TONE, Hi. If this is a relatively new MPS then it seems very strange for it to be rust or paint lifting, unless you got the car 2nd hand and it is some prior damage or repair. Depending on your warranty and owner history status, I'd go to the dealer first. Mazda paint is usually damn good, and modern applications rarely lift.
Whatever, ask your local Mazda who does all their recommended or referred repairs and/or then take it to them or a TOP panel shop, preferably one who does Mazda repairs for routinely (as I do), for an opinion BEFORE you mess with a bunch of reagents, polishes and other efforts to remediate it, for you may make any future proper effort impossible.
If the guys don't seem to be interested or know or care about it, then try another place. The industry is full of useless wallies who try to sound knowledgeable but know SFA.
This may seem a hassle but you are starting from a known position. If it is a prior repair you may discover something you need to know re safety of the pillar and/or the airbag deployment. Do NOT mess with it prior to doing this.
Added later: Don't wish to alarm you, but depending on your owner status, if you bought it 2nd hand, then make sure you keep track of all your conversations and inquiries with 3rd parties. You might need to have some recourse to a dealer for some 2nd hand warranty or even for failing to report a significant repair to you.
Good luck.
Last edited by Doug_MPS6; 16-08-2010 at 05:32 PM.
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