Oil Changes on the 07' Mazda3

[MM3Canuck]

I just hit the 2000km mark and decided to do an oil change.
After I got under the car I realized that Mazda places this big plastic plate under the whole engine compartment, prevent water from entering I guess.

Anyways, they cut a nice hole in there, so that you can get oil filter out of there, without removing the plate (At least that seemed to be the idea behind it). HOWEVER, the hole is not even in the right place, it is so much shifted over, that its impossible to get the filter out.

Is this a manufacturing mistake? Anyone experienced this problem?

I am calling my dealer tomorrow to ask about it.

 

[Refonbass]

you're absolutely right. The hole is definitely not lined up with the location of the oil filter itself. When changing the oil, this entire plastic piece must be removed. Very poor design IMO.

 

[WTF MATE]

Sorry kinda off topic kinda on. I was wondering 1:for the speed 3s I think they come with regular oil, if not cool, if so is anyone switching for synthetic. Also in the maintenance book they have the scheduled oil changes every 5000 miles, I'm used to changing my cars at 3K but I would like to go according to the book to keep everything else in check also. Any opinions on this.

 

[MM3Canuck]

Sorry kinda off topic kinda on. I was wondering 1:for the speed 3s I think they come with regular oil, if not cool, if so is anyone switching for synthetic. Also in the maintenance book they have the scheduled oil changes every 5000 miles, I'm used to changing my cars at 3K but I would like to go according to the book to keep everything else in check also. Any opinions on this.

After breakin its up to if u want to switch to Synthetic Blend, or go full syn, its up to you how much you want to spend on your oil changes. If you go full synthetic, I would change the oil at 5000miles, just because synthetic oil lasts alot longer. For example, the new VW Gold requires an oil change every 60,000km with Full Synthetic, now that is impresive.

 

[MM3Canuck]

you're absolutely right. The hole is definitely not lined up with the location of the oil filter itself. When changing the oil, this entire plastic piece must be removed. Very poor design IMO.

Has it always been like this? Or just on the 2007 models?
That is such :bs:

 

[javanc]

Since the day the first 3 rolled off the lines in 2004 the car has been like this. That cute little window that is there is a production line insp. hole. Everyone thinks its for oil draining and makes a huge mess. But i assure you its not a mis-manufacture. Yes you have to drop the whole plastic underpan, a pain yes but it keeps air turbulence,water and road grime out.

 

[javanc]

Sorry kinda off topic kinda on. I was wondering 1:for the speed 3s I think they come with regular oil, if not cool, if so is anyone switching for synthetic. Also in the maintenance book they have the scheduled oil changes every 5000 miles, I'm used to changing my cars at 3K but I would like to go according to the book to keep everything else in check also. Any opinions on this.

Oil change intervals have always been a debate. If the manufacturer feels that thier systems operate clean enough to change every 5000 then let it be so. Thats 13.3 less oil cahnges over the life of 100000 miles. Thats alot of cash. The oil companies still have us thinking that dino will only last 3000 miles, or hell only 3 months, but if you doubt them do an oil analysis at 3 and 5 grand, see if theres much of a diff.

 

[MM3Canuck]

Since the day the first 3 rolled off the lines in 2004 the car has been like this. That cute little window that is there is a production line insp. hole. Everyone thinks its for oil draining and makes a huge mess. But i assure you its not a mis-manufacture. Yes you have to drop the whole plastic underpan, a pain yes but it keeps air turbulence,water and road grime out.

Ever tried just cutting it bigger? Would that make a big difference?

 

[javanc]

First off that would defeat the whole underpan design. And no dont cut it, its only like 4 little plastic screws to take it off. Its a brand new car let it be happy and beautiful and complete for at least a year LOL.

 

[MM3Canuck]

Well, I wouldnt just start cutting around, I would actually measure it and make a nice clean cut. But yeah, i guess its only 3-4 times a year

 

[sky_can]

Does anyone know if the 2007 model still equipped with the cartridge type oil filter or back to the more traditional type oil filter ?

 

[MM3Canuck]

Does anyone know if the 2007 model still equipped with the cartridge type oil filter or back to the more traditional type oil filter ?

I have only changed my oil so far, and plan on doing my complete oil change+ filter at 8000km.

BUT, as far as I know, it is still the catridge type, same as the 06' model.