User Tag List

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 38

Thread: Potential future MPS owner - Common faults?

  1. Default Potential future MPS owner - Common faults?

    Hi ladies and gentlemen,

    I have recently sold my BRZ with the intention of downsizing to something cheaper and more practical and found the 07-08 model Mazda 3 MPS Sport to be a great looking daily drive whilst retaining some fun factor.

    After a little research I soon saw about the second gear issue with the selector fork and a friend of mine whom works as a service manager at Mazda said they do a lot of warranty work on the gearboxes for these cars in relation to this problem (says they always find metal in the boxes when the oils are changed over).

    I was hoping some people here could chime in on the severity of this issue and if it is large enough to consider another option? Seeing as though most of these cars will be out of warranty I would not really want to have to rebuild a gearbox for an Inherent design fault.

    Would appreciate any help regarding this and and anything else to look for, thanks in advance

    Stevan

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    North side, Vic
    Age
    37
    Posts
    6,745

    Default

    There should already be plenty of information here about known issues, start with the warranty thread.

    RE: Gearboxes - not heard of one MPS with that issue yet, If I have I dont remember it so its certainly not common.

    Quick search with the term 'common problems' returned these amongst others;
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/tech-...nty-fixes.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/tech-...d-vehicle.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...k-mps-3-s.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...hand-3mps.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...100-000km.html
    MY16 WRX STi Crystal White Pearl
    -= Rally Armour Flaps - 2XS Muffler Delete =-

    FG FPV F6 MKII Vixen - SOLD
    -= Bluepower SRI - ID1000 Injectors - Venom Cat - XCAL3 - ProcessWest Stg2 Intercooler - 359 RWKW=-

    CX9 Grand Touring Stormy Blue
    -= The rolling armchair =-

    6 MPS Velocity Red - SOLD
    -=Cat Back Exhaust - Pirelli PZero=-

    3 MPS Aurora Blue - SOLD
    -=PG SRI - PG Inlet - ETS TMIC - GFB Hybrid BOV - Best Mufflers DP - Eibach Pro - AccessPort STG2 - Autotech HPFP - ITV22 - Michelin PSS=-

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

    Default

    That's probably due to people bashing the gear box around and not taking care of it

    Have heard of this, but mainly on people who take car to drag strip

    There is upgraded shifter forks on MSF

    Biggest issues for a gen 1, busted engine mounts and smoking turbos
    Newbie FAQ My Build Thread
    From stock, to GT3071, to substantially less modded, many lessons learned!
    3" HTP | 100 Cel DP | Autotech HPFP | AP V3 - Self Tuned on E20 | JBR RSB | CPE S2 REM | JBR Shifter Bushings

  4. #4

    Default

    ... and you could say that smoking turbos and weak engine mounts would be a common fault with many high-powered hot hatches. Like anything, take care of it and it'll go forever, don't maintain it well, expect big hurt $$$.

  5. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jmac View Post
    There should already be plenty of information here about known issues, start with the warranty thread.

    RE: Gearboxes - not heard of one MPS with that issue yet, If I have I dont remember it so its certainly not common.

    Quick search with the term 'common problems' returned these amongst others;
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/tech-...nty-fixes.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/tech-...d-vehicle.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...k-mps-3-s.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...hand-3mps.html
    http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/gener...100-000km.html
    Thanks for the threads mate i will look into it more. Re the gearbox problem, it seemed to be the main issue over on MazdaSpeed 3 forums in the states, basically causes the second gear to pop out when decelerating and grind occasionally.

    How do you find the shifting feel in these? I am coming from the BRZ and a Honda Integra DC5 Type R which both had great shift feel and preciseness.


    Quote Originally Posted by SarcasticOne View Post
    That's probably due to people bashing the gear box around and not taking care of it

    Have heard of this, but mainly on people who take car to drag strip

    There is upgraded shifter forks on MSF

    Biggest issues for a gen 1, busted engine mounts and smoking turbos
    Cheers for the response, the example i am looking at has only 45000km so hopefully the turbo wont be an issue on this for a while. Busted engine mounts are expected so i don't have a problem with that either.

    Only concerned with this second problem, even though its a small part it will cost 5x the labour just to fit a replacement.

    The other option i was considering in the same class was the XR5 Focus.

  6. #6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    Thanks for the threads mate i will look into it more. Re the gearbox problem, it seemed to be the main issue over on MazdaSpeed 3 forums in the states, basically causes the second gear to pop out when decelerating and grind occasionally.
    And are these stock powered cars, or ones with a few bolt ons? Because a lot of the cars there are kinda a little crazy power wise
    --> 2008 Metro Grey Sports Pack Gen1 <--

    CS SRI ll CS TIP ll CS AB ll 2XS SSP ll 2XS FMIC ll SURE Anchors ll Enkei RPF1's 17x9 +45 ll Lamin-X Fog Tint ll DBA T3 4000 series ll Remsa pads ll Braided lines
    CP-E S2 RMM ll Hankook RS3 235/40/17 ll Forge V1 BPV ll Whiteline RSB ll AutoTech HPFP
    ll Spin-on Conversion ll Rear Diffuser
    DGR Coilovers ll LED Replacement lights ll "08-MPS" plates ll Cobb AP V3 (E85) ll CP-e TBE ll OCC






  7. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by GibbA View Post
    And are these stock powered cars, or ones with a few bolt ons? Because a lot of the cars there are kinda a little crazy power wise
    Seems to be a combination of both according to;

    http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...thread-134845/

    Looked like a pretty serious issue over there?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    North side, Vic
    Age
    37
    Posts
    6,745

    Default

    We have had a 3 and 6 MPS, no issues.
    When its cold in the morning I double clutch for the first 3 streets and like any normal gearbox never force it..

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

    Default

    These gear boxes are not smooth... They're built to withstand a fair chunk of torque, not to be precise and smooth...

    Coming from Honda and brz, I think you'll hate it... I occasionally get to drive a friend's rx8, have massive gear box envy

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    Seems to be a combination of both according to;

    The Official "2nd Gear Is Dead" Thread - Mazdaspeed Forums

    Looked like a pretty serious issue over there?
    I'm with @Jmac on this one. I've read the forums for over now and here, i've never heard about it. Yes i've heard a little about it over there but not HEAPS.
    I know about the deal with some people upgrading to brass shift pads but as @SarcasticOne said, it's mainly people who have been taking their cars to the strip, tracking them ALOT.

    Look at the signatures of the people who are reporting the problem. It's bit turbo after big turbo, meth kits, 300,400+hp etc
    "Mine started 2 weeks after going big turbo, started popping out of gear then two days later no second at all.18000 miles on 2012"

    Depends how crazy you are planning on going with the car as to how worried you should be. All in all, never heard of anyone here with the issue.

    Other thing to look out for when buying apart from the busted mounts and smoking turbo is the stretched timing chain. It hits against the inside of the VC with a kinda irregular "tick tick tick tick...." thing. Plenty of videos on YT about it.
    --> 2008 Metro Grey Sports Pack Gen1 <--

    CS SRI ll CS TIP ll CS AB ll 2XS SSP ll 2XS FMIC ll SURE Anchors ll Enkei RPF1's 17x9 +45 ll Lamin-X Fog Tint ll DBA T3 4000 series ll Remsa pads ll Braided lines
    CP-E S2 RMM ll Hankook RS3 235/40/17 ll Forge V1 BPV ll Whiteline RSB ll AutoTech HPFP
    ll Spin-on Conversion ll Rear Diffuser
    DGR Coilovers ll LED Replacement lights ll "08-MPS" plates ll Cobb AP V3 (E85) ll CP-e TBE ll OCC






  11. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jmac View Post
    We have had a 3 and 6 MPS, no issues.
    When its cold in the morning I double clutch for the first 3 streets and like any normal gearbox never force it..
    Good to hear, the BRZ was impossible to get into second at all when cold!

    Quote Originally Posted by SarcasticOne View Post
    These gear boxes are not smooth... They're built to withstand a fair chunk of torque, not to be precise and smooth...

    Coming from Honda and brz, I think you'll hate it... I occasionally get to drive a friend's rx8, have massive gear box envy
    My Mrs has a Mazda 3 sport and the shift feels like a truck, I assumed they would be very different gearboxes though?

    The Honda transmission feel was a thing of beauty, even with my tuned motor it lacked useable torque under 4500rpm. I will likely have to find one in Sydney to test drive...

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    North side, Vic
    Age
    37
    Posts
    6,745

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    Good to hear, the BRZ was impossible to get into second at all when cold!



    My Mrs has a Mazda 3 sport and the shift feels like a truck, I assumed they would be very different gearboxes though?

    The Honda transmission feel was a thing of beauty, even with my tuned motor it lacked useable torque under 4500rpm. I will likely have to find one in Sydney to test drive...
    Dont get me wrong, compared to most hondas it feels like a bucket of bolts but like anything, I make sure to treat it right through the heat cycles.
    MY16 WRX STi Crystal White Pearl
    -= Rally Armour Flaps - 2XS Muffler Delete =-

    FG FPV F6 MKII Vixen - SOLD
    -= Bluepower SRI - ID1000 Injectors - Venom Cat - XCAL3 - ProcessWest Stg2 Intercooler - 359 RWKW=-

    CX9 Grand Touring Stormy Blue
    -= The rolling armchair =-

    6 MPS Velocity Red - SOLD
    -=Cat Back Exhaust - Pirelli PZero=-

    3 MPS Aurora Blue - SOLD
    -=PG SRI - PG Inlet - ETS TMIC - GFB Hybrid BOV - Best Mufflers DP - Eibach Pro - AccessPort STG2 - Autotech HPFP - ITV22 - Michelin PSS=-

  13. #13

    Default

    I havnt heard of gearbox issues in Australia , only issues is Wong Wong, from talking to Mechanics that know the MPS is that the general consences is that they are very strong box, main issues is turbo seals and timing chain/VVT even if low KM seals can go on a GEN 1 at any time.

  14. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by chef View Post
    I havnt heard of gearbox issues in Australia , only issues is Wong Wong, from talking to Mechanics that know the MPS is that the general consences is that they are very strong box, main issues is turbo seals and timing chain/VVT even if low KM seals can go on a GEN 1 at any time.
    What kind of costs are associated with repairing the turbo seal or timing chain problems ?

  15. #15

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    What kind of costs are associated with repairing the turbo seal or timing chain problems ?
    Timing chain VVT problem etc is up to 2k from dealer. Replacing turbo, usually people replace with something else. Not sure what a new KO4 is worth..
    --> 2008 Metro Grey Sports Pack Gen1 <--

    CS SRI ll CS TIP ll CS AB ll 2XS SSP ll 2XS FMIC ll SURE Anchors ll Enkei RPF1's 17x9 +45 ll Lamin-X Fog Tint ll DBA T3 4000 series ll Remsa pads ll Braided lines
    CP-E S2 RMM ll Hankook RS3 235/40/17 ll Forge V1 BPV ll Whiteline RSB ll AutoTech HPFP
    ll Spin-on Conversion ll Rear Diffuser
    DGR Coilovers ll LED Replacement lights ll "08-MPS" plates ll Cobb AP V3 (E85) ll CP-e TBE ll OCC






  16. #16

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SarcasticOne View Post
    These gear boxes are not smooth... They're built to withstand a fair chunk of torque, not to be precise and smooth...

    Coming from Honda and brz, I think you'll hate it... I occasionally get to drive a friend's rx8, have massive gear box envy
    +1
    With the right oil, engine mounts, and a good warm up they come good


    Peter "SLIXX"

    Snapped by Tangcla - FB Page
    Currently RaydTuned
    Lots of love from 2XS Racing & Dan's Garage Detailing

  17. #17

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    What kind of costs are associated with repairing the turbo seal or timing chain problems ?
    Turbo seals can't be repaired most people upgrade turbo , BNR1 from states cost $900 US , BNR3 I think is $1100 uS plus delivery and fitting and timing chain is as Gibba said.Turbo seals is more of a problem than chain is . I'm at 90000 KM and chain and turbo is fine.
    If your worried look at a Gen 2 as most of issues are fixed with this Model.
    //BNR3//HDI FMIC//HTP 3" intake//
    // Ecutek tune//CPE DP/ HPFP//
    // Tein performance street Coilovers //
    // Whiteline RSB// 240kwATW bum Dyno //

  18. #18

    Default

    ^^ And it will still be in warranty

  19. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by chef View Post
    Turbo seals can't be repaired most people upgrade turbo , BNR1 from states cost $900 US , BNR3 I think is $1100 uS plus delivery and fitting and timing chain is as Gibba said.Turbo seals is more of a problem than chain is . I'm at 90000 KM and chain and turbo is fine.
    If your worried look at a Gen 2 as most of issues are fixed with this Model.
    The car is to be used as a daily so I don't want to spend more than around $24k which would put the newer model out of budget.

    Seems its mostly about how well they have been serviced and a bit of luck, overall though it seems like there will be a large risk of at least one of these things occurring which isn't appealing.

  20. #20

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stevan View Post
    The car is to be used as a daily so I don't want to spend more than around $24k which would put the newer model out of budget.

    Seems its mostly about how well they have been serviced and a bit of luck, overall though it seems like there will be a large risk of at least one of these things occurring which isn't appealing.
    As long as it's in good order when you go for a look, the owner isn't a hooligan and kms are reasonable, you SHOULD be ok but i'm not saying this with a guarantee.
    --> 2008 Metro Grey Sports Pack Gen1 <--

    CS SRI ll CS TIP ll CS AB ll 2XS SSP ll 2XS FMIC ll SURE Anchors ll Enkei RPF1's 17x9 +45 ll Lamin-X Fog Tint ll DBA T3 4000 series ll Remsa pads ll Braided lines
    CP-E S2 RMM ll Hankook RS3 235/40/17 ll Forge V1 BPV ll Whiteline RSB ll AutoTech HPFP
    ll Spin-on Conversion ll Rear Diffuser
    DGR Coilovers ll LED Replacement lights ll "08-MPS" plates ll Cobb AP V3 (E85) ll CP-e TBE ll OCC






Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •