Newb 2006 M3s hatchback -Which manual to get?

[RedIsBest]

Hey everyone,

I just got a nice deal on my first Mazda. I kind of miss my VW golf but I am sure that will pass.

I have some questions.....

Which repair manual should I get? Haynes? go to the dealership for a shop manual? online manual?
I am not planning to do anything huge as I am a very amateur mechanic. I want to be able to do my own basic maintenance. Is their a calender for that too?

The car is in great condition with nothing wrong (yet) and low km 80000.

Eventually I want to do some upgrades focusing on efficiency + music. I heard cold air intake is a really good idea.

any recalls I should know about?

I can use all the mentoring this community is willing to offer. wax on wax off.

[RedIsBest]

best oil to use?

mazda says 0-20synthetic. My old farmer friend curses synthetic oil says there is no bang for the buck.

[Kiyomi]

best oil to use?

mazda says 0-20synthetic. My old farmer friend curses synthetic oil says there is no bang for the buck.

watch out for the rust. keep away from bolt ons if you want efficiency. go with synthetic because it actually helps your engine stay alot cooler and run easier. the "old" farmer is stuck in his old ways.
every manual from the dealership ive gotten has been very useful. cant comment on haynes or online.

[barnau21]

The manufacturer recommended oil is 5w20 conventional. On the newer generations, they changed it to 0w20 synthetic and for good reason. Synthetic oil is waayyyyy better in terms of performance and durability. Since the car still has low kms, start using synthetic.

In terms of mods... The cold air intake won't add any noticeable power, but it sure will sound nice. Personally I wouldn't go for it just because the ones I've seen have no support bracket so the only holding it is the rubber sleeve you tighten over the throttle body. I've seen this cause MAF sensor wires to break as seen below:

<a href="http://imgur.com/oclEkVN"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/oclEkVN.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

[barnau21]

http://i.imgur.com/oclEkVN.jpg

[CH0SiiN1]

More air in needs more air out.. There have been rumours that a intake, catback and header add minor amounts of hp and gain fuel efficiency. Usually you lose more fuel due to the novelty of the mods and most drive with a heavier foot :P
Either way it won't be a noticable gain of fuel savings, if this is what your truly after maybe a sky active is in the future.
Welcome to TM3!! Post some pics :)

[RedIsBest]

Thanks everybody.

I will put pics up sometime soon.

[RedIsBest]

I'm getting 460km on a tank. is that normal?

[Cab0oze]

More air in needs more air out.. There have been rumours that a intake, catback and header add minor amounts of hp and gain fuel efficiency. Usually you lose more fuel due to the novelty of the mods and most drive with a heavier foot :P
Either way it won't be a noticable gain of fuel savings, if this is what your truly after maybe a sky active is in the future.
Welcome to TM3!! Post some pics :)

Catback won't do a damn thing but sound nicer. You will lose low end torque, and low end torque is far more important than high end HP.
CAI is a terrible idea. You risk ruining your engine (and yes, it has happened to a lot of people with 3s over the years) and there is practically no difference over a SRI, plus it is more difficult to access the filter/install/etc. Also, we live in canada so the air is always cold anyway.


I'm getting 460km on a tank. is that normal?
If you don't drive economically, and you're doing a lot of city driving, sure. If you're going to ask about fuel economy, give the values in L/100km for a tank and more details about how/where you drive. km/tank isn't very meaningful.


The manufacturer recommended oil is 5w20 conventional. On the newer generations, they changed it to 0w20 synthetic and for good reason. Synthetic oil is waayyyyy better in terms of performance and durability. Since the car still has low kms, start using synthetic.

If you use what the manual says (5w20 conventional) and stick to the recommended intervals, you'll be fine and save a lot of money.
If you drive your car at the racetrack, or always forget to change your oil, spend more and get synthetic. 0W20 would be OK too during the winter but once again it isn't required. Mazda manual knows best.