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    Engine and Transmission Oil Specifications, BL (MY 2010-2013)

    Updated September 2013

    As the natural successor to the Protege, and to keep CP up to date as well as attracting new 3 members, CP had previously established a Mazda3 Forum for the 2004-2009 models, chassis code BK. The MY 2010 marks the introduction of the 2nd Gen 3s, chassis code BL. Although CP does not yet have a section for these cars, I thought it would be useful to post engine and transmission oil specs for this new generation of cars for the convenience of our members considering the purchase of a new 3, since such a thread already exists for the earlier models. Should a new section be established for the BL, this thread will be moved for inclusion there.

    The following data is taken from Mazda USA.

    Note the following changes:
    1. Engine oil viscosity rating change for the MZR 2.0 L and 2.5 L engines from SAE 5W-20 to SAE 0W-20 after the 2010 MY.
    2. M/T oil viscosity and Service Rating change for all models after the 2010 MY from SAE 75W-90, GL-4 or GL-5 to SAE 75W-80, GL-4

    According to Mazda, some related parts were changed in the M/Ts due to the oil specification change. Consequently, if SAE 75W-90 is used in transmissions designed for SAE 75W-80, an increase in fuel consumption and harder shifting when cold can result. If SAE 75W-80 is used in transmissions designed for the heavier oil, an increase in gear noise may occur.

    LF-VE MZR 2.0 L Engine
    Engine oil capacity, with filter change: 4.3 L (4.5 US qts)
    Viscosity 2010 MY SAE: 5W-20
    Viscosity 2011-2013 MY: 0W-20 (Full synthetic specified)

    M/T type and capacity: G35M-R, 5-speed, 2.77 L (2.93 US qts)
    Viscosity 2010 MY: Any temperature SAE 75W-90, GL-4 or GL-5; Above 10* C (50* F) SAE 80W-90
    Viscosity 2011-2013 MY: SAE 75W-80, GL-4

    A/T type and capacity: FS5A-EL, 5-speed, electronically-controlled with manual-shift mode; 8.14 L (8.6 US qts) after a complete fluid removal
    Fluid type: ATF M-V

    PE-VPM SKYACTIV-G 2.0 L DISI Miller/Atkinson Cycle Engine (2012-2013)
    Engine oil capacity, with filter change: 4.2 L (4.2 US qts)
    Viscosity: SAE 0W-20 (Full synthetic specified)

    M/T type and capacity: C66M-R, 6-speed, 1.65 L (1.74 US qts)
    Viscosity: SAE 75W-80

    A/T type and capacity: FW6A-EL, 6-speed, electronically-controlled with manual-shift mode; 7.8 L (8.2 US qts) after a complete fluid removal
    Fluid type: ATF FZ

    Important Information
    Mazda has issued a TSB No. 05-003/13 in reference to the use of ATF FZ. It specifies that this is the only fluid specifically designed for use in the SkyActiv-Drive series AT. It's a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy and is colored blue for easy identification. The SkyActiv-Drive FW6A-EL AT with ATF-FZ is "filled for life" with no change intervals for the ATF required and flushing is not recommended as part of service maintenance. There are no oil cooler lines and the replacement ATF will come with a new oil cooler which is mounted directly to the case.

    The following cautions are stated: ATF-FZ is designed only for SkyActiv-Drive series ATs. If an ATF other than ATF-FZ is used in the SkyActiv-Drive AT, the performance and reliability cannot be guaranteed. The resulting damage will not be covered by warranty. Use of ATF-FZ in non-SkyActiv-Drive ATs may result in serious internal damage that will not be covered by warranty.

    Bottom line: Only use Mazda brand ATF-FZ in your Skyactiv-Drive AT. The part No. is 0000-FZ-113E-01 and is available in 1-quart containers in either a 4-pack or 12-pack.

    L5-VE MZR 2.5 L Engine
    Engine oil capacity, with filter change: 5.0 L (5.3 US qts)
    Viscosity 2010 MY: SAE 5W-20
    Viscosity 2011-2012 MY: SAE 0W-20 (Full synthetic specified)

    M/T type and capacity: G66M-R, 6-speed, 2.85 L (3.01 US qts)
    Viscosity 2010 MY: Any temperature SAE 75W-90, GL-4 or GL-5; Above 10* C (50* F) SAE 80W-90
    Viscosity 2011-2012 MY: SAE 75W-80, GL-4

    A/T type and capacity: FS5A-EL, 5-speed, electronically-controlled with manual-shift mode; 8.14 L (8.6 US qts) after a complete fluid removal
    Fluid type: ATF M-V

    L3-VDT MZR 2.3 L DISI Turbo Engine (2010-2013)
    Engine oil capacity, with filter change: 5.7 L (6.0 US qts)
    Viscosity: SAE 5W-30

    M/T type and capacity: A26M-R, 6-speed, 2.5 L (2.6 US qts)
    Viscosity 2010 MY: Any temperature SAE 75W-90, GL-4 or GL-5; Above 10* C (50* F) SAE 80W-90
    Viscosity 2011-2012 MY: SAE 75W-80, GL-4

    Mazda Synthetic Engine Oil
    Now that Mazda calls for a switch to 0W-20 synthetic oil, the recommended lubricant is available in one quart containers from dealers for those who wish to do their own oil changes. It's manufactured in the USA by Idemitsu, the Japanese oil company, and contains Moly with an ILSAC GF-5 certification. This new oil was specifically created to reduce friction while providing maximum protection, along with delivering quick starts with fast lubrication in the coldest of climates, for the SkyActiv-G engines used in the 3 and the CX-5. It's the engine oil that Mazda recommends for use in all of its 2.0 L SkyActiv-G engines and the Mazda part# is 0000-G5-0W20-MQ. Along with the practice of most oil companies, a detailed list of its constituent base stocks is omitted but since it lists its ingredients as "Petroleum oil, Other," it's reasonable to conclude that it is a hydrocracked Group III synthetic oil.

    Transmission Oil Service Ratings
    The American Petroleum Institute (API) Service rating of a transmission oil refers to the amount of extreme pressure (EP) additives it contains. An API Service GL-1 oil contains no EP additives and a GL-4 Service oil contains about 1/2 the additives of a GL-5 Service oil. EP additives are composed mostly of sulfur/phosphorus compounds that can harm yellow metals such as copper or brass that are contained in some synchros. Through 2010, as clearly stated in the M/T section of the FSMs, either GL-4 or GL-5 oils are completely safe to use. Starting in 2011, only GL-4 oils are recommended. The API service rating is completely independent of the viscosity rating so, for example, an SAE 75W-90 oil could have a GL-4 or a GL-5 or even a GL-1 Service rating.

    According to the Lubrizoil Corporation:
    API Category GL-4 designates the type of service characteristic of spiral-bevel and hypoid gears in automotive axles oprerated under moderate speeds and loads. These oils may be used in selected M/T and transaxle applications.

    API Category GL-5 designates the type of service characteristic of gears, particularly hypoids, in automotive axles under high-speed and/or low-speed, high-torque conditions. Lubricants qualified under SAE J2360 also satisfy the requirements of the API GL-5 service designation.

    In point of fact, API categories GL-1, GL-2, GL-3, and GL-6 were declared inactive (obsolete) by an SAE Technical Committee in 1995, although oils may still be marketed with these designations. Concomitantly, ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) does not plan to maintain the performance tests associated with these categories, as in a number of cases these tests can no longer be run because parts or test installations are not available.

    The importance of using the correct ATF fluid cannot be overemphasized. Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin dealing with this issue. I will abstract a condensed version here since the original document deals with several models, not just the 3.

    TSB: 05-002/11 - A/T - Correct Fluid Applications
    Last issued: 02/23/2011; supersedes the previous bulletin 05-005/08 issued on 04/11/08

    This TSB applies to all 2004-2011 Mazda3s with A/T. Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing the ATF. Using ATF other than ATF M-V (Type M5) in automatic transmissions designed to use this fluid may cause shift quality complaints. Using ATF other than Mercon V or Mercon LV ATF in automatic transmissions designed to use these fluids may cause transmission damage.
    NOTE:
    ATF M-V (Type M5) is not the same fluid as Mercon V or Mercon LV ATF.
    ATF M-V (Type M5) has a greater viscosity than Mercon V and Mercon LV ATF at low temperatures.
    ATF M-V (Type M5) has a greater anti-judder specification than Mercon V and Mercon LV ATF.

    The correct Mazda Service Fluid is ATF M-V (Type M5) part #0000-77-112E-01.




    So just what kind of oil is this Mazda product? I operationally define a true synthetic oil as one derived either from API Group IV (PAO) or Group V (Polyol ester) base stocks (or both) and specified as such by the manufacturer. This excludes oils derived from API Group III (hydrocracked petroleum) base stocks even though they can legally be sold as 100% synthetic formulations (for example, Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1), and any oil where the constituent base stocks are not explicitly stated as being of synthetic formulation.

    As some of you know it's often extremely difficult to determine the constituent base stocks of an oil because most manufacturers don't specify this information. Stating an oil is 100% synthetic, in the absence of any real information, tells us nothing except perhaps the manufacturer has something to hide.

    Fortunately, a small number of manufacturers do specify this information enabling those of us who care about this factor to select a suitable product. In other cases it's sometimes possible to obtain this information via a backdoor route - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - which under US federal law must be provided by manufacturers and importers of potentially hazardous chemical products, is one such avenue. An inspection of such a sheet for the Mazda ATF (Type M5) tells us that it is derived from a proprietary blend of "lubricating oils, petroleum, hydrotreated neutral oil-based (80 to 90%) and lubricating oil additives (15 to 20%)." In other words API Group III hydrocracked petroleum base stocks. To access the MSDS, go to:
    http://www.worldpac.com/tagged/MazdaATF1.pdf
    Look at Section 2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients

    The MSDS also tells us that the manufacturer of the Mazda product is the Apollo America Corporation, now known as Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation since September 2006.

    Consequently, those seeking a true synthetic ATF will want to go aftermarket, although I in no way mean to infer that the Mazda product is not a high quality ATF capable of fully meeting its service demands. After all, it's approved and sold by Mazda - enough said.

    Notwithstanding the above, several aftermarket A/T fluids (true synthetic or otherwise) have been reconfigured to meet the requirements of both Mercon V and ATF M-V (Type M5). Always check the specs before using.

    Power Steering Fluid (All Engines, All Models)
    ATF M III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron II)

    Happy Motoring!
    Last edited by goldstar; 09-02-2013, 08:46 AM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    #2
    Oil Change Intervals

    Engine Oil and Filter
    Schedule 1 Maintenance: Normal driving conditions (U.S.A. only)
    7,500 miles (12,000 km)

    Schedule 2 Maintenance: Unique driving conditions (For U.S.A. unique conditions and Canada/Puerto Rico all conditions)
    5,000 miles, (8,000 km)

    Transmission Oil
    In the Scheduled Maintenance tables, there is no mention of a mileage interval at which it is recommended that the transmission oil, either M/T or A/T, should be changed. This applies to both schedule 1: Normal driving conditions (U.S.A. only), and Schedule 2: Unique driving conditions (For U.S.A. unique conditions and CANADA/Puerto Rico all conditions).

    Manual Transmissions
    My Mazda dealer recommends an oil change every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 24 months, and schedules it as part of the normal 30,000 mile maintenance (and multiples thereof). This interval also seems to be generally accepted, by consensus, on most Mazda forums. Despite this contention, some have argued that with the use of high quality, long life synthetic oils, considerably longer oil change intervals can be employed. However, Red Line addresses this topic in a manner that may well apply to other synthetic lubricant manufacturers as well. "Being formulated with extremely stable synthetic base stocks, MTL and MT-90 will last much longer than conventional petroleum lubricants. However, we do not recommend extended drain intervals, since without a filtration system there is no way to remove metal shavings other than draining the lubricant. The regular maintenance intervals are also recommended to insure that the proper level of the fluid is maintained."

    Automatic Transmissions (Other than the FW6A-EL used with the SkyActiv-G Engine which Requires no Maintenance)
    The same dealer recommends an ATF change every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) as above. The Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Replacement section specifies the proceedure as follows:
    1. Remove the oil dipstick.
    2. Remove the drain plug and washer from the transmission oil pan.
    3. Drain the ATF and install the drain plug with a new washer.
    4. Add the specified ATF through the oil filler tube until the level reaches lower notch of dipstick.
    5. Ensure that the ATF level is in the HOT range (65 deg C; 149 deg F). Add ATF to the specified level as necessary.

    However, my dealer asserts that this proceedure is inadequate and rather than just removing the ATF found in the bottom of the oil pan, the transmission and its torque converter should have all the old, contaminated fluid removed and replaced with new ATF. To accomplish this, my dealer uses the process, equipment and additives from BG Products, Inc.
    FYI: http://www.bgprod.com/products/transmission.html

    The color of the ATF can also signal need for a change. According to the FSM, the following table relates ATF color to its condition.
    Clear Red: Normal

    Light Red (pink): Contaminated with water

    Reddish Brown (has no burnt smell): Normal, discoloration due to oxidation

    Reddish Brown (has burnt smell and metal specs are found): Deteriorated ATF

    Finally, again according to the FSM, one way of determining whether the transaxle should be disassembled is by noting:
    -If the ATF is muddy or varnished
    -If the ATF smells strange or unusual

    Having never owned an A/T car, I have no knowledge of, nor opinion about, when to change the ATF.

    Happy Motoring!
    Last edited by goldstar; 09-02-2013, 08:52 AM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    Comment


      #3
      Curent List of 100%, Fully Synthetic Engine and Transmission Oils

      Based on the API's definition of a true synthetic oil as one derived from Group V (Polyol ester) or Group IV (PAO) base stocks, for purposes of this thread I'm operationally defining a true synthetic oil as one in which the manufacturer specifies his oil is derived from one of the above groups, or both in combination. It's not enough simply to state that the oil is synthetic, fully synthetic or 100% synthetic.

      I'm in no way implying that hydrocracked Group III oils labeled as synthetic are not high quality products and shouldn't be used. Nor is the intent here to rank oils in order of quality and claim that one is better than another. This post is strictly for those who believe that true synthetic oils have certain advantageous properties not found in petroleum based formulations and want those properties incorporated in the oil they choose for their own vehicles.

      In line with the foregoing, here is a list of engine and transmission oils I believe to be true synthetics based on their specified constituents as listed by the manufacturer. Not every manufacturer makes every recommended lubricant grade for the vehicles under discussion here and only those available in the required grades are noted. The following oils are listed in alphabetical order.

      Amsoil - Polyalphaolefin-PAO based.
      Signature Series 100% Synthetic: SAE 0W-20 (ASM), SAE 5W-20 (ALM), SAE 5W-30 (ASL)
      Synthetic Manual Transmis
      sion & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 (MTG)
      Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Transmission Fluid (ATF)
      According toAmsoil, meets Mazda's ATF M-V (Type 5) specification.


      Motul - Polyol ester based. A French company, Motul produces 100% synthetic, synthetic blends (referred to as Technosynthese) and mineral-based oils. Motul makes the following points:

      "A lubricant is said to be ' "mineral" ' when it is based upon refined crude oil. Synthetic lubricants are manufactured through chemical reactions taking place between various chemical components. The process for obtaining a synthetic lubricant is therefore more complex and more costly. Nevertheless, synthetic oils have superior properties, including greater resistance to oxidation; this allows their use under very severe conditions (high temperatures) and also results in increased times between oil changes." Motul goes on to say in reference to ester based synthetic oils: "At present this is the best technology available on the market. These esters have better properties when compared to other oils: the oil film cannot be sheared, there is a permanent adherence to metal components (polarity), resistance to very high temperatures, biodegradability, etc."

      The following 100% synthetic, ester based oils are available, in 1-liter containers:
      8100 Eco-lite SAE 0W-20
      8100 Eco-clean C2 SAE 5W-30
      8100 Eco-nergy SAE 5W-30
      Gear 300 SAE 75W-90 API GL-4/GL-5
      Gear 300 LS SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
      For transmissions with highly stressed LSDs.
      Explore all Motul products, find the perfect oil for your engine, durable and high-performance products for all cars, motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, and bicycles.

      Motul Canada: http://www.motul-canada.com
      Motul USA: http://matrixsyntheticoils.com/store..._products.html

      Red Line - Polyol ester based. All Red Line lubricants are derived from Group V (Polyol ester) base stocks. Abstracted from their website, this is how the manufacturer describes the formulation of its oils:

      "Red Line lubricants are unique because they contain PE Polyol Ester base stocks, the only lubricants which can withstand the tremendous heat of modern jet engines.The high termperature stability makes our motor oil a necessity to properly lubricate a turbocharger or hot running engine. The synthetic base stocks have a natural multigrade property, which means that large amounts of unstable polymeric thickeners, like those used in petroleum oils, are not required to manufacture our multigrades." Red Line goes on to say: "Rather than cutting costs by blending into polyalphaolefin base stock for its motor oil, Red Line only uses superior poly ester based products - resulting in lubricants that are extremely stable at high temperatures while providing superior film strength at lower viscosities where more power can be produced."

      SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30
      MT-90 SAE 75W-90, API GL-4
      According to Red Line, this also fulfills the requirements of an 80W-90 oil.
      MTL SAE 70W-80, API GL-4
      Red Line states that this is a suitable replacement for the 75W-80, GL-4 Mazda specification.
      The company says that the above two gear oils have the appropriate coefficient of friction for most manual transmission synchronizers. They claim that many gear oils, engine oils, and ATFs are too slippery for proper synchro engagement.
      D4 ATF According to the manufacturer, this is a suitable replacement for the following products: Dexron II, Dexron III and Dexron IIIH; Mercon and Mercon V; Mazda ATF M-V ('04-'12) . Interestingly, this is a GL-4 rated oil making it also suitable for use in some M/Ts and transaxles.
      Red Line has a reputation with racers and enthusiasts alike for creating products that perform and protect better than any on the market. No compromises.


      Torco - Polyalphaolefin (PAO)/Polyol ester based. According to the manufacturer, these oils are derived from 100% synthetic Group IV/V base stocks and are suitable for both racing and street use. Available in 1-liter containers.
      SGO Synthetic Racing Gear Oil SAE 75W-90, API GL5/GL-6 As noted above, API GL-6 is an obsolete classification that would provide a level of EP additive protection far in excess of anything our M/Ts require.
      HiVis ATF Automatic Transmission fluid Specified for use in Mazda but not specifically for M-V (Type 5) replacement. I emailed them for clarification but never received an answer. I'll try again but I don't recommend its use without independent verification of its suitability.
      Torco is the leader in ultra-premium synthetic motor oils for high-performance and racing applications. Torco offers premium synthetic engine oil for your car, truck, motorcycle, race car, ATV, UTV, snowmobile, boat, jet ski, and anything else with an engine.


      Euro Synthetic Oils: an excellent USA vendor for many brands of domestic and imported oils.


      Happy Motoring!









      Last edited by goldstar; 10-28-2011, 09:47 AM.
      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

      Comment

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