Q's about MS3, TPMS, and reliability

[KartSalz]

Hey-

I'm looking to buy a '08 Speed3, in the very near-term. My current car is a VW Jetta, 2003, with the VR6 motor, so I'm used to quirky cars. So a couple Q's here:

1. Is there a software interface that allows me to get 'more' control over the car's computer, like VW has with VAG-COM?

2. If there is anything of the sort, can I disable the idiotic TPMS with it? I live in NY state, and I've heard rumblings that the TPMS needs to be error-free on the annual inspection.

3. What sort of issues, besides the motor-mount and doors, are there to worry about?

4. I haven't driven one yet but the Jetta came with the very, uh, squishy shifter that needed a $120 part to address. Is this sort of needed for the Speed3?

5. Oil requirements- what's the change interval, what weight, etc?

Thanks for the help! (bowdown)

 

[SwampAss]

You can't get more control with a VAG-COM. If you have a GIAC remap you can switch between maps, but that's about it. VAG-COMs are for checking fault codes, changing immobilizer codes, and the like. There's OBDII scanners out there that will show and reset faults for Mazda.

The motor mount should be a non issue with the 2008 speed 3.

What errors would you have with the TPMS? I haven't had any.

The Speed3 shifter isn't Miata precise, but for about $35 you can buy metal shifter base bushings and make it pretty close.

I think the manual calls for oil changes every 7500. I do mine @ 5k with a good quality synthetic. I used the same interval with my turbo VW.

FWIW, my Mazdaspeed 3 has been a lot better than my golf was.

 

[LazerBlueP5]

Motor mount has changed for the 08 MS3? I'm asking because I already ordered the SU Rear Mount- should arrive today.

 

[SwampAss]

It's the transmission mount. They upgraded the bolt and torque specs with the recall on the 07. The 08s came with the updated bolt.

 

[chacon101]

I agree with Swamp, no issues with the TPMS and definitely a step up when comparing it to my old GTi.

This car makes you fall in love. I went out for a late Taco Bell run (*cough cough*) and even driving the car easy and slow, it's awesome to run around in. Combine that with the crystal clear view of the HID lights and this car is a winner.

 

[Sacrilicious]

our oil weight is 5w30.

 

[KartSalz]

I don't want to deal w/TPMS at all, to be honest- the fact that we're required to waste money on hardware, by law, tells you the insight most politicians have regarding this. Makes me wonder about the companies that make the sensors and how much they sent Clinton's way during his term...

The MS3 needs snows here in Buffalo, NY and I have to buy them before I get the car. I can waste $240 more on four wheels with TPMS sensors, for snows, so I can keep an idiotic light from staying lit. If I gotta burn $240 I'd rather put it down on the car.

I'll need to get codes reset each time I rotate tires, or swap snows/summers. Since VAG-COM allowed me to 'customize' the IP on my Jetta, I was wondering if there was some way to get the MS3 configured to 'silence' any TPMS alarms, or hopefully defeat the error indicator outright. In addition, I gotta get any TPMS codes cleared before annual inspection. Care to guess who will fix the TPMS errors on Bill Clinton's car? We both know it won't be him.

Anyway...Sounds like this will do. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

I changed the 6-odd quarts of oil in the VR6 every 7500 miles (synth 5W40, pain to find) so it'll be easier there. What size is the oil pan?

I am really interested in this car- it's freezing rain today, it'd be nice to check out the MS3 on snows but that'd be pretty unlikely!

 

[SwampAss]

I've seen TPMS sensors go for $80 used here and on ebay BTW.

 

[chacon101]

Couldn't you just take out the light bulb for it in the display? Kindof a PIA but it would go away.

 

[Moonpie.Express]

I rotate mine al the time...no code resets.
I have never had an issue, in 20K miles, with TPMS.

Pull the fuse for TPMS? A jumper?


What issue with the doors?

 

[JamJam]

I don't want to deal w/TPMS at all, to be honest- the fact that we're required to waste money on hardware, by law, tells you the insight most politicians have regarding this. Makes me wonder about the companies that make the sensors and how much they sent Clinton's way during his term...

The MS3 needs snows here in Buffalo, NY and I have to buy them before I get the car. I can waste $240 more on four wheels with TPMS sensors, for snows, so I can keep an idiotic light from staying lit. If I gotta burn $240 I'd rather put it down on the car.

I'll need to get codes reset each time I rotate tires, or swap snows/summers. Since VAG-COM allowed me to 'customize' the IP on my Jetta, I was wondering if there was some way to get the MS3 configured to 'silence' any TPMS alarms, or hopefully defeat the error indicator outright. In addition, I gotta get any TPMS codes cleared before annual inspection. Care to guess who will fix the TPMS errors on Bill Clinton's car? We both know it won't be him.

Anyway...Sounds like this will do. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

I changed the 6-odd quarts of oil in the VR6 every 7500 miles (synth 5W40, pain to find) so it'll be easier there. What size is the oil pan?

I am really interested in this car- it's freezing rain today, it'd be nice to check out the MS3 on snows but that'd be pretty unlikely!

I have had a CEL for the tpms sensor come on because I tried a set of wheels on from a buddies car. I put my wheels back on and after 5 minutes the light went off. I don't know if you have to reset the computer but I did not!

*edit: not going to debate the ex president

 

[KartSalz]

I rotate mine al the time...no code resets.
I have never had an issue, in 20K miles, with TPMS.

Pull the fuse for TPMS? A jumper?


What issue with the doors?

OK, thanks.

Doors? A couple well-placed punches and the alarm won't work...it's on the site here.

 

[KartSalz]

I have had a CEL for the tpms sensor come on because I tried a set of wheels on from a buddies car. I put my wheels back on and after 5 minutes the light went off. I don't know if you have to reset the computer but I did not!

*edit: not going to debate the ex president

My worry is when there is a defective sensor, you're screwed- gotta go to the dealer. Thanks for the info.

 

[JamJam]

My worry is when there is a defective sensor, you're screwed- gotta go to the dealer. Thanks for the info.

I agree, thats the last place I want to go especially after the fiasco I had buying my car. Nothing but scam artists. Good thing though is its warrantied so if one goes bad take it back and it should be taken care of. I do see your point but I believe the safety factor out weigh negatives when it comes to TPMS sensors.

 

[KartSalz]

I agree, thats the last place I want to go especially after the fiasco I had buying my car. Nothing but scam artists. Good thing though is its warrantied so if one goes bad take it back and it should be taken care of. I do see your point but I believe the safety factor out weigh negatives when it comes to TPMS sensors.

The safety factor was due to SUV rollovers, not cars. If somebody driving a car needs an indicator to say they've lost pressure, they're out of their depth simply driving.

Don't take that personally, it's not directed at you

 

[Moonpie.Express]

^^^^^
Amen!

Although I am quite suprised at how well the stock wheels hold pressure. All the aluminum ones I have had became a pain in the ass.

I think the door thing was on regular 3's.