Recent content by Silentnoise713

Search old treads for detail discussions. -US Mz5 is not rated to tow BUT overseas is rated for ~1500lbs -Rear shocks blow easily (kyb monotubes), rear springs are very soft (helper spring), transmission is spec'd for Mz3 (ext. tranny cooler), stock brakes lack (panic) stopping power (MS3 kit)...

What you described matches what my '08 started experiencing for the first time last winter. It only happens when it gets below ~40; I think mechanism needs a thorough degreasing and regressing. Doesn't seem to hard to take apart (It's not cold enough yet so I'm not motivated to tackle it)...

Yeah, that is the first "red" flag. They should at least be able to get toe dialed in to be closer in value. I find it is helpful if you go in telling them: I want the front and rear toe to be at X degree and hold them to it. Otherwise, technically, they are right b/c it is within the "green"...

Dropping HID/LED into halogen reflector headlights is the big no-no but Mazda uses a projector lens that is the x-factor (Daniel Stern argue this too but I disagree based on many empirical user experiences I've come across). Stick with a better set of HIDs b/c the bulb projects light, unlike...

Front: Lift the front high enough to relieve spring preload, loosen the top 3 mounting bolts and have someone apply pressure pushing in at the BOTTOM of wheel, you retighten. There's enough slack to slightly alter camber. Also, if you installed aftermarket struts (likely for '06), ensure the...

Looks like a Franken swap. Very common with cars that share the same chassis/generations. Suspect they had to swap fenders to fit the headlights (lacking side markers on Gen2, except '10), sideview turn signal covers, wheels, the whole identity crisis. Hard to tell from the fuzzy pic but...

Can’t believe another year has come and gone… TLDR Summary: Yes, I would buy it again and recommend it *IF* you are looking for something in the budget range (there will be limitations). $140 to my door for 6gb ram, 128GB storage, ARM Cortex A55: 4@1.2+ 4@1.6, + mic/AHD backup cam/OEM bezel...

What persuaded you to go with this Android unit? Seems a bit overpriced for YGWYPF. Mekede (pay more for name/support) or FYT (cheaper and popular on XDA), both same/similar hardware, seem be the current benchmark for decent android units. Is it your intent to setup a "backup" camera and not...

Air valve stem. All Mz5 come with in-rim TMPS sensors that are capable of reading individual air pressure and air temp. Look at your rim's stem, it should have a metal cap. Mz5 dash "shows" a dummy light b/c budget cars don't come with screens in the early 2010s. For a period, Mazda try to...

Looks are subjective but that isn’t it. FYI, that looks like it has rubber stems so you’ll need to buy TPMS sensors and pay to RE mount/balance all tires.

Good idea thinking outside of the box. It never crossed my mind to shop platform sharing mates (for brake pads). I'm curious what supplier Volvo uses. They seem pricy but I think it's likely from a reputable mfg. Not a bad deal if the warranty claim is as easy as you say (for someone planning...

I also prefer buttons -most of the time. There is a case for touch HVAC controls IF you truly want to consolidate everything into one screen. You'll need to custom make a dash kit to mount a 'Tesla style' double din android unit. You can then rid of the upper trim display panel, center radio...

Enjoy your time with customizing it, it's a great way to get familiar with the car. I'm not sure what your goals are but something to consider, >18" rims without any lowering leaves odd looking wheel gap due to the low profile tires. Not sure if you are aware but the MS3/RX8/(any car) rims...

^ Not a fan of black out headlights or dark/murdered out look (car looks more like the MPV) but that polishing job is fantastic! Old car problems: Forgot how much of a PITA FSB bushings are to replace. Fix clunk back in 2014 @78K with OEM. It's back after ~100K; left bushing came out in...