First Mods to the M3 (non-BMW)

Panacea · 07-24-2006, 10:24 PM

Well, I have done my first "Mods" to the Mazda3. My car was pretty much fully loaded from the factory, the only things that I know of that I'm missing are the navigation system, auto-dimming mirror, and heated mirrors.

My first official mod was installing the auto-dimming mirror/compass (Homlink too?!?). Factory install was $275, but I bought an auto-dimming mirror w/compass and Homelink for $235 and installed it myself.

I would say that this was the most involved mod that I've done to any car because it required the most disassembly I've had to do. I had to take off the kickplate, a-pillar, and mirror as well as tap into some unknown wires to install it.

My other "mod" really isn't a mod, but I had the dealer put on a factory spoiler.

and here's a pic of the interior...

Currently, the only other mod I have planned is an iPod integration solution. I am debating on whether or not to paint the calipers. Recommendations would be appreciated. If I do plan on painting them, I plan on using Rustoleum Metallics Cobalt Blue. Any thoughts/opinions, as well as other color combos, are welcome.

pyro · 07-24-2006, 10:29 PM

eww i definately thought i was going to see a turbo bmw or something.

p.s. some of the pics dont work

Panacea · 07-24-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyro

eww i definately thought i was going to see a turbo bmw or something.

p.s. some of the pics dont work

Fixed... Reached my 10mb limit (totally ghey for what they charge!!!).

Notice the nice Buick all-weather floor mats.

I kept those. Dealer wouldn't throw anything in on the deal so I said fock you. Funny thing is that they were thrown in on the Buick.

2002GT · 07-24-2006, 11:36 PM

blue and that red is a no go IMHO.

that spoiler sets it off 100x better. i'd say tint and your set

Panacea · 07-24-2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002GT

blue and that red is a no go IMHO.

that spoiler sets it off 100x better. i'd say tint and your set

Already done. Rear 3 @ 13%.

As far as the blue, why not? The cobalt blue is a metallic flake (just like my paint job) and is a darker blue.

here's a pic of what it looks like (it can be lighter or darker depending on the light)

nascarnate326 · 07-25-2006, 05:07 AM

Looks good.

Color combo looks like the flag. Spoiler makes it look alot better.

Mendoza · 07-25-2006, 07:42 AM

Quote:

eww I definitely thought I was going to see a turbo bow or something.

I too was hoping for a BMW!

I don't think painting the calibers blue would be a great idea. It wouldn't really flow with the cars paint scheme at all. Plus think about all the brake dust on those blue calibers. Try black or color matching it to the car.

REV13 · 07-25-2006, 09:58 AM

nice ride.........

dont know about the blue...i mean i LOVE that blue but im not sure it would look great..it'll look alright...then again, u never know, maybe im just having a hard time imagining it with ur cars color...

lone_wolf025 · 07-25-2006, 10:35 AM

Not bad. Its a nice ride and I'm rather partial to Mazdas...though it'd look better with dual tips 'stead of just the one. Perhaps a mod in the future?

2003SCT · 07-25-2006, 11:18 AM

Nice looking!.....but I agree..where is the BMW...that's why I clicked on the link.

CHRIS

Panacea · 07-25-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003SCT

Nice looking!.....but I agree..where is the BMW...that's why I clicked on the link.

CHRIS

Thanks everyone.

As for the BMW, supposedly Mazda designed some of the car after the BMW M3, so yeah... I don't konw where I'm going with that one.

Irate · 07-25-2006, 08:11 PM

"fixed" your title

I was hoping for a nice E36 project car you've been keeping secret, but no.

Panacea · 07-25-2006, 08:30 PM

Hey, there was nothing wrong with my title. If you look around it's called an M3

You guys really need to get up to date with your car knowledge.

5-lO · 07-25-2006, 08:35 PM

Nice car, I really like Mazda lately and you cant beat the value. Fully loaded with an M5 trans they go for what like 24?

GregFarz78 · 07-26-2006, 04:58 AM

Nice ride you shaved off at least 40 years off your life trading for that car

Slim · 07-26-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panacea

Hey, there was nothing wrong with my title. If you look around it's called an M3

You guys really need to get up to date with your car knowledge.

Well.. No, they're not really called an M3. People who own them either say "I drive a 3" or "I drive a Mazda 3"... usually the latter though.

And I am up to date on my car knowledge... plus we've had a Mazda 3 for about a year and a half now.

Irate · 07-26-2006, 10:43 AM

Nothing besides a BMW M3 can ever be called an M3.

I do like your mazda 3 though - it looks good

Panacea · 07-26-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5-lO

Nice car, I really like Mazda lately and you cant beat the value. Fully loaded with an M5 trans they go for what like 24?

Yeah Fully loaded it's around 23-24k. Nothing on the market can even come close to having all the features this car has, and in it's price range.

Anyways, thanks everyone. I just ordered the iPod integration kit, so that's the next mod. After that, hopefully that'll be it for a few years. I need to save my money.

curtpank · 08-03-2006, 02:10 AM

Could you imagine that Mazda3 dog with 18's, intake, exhaust and custom tune?

PS the 2006 Honda Civic SI loaded is around the same price

2003SCT · 08-03-2006, 08:49 AM

The Si is pretty hot with a better motor than the 3 can even dream of.....

CHRIS

07-24-2006, 10:24 PM	#1
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	First Mods to the M3 (non-BMW) Well, I have done my first "Mods" to the Mazda3. My car was pretty much fully loaded from the factory, the only things that I know of that I'm missing are the navigation system, auto-dimming mirror, and heated mirrors. My first official mod was installing the auto-dimming mirror/compass (Homlink too?!?). Factory install was $275, but I bought an auto-dimming mirror w/compass and Homelink for $235 and installed it myself. I would say that this was the most involved mod that I've done to any car because it required the most disassembly I've had to do. I had to take off the kickplate, a-pillar, and mirror as well as tap into some unknown wires to install it. My other "mod" really isn't a mod, but I had the dealer put on a factory spoiler. and here's a pic of the interior... Currently, the only other mod I have planned is an iPod integration solution. I am debating on whether or not to paint the calipers. Recommendations would be appreciated. If I do plan on painting them, I plan on using Rustoleum Metallics Cobalt Blue. Any thoughts/opinions, as well as other color combos, are welcome. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

07-24-2006, 10:29 PM	#2
pyro mAUDIrator AKA: Jeremy Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL Age: 34 Posts: 3,837 Vehicle: '05 A4 1.8T	eww i definately thought i was going to see a turbo bmw or something. p.s. some of the pics dont work __________________ They can come closer than close, yeah...original they never will be. Florida Members...CLICK HERE

07-25-2006, 05:07 AM	#6
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	Looks good. Color combo looks like the flag. Spoiler makes it look alot better. __________________ "We've got lots of letters from Windows users that say iTunes is their favorite program. Its like giving a glass of water to someone in hell" - Steve Jobs

07-25-2006, 11:18 AM	#10
2003SCT GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Age: 41 Posts: 1,710 Vehicle: 2003 Grand Am SC/T	Nice looking!.....but I agree..where is the BMW...that's why I clicked on the link. CHRIS __________________ UNLV Alumni...Go Rebels! 2003 Grand Am SC/T Coupe in White. Borla Cat-Back, F/R Speedbuilt sway bars, H&R Sports/KYB, 18" Misano Lightweights wrapped in Falken FK-452 Euro-Sports and ZAINO! 2000 Chevrolet S10 Flareside: K&N Intake, Truxedo Tonneau and Gibson Cat Back

07-25-2006, 08:11 PM	#12
Irate Irasshaimase AKA: Rob Join Date: Aug 1976 Location: Albany vs. Oneonta vs. Philly Posts: 17,481 Vehicle: its "vehico"	"fixed" your title I was hoping for a nice E36 project car you've been keeping secret, but no. __________________ R6 \| STi \| GC Jeep

07-24-2006, 11:36 PM	#4
2002GT GAGT - Junkie AKA: Nick Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Southeast Posts: 3,817 Vehicle: Charger 392	blue and that red is a no go IMHO. that spoiler sets it off 100x better. i'd say tint and your set

07-25-2006, 09:58 AM	#8
REV13 Just like new!!! =) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Hialeah, Fl (Miami) Age: 34 Posts: 76 Vehicle: '97 GAGT/ '00 GAGT 4dr	nice ride......... dont know about the blue...i mean i LOVE that blue but im not sure it would look great..it'll look alright...then again, u never know, maybe im just having a hard time imagining it with ur cars color...

07-25-2006, 08:30 PM	#13
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	Hey, there was nothing wrong with my title. If you look around it's called an M3 You guys really need to get up to date with your car knowledge. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

07-25-2006, 08:35 PM	#14
5-lO Just bought a. . . AKA: Jon Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Evanston, IL Age: 35 Posts: 2,950 Vehicle: 15 HD 48 XL1200X	Nice car, I really like Mazda lately and you cant beat the value. Fully loaded with an M5 trans they go for what like 24? __________________ CURRENT: WHATEVER I WANT OFF THE DEALER LOT AND 15 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 48: LED HEADLAMP, TURNS AND TAILS, PYTHON BLACK SLIP ONS, SCREAMING EAGLE BLACK EXHAUST SHIELDS. PREVIOUS: 03 GAGT, 04 MAZDASPEED MX-5, 06 TC, 02 SEVILLE STS, 07 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHTESTER, 10 MAZDA3 S SPORT MANUAL, 06 SUZUKI KATANA, 11 MAZDA 3 S GRAND TOURING MANUAL TECH, 13 MAZDASPEED3

07-26-2006, 04:58 AM	#15
GregFarz78 GAGT - Junkie AKA: See Above Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philly, PA Age: 43 Posts: 4,413 Vehicle: 04 Honda S2000	Nice ride you shaved off at least 40 years off your life trading for that car __________________ My Pics

07-26-2006, 10:43 AM	#17
Irate Irasshaimase AKA: Rob Join Date: Aug 1976 Location: Albany vs. Oneonta vs. Philly Posts: 17,481 Vehicle: its "vehico"	Nothing besides a BMW M3 can *ever* be called an M3. I do like your mazda 3 though - it looks good __________________ R6 \| STi \| GC Jeep

08-03-2006, 02:10 AM	#19
curtpank GAGT - Member AKA: Curt Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Age: 50 Posts: 75 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan	Could you imagine that Mazda3 dog with 18's, intake, exhaust and custom tune? PS the 2006 Honda Civic SI loaded is around the same price __________________ "Not Stock and Four Smoking Barrels" Dr. Speed CAI; WOT-Tech ported UIM and LIM; Billet 65mm Throttle body; S&S headers, downpipe and cat; Borla cat-back; custom PCM tune; front heated seats; altezza clear tails; 18" Core Racing Evo rims; 225/40ZR18 BF Goodrich G-Force KDW2 tires

08-03-2006, 08:49 AM	#20
2003SCT GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Age: 41 Posts: 1,710 Vehicle: 2003 Grand Am SC/T	The Si is pretty hot with a better motor than the 3 can even dream of..... CHRIS __________________ UNLV Alumni...Go Rebels! 2003 Grand Am SC/T Coupe in White. Borla Cat-Back, F/R Speedbuilt sway bars, H&R Sports/KYB, 18" Misano Lightweights wrapped in Falken FK-452 Euro-Sports and ZAINO! 2000 Chevrolet S10 Flareside: K&N Intake, Truxedo Tonneau and Gibson Cat Back

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