From 2008 to 2015, the company produced the 2.5-liter Mazda L5-VE (MZR L5-VE 2.5) gasoline engine, which was fitted to the CX-7 crossover and the most popular models of the third, fifth, and sixth series. The Ford Kuga had a comparable power unit installed under its own YTMA index.
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 BL in 2008 – 2013;
- Mazda 5 CW in 2010 – 2015;
- Mazda 6 II (GH) in 2008 – 2012;
- Mazda CX-7 I (ER) in 2009 – 2012.
Specifications
| Production years | 2008-2015 |
| Displacement, cc | 2488 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 160 – 175 |
| Torque output, Nm | 220 – 235 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 100 |
| Compression ratio | 9.7 |
| Features | DOHC, balancers |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | S-VT, intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 6 2009) — city — highway — combined |
11.1 6.3 8.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 116 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda L5-VE engine
This unit uses very little oil and is regarded as the most dependable in its series;
They complain about attachment failures and heat exchanger leaks on specialized forums;
Sticking intake manifold flaps are another one of the motor’s weak points.
The timing chain may stretch and need to be replaced after 200–250 thousand kilometers;
Every 100,000 kilometers, valve clearances must be changed because there are no hydraulic lifters.