The popular CX-7 crossover and the charged MPS versions of the models 3 and 6 were equipped with the 2.3-liter Mazda L3-VDT or MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, which was manufactured between 2005 and 2013. This power unit comes in a number of variations under the L3K9 and L3-VET indexes.
The L-engine family also includes:
- 1.8 L – L8‑DE, L813;
- 2.0 L – LF‑DE, LF‑VD, LF17, LFF7;
- 2.3 L – L3‑VE, L3‑VDT, L3C1;
- 2.5 L – L5‑VE.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 3 MPS BK in 2006 – 2009;
- Mazda 3 MPS BL in 2009 – 2013;
- Mazda 6 MPS GG in 2005 – 2007;
- Mazda CX-7 I (ER) in 2006 – 2012;
- Mazda MPV III (LY) in 2006 – 2010.
Specifications
| Production years | 2005-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 2261 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 235 – 275 |
| Torque output, Nm | 350 – 380 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 |
| Features | balancers, intercooler |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | S-VT, intake |
| Turbocharging | Warner-Hitachi K04 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda CX-7 2008) — city — highway — combined |
13.8 8.1 10.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~230 000 |
| Weight, kg | 148 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda L3-VDT engine
This engine dislikes poor fuel to the point where the piston group is destroyed;
Sometimes the timing chain’s and phase shifter’s resources don’t even reach 100,000 kilometers;
Oil coking in the turbine’s supply pipes can cause it to fail quickly;
The high pressure fuel pump’s fuel pressure sensor frequently leaks, which is just dangerous;
The engine is prone to oil consumption; if the oil level is not checked, the liners will be turned.