mgsrx8r3

I have an '11 R3-
the exhaust, under the central rear part of the car is now significantly discolored- blackish/grey/yellowish- after abour 6000 miles- is this normal wear, or something to look into
also, as the temp. drops, I have noticed it takes a little longer for the car to crank-up when starting - I'm assuming this is normal, maybe related to the cold- is this something to worry about?
I know the car is known to have dash rattles, especially in the cold, any remedies, for passenger-side rattles, mainly at low speeds
the cold, overall, hasn't affected performance though

thanks
MGS

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

Completely normal, the inlet to the exhaust is at the middle of the muffler and almost touches that back wall, so it is the part that gets the most heat. I remedied this by just sanding and giving it two cans worth of high temp spray

Normal. I park in my garage, but I have left the car outside a few times, and it takes a tad longer to start at times when it is really cold outside.

Creaking noises are normal when the car is cold. They should go away after a few minutes of driving though ... or at least that's how it is in my case.

ASH8

Welcome mate...

PLEASE give you car some time to wear in, the heat/color stuff as Paimon said is all normal.

Starting, well I really don't know what you are saying, again give engine some extra time to wear in...are you using high octane gas or premium....never use your foot on gas pedal when starting.
Wait for a second or two once ignition dash lights are on for gas pressure to stabilize and then turn key to start....no foot on pedal required.

Dash noises are not normal, mine has no rattles or noises, however, IF my owners hand book or objects move in glove box, they will rattle.

I guess though R3 has a harder suspension setting so rattles may be a little greater..chance wise.

As a suggestion, make sure you change gearbox and diff oils out way sooner than required by Mazda or Dealer.