroshima, Japan. And for the record, Mazda has always sold engines/transmissions to Ford, NOT the other way around.


Another reason I did not look at getting another Mazda 3, their engines are just not reliable. Blowing up at 60XXX kms is just insane.

BMW's made in the USA (like the X3 and X5) are much less reliable than the Mazda 3. My friend worked at BMW for a while and would always see the same X3's and X5's in for electrical and/or transmission problems, and even all the mechanics he worked with said they had garbage build quality and in general were just horribly engineered vehicles. That buddy of mine is a BMW fanatic and doesn't even consider them real BMWs. However, BMW's made in Germany (like the 3 and 5 series) have pretty good reliability.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Mazda 3's are made in Hiroshima, Japan. And for the record, Mazda has always sold engines/transmissions to Ford, NOT the other way around.

the 2.0 and 2.3 in the 3 are Ford Duratecs (originally used in the Focus) with a Ford block and Mazda-improved head.




BMW's made in the USA (like the X3 and X5) are much less reliable than the Mazda 3. My friend worked at BMW for a while and would always see the same X3's and X5's in for electrical and/or transmission problems, and even all the mechanics he worked with said they had garbage build quality and in general were just horribly engineered vehicles. That buddy of mine is a BMW fanatic and doesn't even consider them real BMWs. However, BMW's made in Germany (like the 3 and 5 series) have pretty good reliability.

the current X3 is made by Magna International in the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. it was never made in the USA. The next gen X3 will be moved to the USA.

[condor888000]

the 2.0 and 2.3 in the 3 are Ford Duratecs (originally used in the Focus) with a Ford block and Mazda-improved head.

From Wiki, not the best source, but something.

Ford Duratec 20 engine in a 2005 Ford Focus

Beginning in 2004, Ford dropped the old 4-cylinder Zetec engines in favor of Mazda's MZR design. Thus, 2005 and present Duratec 4-cylinder engines are Mazdas. This includes the 2.0 L Duratec 20 the 2.3 L Duratec 23 and the all new 2.5 L Duratec 25. The engine is currently built by Ford in Chihuahua, Mexico; Dearborn, Michigan; Valencia, Spain; Laguna, Philippines; and Nanjing, China.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine

[MajesticBlueNTO]

From Wiki, not the best source, but something.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine

what the article in wikipedia doesn't mention is that the duratec/mzr was a joint collaboration between Ford and Mazda.

up to a recent point in time, the MZR had exclusive variable valve timing and variable intake manifold, when compared to the Ford Duratec version; while both engines shared the same block.

long story short, the engine is not *entirely* a Mazda, since Ford did have a hand in its development...which was what I was trying to say when I quoted alhope's post.

[Swerny]

Mazda 3's are made in Hiroshima, Japan.

I visited the Hiroshima factory in March 2008 and they weren't making 3's there.

2's, Miata's, RX8's,

[b]

the 2.0 and 2.3 in the 3 are Ford Duratecs (originally used in the Focus) with a Ford block and Mazda-improved head.


+ 1 our engines have Ford logo's stamped on them in multiple places .

[alhope34]

I visited the Hiroshima factory in March 2008 and they weren't making 3's there.

2's, Miata's, RX8's,

The packing slip I found in my car said it was made in Hiroshima. Also, I have seen several people on M3F mention that the Mazda 3's were made in Hiroshima. Maybe it's different for the regular 3's, but I am 100% sure my MS3 was made there.

And again, everything I've ever heard is Mazda designed the 2.0 and 2.3 MZR with Ford looking over their shoulders because they were going to stick the Mazda engines into their Focus. I trust what my uncle says about Ford more than anyone. For 6 years he's been the CAW union head for the Brampton plant until he retired at the end of last summer.

[condor888000]

I've heard that the 3 was built in Hiroshima as well, but this link (http://www.ford.com/aboutford/microsites/sustainability-report-2006-07/overviewProfileGlobalTypeAssembly.htm) says they're actually built in Hofo, which seems to be ~150km south west of Hiroshima.


what the article in wikipedia doesn't mention is that the duratec/mzr was a joint collaboration between Ford and Mazda.

up to a recent point in time, the MZR had exclusive variable valve timing and variable intake manifold, when compared to the Ford Duratec version; while both engines shared the same block.

long story short, the engine is not *entirely* a Mazda, since Ford did have a hand in its development...which was what I was trying to say when I quoted alhope's post.

I agree it was a joint collaboration, however your post made it seem like you were saying that they were an entirely Ford design that Mazda just took. Not quite. On the flip side I guess mine made it seem like I was saying it was an entirely Mazda engine Ford took. Boo misunderstandings.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I agree it was a joint collaboration, however your post made it seem like you were saying that they were an entirely Ford design that Mazda just took. Not quite. On the flip side I guess mine made it seem like I was saying it was an entirely Mazda engine Ford took. Boo misunderstandings.

don't you love the internet and the million ways text-only conversations can be interpreted :)

[condor888000]

As a matter of fact, no. :chuckle

[blackspeed3]

Mazda 3's are made in Hiroshima, Japan. And for the record, Mazda has always sold engines/transmissions to Ford, NOT the other way around.



BMW's made in the USA (like the X3 and X5) are much less reliable than the Mazda 3. My friend worked at BMW for a while and would always see the same X3's and X5's in for electrical and/or transmission problems, and even all the mechanics he worked with said they had garbage build quality and in general were just horribly engineered vehicles. That buddy of mine is a BMW fanatic and doesn't even consider them real BMWs. However, BMW's made in Germany (like the 3 and 5 series) have pretty good reliability.

Im not sure if the 09's are but the older Mazda 6 is not a Mazda engine. Its a Ford Duratec.