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If I want to do a fast start, or pass, I have more control by shifting to manual mode. In the fast start I can make the shifts smoother by doing them myself. (You quickly adjust to the shift lag.) And when I'm passing, leaving the car in third insures it won't downshift when I might need an extra burst of speed to avoid a road idiot.
Also, there are some rather steep hills approaching my neighborhood, with the dangerous combination of a 35 mph speed limit and cops who like to lie in wait for people coming down at 50. If I accelerate to 35 and slip the 6s into third gear, it sticks right at 35 going down the hill, with no need to use my brakes. As often as I take that route, I'm probably adding months to my brake life.
I do find the 3-to-2 downshift to be pretty jerky. As ruefus says, upshifts are smooth.
That, and Vermont only lets you tint the rear and rear-side windows. Which looks dorky.
????? I want to get my windows tinted also (when I get the car in 6-10 weeks), and am wrestling with this issue.
However - the computer is only as good as the information put into it. Garbage in, garbage out. Which means humans had everything to do with the ability to create that design.
The computer is using the sum-total of all the knowledge humans put into it. No group of Engineers can look at all their collective knowledge, run it against each other, decide what works and what doesn't and then produce something usable. They'd kill each other in arguments and forget this or that. The computer won't argue with itself and theoretically, it never forgets. Everything that's worked in the past, all the laws of physics etc. are there to be referenced. All put there by human beings.
Similar comments must have been made when drafting tables were replaced by early CAD systems.
On its own, the computer cannot develop new technologies to take advantage of better manufacturing processes. It just sits there and blinks.
The sad part will come if everyone starts using the exact same database and everything starts looking like everything.
What I don't understand is why the compressor turns on when an A/C setting or defrost setting isn't selected. If I want warm air on my feet, I don't need the air "conditioned". The A/C compressor should only be running when defrost or cooling settings are selected. Apparantly, Mazda doesn't agree with me.
Like I said before, NONE of the other 5 cars I've owned did this.
And I am lamenting becuase your last comment is what went thru my mind.
Using that software, every car company in the whole world will have the same darn design. No more individuality. No more characterization. One more giant leap towards commoditization of automobile engines.
But I did give credit to the software engineers who were able to construct a software package that actually works. Darn good work there.
I am sorry if I hurt anybodys feelings here. Please do understand that it were my feelings that were hurt more so looking at the future where automobile engineers are doing nothing more than data entry operators, simply keying in requirments from customers into the design software and not making use of their brain power. Maybe GM will find some better use of Automobile engineers by then.
You sound like you want manual control of the compressor. Fine. Don't put it on auto. You still can set a temp, it just won't turn the compressor on/off for you, select a mode, or adjust fan speed. This sounds like exactly what you want.
You're basically complaining that the auto setting doesn't give you manual control.
And I've used perhaps ten cars with automatic climate control - they all work the way the Mazda works.
- Mark
I LOVE the 6i for all the reasons you mention and LOVE the 6s, too. Spent several months trying to decide between the two, took a lot of test drives and tended to love each car equally. It really is a tough decision provided the extra money isn't an issue.
For me it came down to what was available on the dealer lots right now (old car dying - need new car NOW). That meant a fairly base 6i or a 6s with leather/moonroof. Took the 6s with the toys for the silliest of reasons: never had a moonroof before.
You can't make a bad choice here given the two cars.
BTW, the transformation on the engine during break in has been absolutely astounding. You folks weren't stretching the truth ... the new engine was tight and very noisy when pushed. Now the thing is so smooth and eager ... with just the right amount of snarl so you won't get bored.
It is getting nicer by the mile.
They also have a phone recording that answers FAQ's they get about window tinting. They seem pretty dedicated to quality and doing it right. I talked to a person also, and for a 6 they quoted me $169 for window tinting, which is all side windows and the back window (1 piece for back window). She said due to Michigan's state law about window tinting on the front side windows, a lot of people will do the light 50% tint on the front windows and a darker tint on the rear side and back window and just hope that IF they get stopped the police don't ticket them about the front windows. But it's at your (my) risk.
I can't find anyplace that does tinting here in Holland, so I may have to resort to going to GR if I decide to do it, and so far this place seems pretty reputable.
Ask your installer if they have a warranty and what it covers and for how long. Most places should warranty against bubbling and discolouration.
They also have a phone recording that answers FAQ's they get about window tinting. They seem pretty dedicated to quality and doing it right. I talked to a person also, and for a 6 they quoted me $169 for window tinting, which is all side windows and the back window (1 piece for back window). She said due to Michigan's state law about window tinting on the front side windows, a lot of people will do the light 50% tint on the front windows and a darker tint on the rear side and back window and just hope that IF they get stopped the police don't ticket them about the front windows. But it's at your (my) risk.
I can't find anyplace that does tinting here in Holland, so I may have to resort to going to GR if I decide to do it, and so far this place seems pretty reputable.
"You're basically complaining that the auto setting doesn't give you manual control."
No. I am complaining that the A/C compressor turns on when it doesn't need to be on. It ONLY needs to be on when a defrost setting or cooling setting is selected. I don't want to be wasting gas and power because of the A/C compressor when I am not defrosting or cooling the interior. I hope I cleared that up a bit.
Being an engineer, I had to put my 2 cents in! As everyone more or less agrees, computers are a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. However, just because we all use the same tool, it does NOT mean that we all will end up with the same or similar products!
True innovation will always shine through, whether or not you do everything manually or via a computer. Just because you use a tool in your work, doesn't mean that you can't be daring, or on the cutting edge.
Compare Michealangelo with a chisel and a block of wood, to myself with a chisel and a block of wood. We both know how the chisel works and the physical limitations of what can be done, but you can be darn sure that our sculptures couldn't be compared! CAD tools are used in the design of everything from econoboxes to F1 cars. Even if we all started at the same reference point and had the same knowledge base, the end results can be, and often are very different. That, IMO is the beauty of the computer as a tool. Doesn't do everything, but allows the creative side to shine through :-)
I still haven't seen more than one M6 at once, or in the same day for that matter.
Dinu
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I am worried because of the new software that does the complete "efficient" design of the engine given some input parameters.
There is a little-known forum over at mazda6forum.com that needs a lot more traffic, if folks are looking for somewhere to talk in addition to the wonderful Edmunds boards...
Can you e-mail me a picture of your Pro since it's the same colour as mine so I could see if it's the shade I want.
For those of you undecided about the 6i and 6s, if your worried about power get a 6i manual and you get the best of both worlds.
Mazdaworld.org is another site that needs more hits as well.
Muhahahahahaaaa......wait. It doesn't mean anything?
For the rear windows, you can use however dark of a tint you want.
I don't know if that is good or bad, but I guess you can chalk one up for Japanese engineering.
Jay
There are four controls on most A/C systems:
+ temp
+ A/C compressor on/off
+ mode (vent, foot, bi-level, etc.)
+ fan speed
When you punch "Auto" and set a temp, most systems take control over all four. It will maintain a set temp and humidity level, cycling the compressor on/off as required. It doesn't run the compressor continously - it runs it as needed to meet temp and humidity constraints.
For some reason, this "as needed" setting on the compressor bothers you - you want to be able to tell it not to use the compressor at all.
The engineers anticpated this and allow you to turn "Auto" off. In this case, you set the temp, mode, and fan speed, and it will attempt to maintain the temperature as best it can, never using the compressor.
If I understand you correctly, you want something between auto and manual. You want a "partial auto" setting that adjusts temp, fan speed, and mode, but isn't allowed to turn on the compressor, right? Or perhaps you want the "Auto" setting to be automatic for everything except for the compressor which remains always under manual control. Or, re-reading your earlier requests, maybe you want the compressor to be on "auto" in a couple modes (like dash vents and windshield defrost), but not in others like footwell air.
I think most drivers would find an automatic system that doesn't turn the compressor on, or turns it on only in certain modes quite confusing. When you select "Auto", most people think the system should do what's necessary to maintain the desired temp/humidity, including turning on the A/C compressor. I think this is what 99% of drivers expect an "Auto" system to do.
So, to satisfy your needs as well as what most drivers expect, the mfg would have to add another "Auto except no compressor" mode with manual control of the compressor. I think the engineers feel like this isn't worth the effort and confusion, especially because they already have a mode with manual control of the compressor, albeit without automatic control of fan speed and mode.
Although I don't do car design, I do similar designs like this for a living, so I really try and hear what people are saying. If I got your needs wrong, then I'll try and listen again.
- Mark
My Protege has regular dials for HVAC settings. There is no punching "auto" and setting a temp, you do it manually. As far as I'm concerned, the A/C compressor should only operate in MY car when a defrost or cooling setting (A/C button on) is selected, but it operates in other settings too. I don't like that. I don't need the A/C compressor running when I have heat blowing on the floor but it runs anyway. None of my other cars with manual climate controls were like that.
Edit:
Does anyone with manual climate controls in their Mazda6 notice the A/C compressor running when it shouldn't be (when you aren't using the A/C or defrost)?
reufus: You are becoming a message counter hog :-)
Actually took a drill to the contacts of the rotary dial of my current car to disable the "feature" of the AC coming on in defrost mode.
On those rare occasions I do want the AC on while defrosting, I "gasp" turn a different dial to the AC setting I want, tehe.
-B
buddy_2_ and others: Here's the site from Gila films on the US and Canadian tint laws: http://www.gilafilms.com/auto/car_tint_laws.html
After you have your tints installed you need to wait 3-5 days before you can roll down your windows to allow the adhesive to have time to fully cure (bond) on your windows. You can speed it up by parking your car outside in direct sunlight. Also be sure the weather does not drop below freezing before it cures (3-5 days) otherwise it will not bond properly. The custom cut film I ordered from Gila has the rear window in several sections. They claim the reason is that "a compound-curved window cannot be tinted with one or two strips of film." Problems encountered with the installers, pro & DIY'ers, on one piece is trying to squeegee out the air bubbles and positioning such a large piece on a curved angled window. My sister-in-law had her Maxima tinted by a shop and they used a one piece rear window film and it had air bubbles galore within two years.
The new Ford will be the '06 Futura using the M6 platform. It will replace the Taurus.
Registered my 6s with myMazda on Mazdausa (Canadians?) on-line. You get recall/bulletin info, new product/accessory updates, newsletters, service/part coupon and other inside info (e-mail). I also received a bottle of OEM touch-up paint and a cool mini-LED Mazda flashlight that you put on your key ring from the dealer I had my first scheduled service. It's a little larger than a quarter and throws a strong bright blue beam at least 25 ft away.
On the edge of my temperature dial a tiny strip about 1\4 inches long has peeled off. Not really noticable but it has me worried maybe the rest of the console is gonna start peeling in a couple of years. Anybody else have the same thing happen?
As for the temp dial trim peeling off, I don't have that problem. Do you have the ACC or manual control? Is it the silver/titanium color or clear? Did it somehow accidently get cut or scratched?
http://netscape.consumerreports.org/ntautos/crauto14.html
For 3 year old cars (2000 models), Mazda was among the top five manufacturers while, VW was at the bottom along with Mercedes and Cadillac. Needless to say the top six were Japanese manufacturers. It seems that the 6 is on a good track based on Mazda's reliability.
Also, the law here in Michigan is that only the top 4 inches on the front side windows can be tinted (kinda like the front windshield is). The back windows and the rear window can be tinted as dark as you want. I said "top 4 inches? I'd imagine that would look pretty stupid! I've never seen it!" and she said "yeah - that's what everyone thinks so no one actually does it". Basically, it is not illegal for the shop to tint your front side windows, but it IS illegal for me to drive my car with the tint on them. How dumb is that??? Anyway, they also told me that most people tint their front windows with the lightest tint (50%) which basically looks like a manufacturer tint. And then they tint the rear and back windows however dark they want, whether they're also at 50%, or 35% or 20% or 5% (limo tint).
Still debating on what the heck I'm gonna do. But I've got at least 5-1/2 to 9-1/2 weeks to decide, since that's how long it'll be before I get the car. <sigh>
I have a 1 piece rear window tint. I have no bubbles whatsoever. When I got it I had 2 bubbles which they pointed out to me (the size of a dot made with a ballpoint pen) and they told me it will go away in a few days - it did. The tinting was done perfectly. That's why I don't hesitate recommending them.
As for a pic, let me scan something and I'll post in a few minutes.
Dinu