Fabians 3 no more?

[mEtH]

I just wanted to start a thread about what Fabian was talking about at Meet #5. I kind of missed the conversation and wanna make sure everyone is on the level with this topic because thats gonna be harsh!!!

So, the thread is open. If someone can start off with a detailed description that would be great, then we can hear what people have to say.

Thanks

[Grifter]

Are we talking about the vibration coming from the engine? If you leave the car in neutral and rev up to 2000 RPM, you will feel a distinct vibration coming from the engine...I believe Fabian said this was because the engine was \"unbalanced\" but I wouldn\'t be able to tell you in detail what this means exactly.

[Xenon]

DO NOT let this get out of hand... as far as I know there is no recall on our car yet.

Fabian (aka, crappy3... former member of TM3) was having engine vibration problems with his car (as many of you know he also had many others) I think his car was a lemon....

Anyways, he is a car (boarderline :p) fanatic, and pays a lot of attention to detail on his car. Any of you who have met him or talked to him, knows this. He noticed that the 2.3L engine gives off some harsh vibration, especially around the 2000 RPM area. You can test this yourself by opening your driver\'s door, reving the engine to 2000RPM in neutral or park, and touching your door. You will notice the vibration.

Being as detailed as he is, he brought it to the attention of Mazda Canada. Thusfar, As far as Mazda is concerned, this vibration is normal, since the engine does work harder at 2000 RPM verusus at idle, when the car door is usually open (If the door is shut, no vibration is felt at 2000 or any RPM).

Because of Fabian\'s persistance, Mazda Canada took his car back (NOT RECALLED) to investigate. Until further notice, this engine vibration is considered normal, since it does not pose any mechanical or safety problems.

Fabian unfortunately will not be getting his 3 back, and as a result has left our club :(

He is now the proud owner of a Saturn VUE Red Line Edition. Although many of us mocked him at Meet #5 for going from something like a Mazda3 to a Saturn VUE, but being the car enthusiast that he is, I have to respect his decision. I am sure that his new purchase will bring him years of happiness and driving pleasure.

[mEtH]

Cool, I never heard the full story and really just wanted to know what it was all about. I just wanted this thread to clarify it all up. I\'m sure some other people were wondering too and so thought this thread could clear it all up. I kept hearing possible recall and the word was being thrown around.

Good to know that Mazda has taken true interest in the fact and are investigating it. I personally don\'t think it has anything to do with the chassis or body work but rather would look at the engine mounts. We do have that rumble at startup, I actually might look into some aftermarket engine mounts. Not just to get rid of that little rumble (which I kinda like) but to make the front end more solid for the powertrain. But that won\'t be for quite sometime.

Anyone ever ask on the S40 forums about this. If it is a chassis \"problem\" then they would feel the same thing i\'d assume.

[///M]

I have the feeling it might be the engine mounts. The mount on the 3 are pretty weak and overly soft - they\'re also the cause of the clunking sound experienced by some going over large bumps.

[midnightfxgt]

I have a feeling that the mounts are soft also, and would love a recall for them to be fixed, but until then, I dont think they are so bad.

The clunk heard in HBs from the rear is a different issue, and will be fixed by the dealer

~JOHN

[david3]

Originally posted by Xenon
He noticed that the 2.3L engine gives off some harsh vibration, especially around the 2000 RPM area. You can test this yourself by opening your driver\'s door, reving the engine to 2000RPM in neutral or park, and touching your door. You will notice the vibration.

Thusfar, As far as Mazda is concerned, this vibration is normal, since the engine does work harder at 2000 RPM verusus at idle, when the car door is usually open (If the door is shut, no vibration is felt at 2000 or any RPM).


Yes, vibration is felt with the door shut. Pop your car into neutral with the door shut and rev it to around 1800rpm then slowly rev up past 2000rpm.. You should be able to feel the vibration. Hell, I can feel this in my 2.0L.. sometimes I can even feel it when crusing at 80km/h (since rpm\'s are right at 2000).