MAZDA Special Service Program

[206b3]

So I'm a little bummed and concerned about two SSP letters I received from Mazda in January 2012. One letter addresses the VVT noise and/or timing chain noise on 2007-2010 L3T engines that includes Mazdaspeed3. The other letter addresses the "specific repair of heavy white smoke from exhaust tail pipe concern" same engine, certain manufacture dates.

Both letters state the extension of warranty period to 7 year/70,000 for these two issues. The letters also state "if you are a recipient of this notice, your vehicle is included in this program".

The heavy white smoke thing is something I read about in early 2008.

My 3GT is a 2008.5 w/ 20393 on the odometer and I don't see or hear these issues but I have low miles on it as well so that's why I'm concerned.

Is there anyone out there who has received these letters?

Has anyone experienced the "heavy white smoke" and/or VVT-timing chain noise?

[erod550]

The smoking turbo issue was largely on the 2007-2008 models. 2008.5 and up don't have it as often that I've seen. I put 21k miles on my 2009 before I traded it in and never had the idle smoking issue, even having a catless downpipe for more than half of those miles.

It could happen eventually, but if it's not happening right now, I wouldn't worry about it. You've still got 3 more years/50k more miles for them to fix it if it does start happening.

[Mikedubs]

I don't have the time chain noise, but from what I read about people that have it, you are going to notice it. I actually have my car in the shop now for a check-up and they said you are going to know for sure if yours is messed up.

[206b3]

According to Sil Terhar Motors Mazda Service- Stephan in Broomfield, you car should not be vulnerable if you use

5w-30w Synthetic Blend at recommended intervals with approved oil filter.

They are seeing issues with cars that are not maintained to above criteria. Changing viscosity is an issue, according to him and the letters state that as well.

Heavy white smoke can be experienced if you use synthetic only. This is a turbo seal issue according to Sil Terhar but I also read this in 2008.
He did also confirm that you will hear the timing chain, it's that obvious, if you do have this issue.

So I'm still concerned.

[Mikedubs]

So I'm still concerned.

What you're saying is that you don't change your oil.

[206b3]

No, I'm not totally buying Sil Terhars viscosity hypothesis.

Quite the contrary, I'm on the 11th oil change since July 2008.
5w-30w Synthetic blend and Mazda filter.

I'm concerned that I've followed Mazda recommended maintenance to a tee and I still face some mechanical failure that has nothing to do with engine oil viscosity.