Itching to customize my 2013 Mazda5

[zoomies100]

That helps a lot @theblooms. I'm deciding between the RX-8 wheels (with no tires) and the Mazda3 wheels with tires. I'm leaning towards the RX-8. I don't love how all new rims are dark grey or black and the RX-8 ones are a plain silver. Also, that would mean that I could get the 225/40s right away

@theblooms the I may have missed the boat on the RX-8 wheels As another option I can buy 18" Mazda 3 wheels (link). Would they also go with 225/40?

 

[Silentnoise713]

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 have different styles for different model years.

 

[theblooms]

@theblooms the I may have missed the boat on the RX-8 wheels As another option I can buy 18" Mazda 3 wheels (link). Would they also go with 225/40?

Sucks you missed the RX-8 wheels, they look SO good. But yup, those MZ3 wheels will also work! If you can find some, Mazdaspeed3 wheels look really good, too.

 

[zoomies100]

Sucks you missed the RX-8 wheels, they look SO good. But yup, those MZ3 wheels will also work! If you can find some, Mazdaspeed3 wheels look really good, too.

Yeah - the guy was saying those RX-8 wheels are immaculate... Oh well.

 

[Silentnoise713]

As another option I can buy 18" Mazda 3 wheels (link). Would they also go with 225/40?

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.

 

[zoomies100]

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.

I do appreciate your point of view. Thanks @Silentnoise713. What are rubber stems?

 

[Silentnoise713]

What are rubber stems?

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 go the cost saving route and changed to the indirect system (read below). It doesn't make sense to have a direct system sensors but only give a dummy light; this justify the change. However, the latest models went back to direct in-rim sensors b/c it is more accurate and all cars today come with screens as standard. Having to buy sensors and getting them installed = more time and money.

Indirect TPMS Making A Comeback On Some Imports

Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are the systems that do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires.

www.tirereview.com

I love the classic RX8 5 spoke but IMO it is too angular for the curved lines of the 2nd gen Mz5 (looks great on 1st gen). Consider looking for RX8 R3 rims (newer model) or 2nd gen MS3 rims, both more curvy. If you ok with 17, Miata NC2 (not NC1) are also nice -all come with TPMS. This is all subjective so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[hleboklop]

If you want to go for aftermarket tpms sensors reporting pressure and temperature of each tire to the head unit, I would highly recommend in-rim teyes sensors, because they have replaceable batteries. Just make sure you get highest quality fresh batteries, they will last 3-4 years.
Do not go for external screw-on type, they are pain to maintain and they will definitely destroy rubber stems.

 

[zoomies100]

@Silentnoise713 @theblooms @youri - I would love more help/input regarding wheels! I'm still waiting on decent RX-8 wheels, but I kinda like these mazda6 wheels: link. Any idea if they would fit? What do you think of the styling? I personally like the old-school plain silver wheels more than the new grey and black ones...

 

[zoomies100]

Hey friends! I've had my stick-shift 2013 Mazda5 for 2 years now and I'm itching to make it unique - mostly cosmetic stuff. Any recommendations? I'm thinking different rear lights and head lights. It has to be relatively inexpensive and tasteful. I'm not planning on spending a fortune on wheels and tires (though I would have loved to if I had the money). And yeah, the sound system is quite bad - any recommendations there?
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Check this out @theblooms @youri @dlarkin_dc @Maikel: