I have Avon ZZR's as replacements for the Dunlops. I have to disagree with your idea that they are an inferior, cheap alternative. They are very slightly less expensive, yes. However, they are a better all round tyre, better wearing and have a faster speed rating. They are also quieter than the Dunlops.
When my tyres were replaced I was given a choice of tyres. I opted for the Avons, and I am glad I did. They certainly have been better than the stock Dunlops.

Still waiting for Honest John to get back to me......

 

Hi,

I've spent the morning at the dealer (Linwood) who sold me our 5 Sport Diesel in May 2006. It was for the 12.5k service. I'd noticed bad wear on the fronts (outer o/s, inner n/s), but had no idea about the state of the rears (both worn down on the inside). I drove home slowly (!), googled the problem, and found this.

The service manager is calling MMUK tomorrow to see what their 'contribution' might be. He acknowledged that 'Mazda were having problems with 5's at the moment'. I am stunned by this, and even more so at the widespread nature of the problem, and the seeming reluctance of MMUK to acknowledge and deal with it consistently.

Should I call MMUK myself tomorrow? What advice would others who have been aware of the issue for a long time give?

 

Wouldn't do any harm to log a call and join the list. Seems a little strange that we have to contribute at all as the original fitment would appear to be "unfit for purpose". Makes you wonder if our risk of accident was at all increased having tyres that are wearing prematurely and irregularly. Saw an 07 reg 5 today, appeared to be wearing 17" Michelins!
Let us know how it goes.

 

I agree that we should all log an official complaint. By doing so Mazda get an idea that we are not a happy bunch, and are more likely to do something.
On a different note. I have been away for the weekend and saw a Ford Focus S Max which is based upon the same platform as the 5. I took the liberty of looking at the undercarriage. The rear axle is almost identical, minus the large metal block. The wheels are 17" and the tyres were Michelin's. Looking at the car from the rear the wheels appeared to be contacting the road square rather than the toe in the 5 has.
I wonder if any of our friends from Mazda have thought to talk to the Mothership (Ford) to see how they manage not to manufacture tyre eater cars?..........

 

Just for info, my wheel alignment showed the camber on the front tyres to be less than 1/2 degree negative, even though that is where the worst wear is showing. Conversely, the rear wheels have a 2 degree negative camber, and, as yet are not wearing unevenly.

 

Thanks for the input.

I've logged a complaint with MMUK (Rachel?) who said nothing will be done until the dealer sends pictures and details to the technical department. I'm to get back to them if the dealer doesn't get things moving. I also went back physically to the dealer, who had promised to call MMUK today and get back to me. Nothing had been done (short-staffed), but I was armed with what I discovered here. There wasn't much sympathy, which I can understand- it's not the dealers' fault but they'll be the ones that have to face the irate customers. I'm a vicar, so I felt that I'd better tone down the ire!

I'll also prepare letters to the MD of MMUK and the dealers, the Phoenix Group, just in case things don't get moving.

 

Telephoned Mazda today after posting, they promised to get back to me after they had consulted the technocrats. It is now 8.10 pm, I'm still waiting.....
Did you consider the bell, book and candle complaint procedure?

;-)

 

Mazda never seem to ring you back (especially John Smith)- you always have to chase them, and when you do get to speak to them they just fob you off.

 

Reading your post with great interest. Im due at MazdaLinwood on Tuesday morning for a four wheel alignment check as a direct result of bald tyres on the rear and to a lesser extent, the front of my Mazda 5 sport. Previous postings have warned of the lack of knowledge of this problem by the technicians(??) so i am not holding my breath for any quick fix on the day.
Was it the service manager that you spoke to? He wasnt at all helpful on the phone whenI phoned 2 weeks ago to book my car in but the girl that answered the phone in the service department certainly knew of the problem and spoke of othermadza 5sthat had been in for the same.
Will keep you posted of our experiences on Tues.

PS
Did anyone find out what the lump of steel bolted onto the back axle is for?

 

Service agent at Linwood I saw yesterday and today is called Alan. He wasn't pleased to see me back..... no-one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Is the wear on your fron tyres on the insides? Mine are worn outside on the o/s front and on the inside of the n/s front.