Yes, OTA is only for Mazda Connect using Public Networks which limit file size to 250MB, as all of Mazdas Connect updates are usually over 1GB.
OTA works for North American made Mazda CX-50 in Alabama MTM new plant, CX-50 owners had 1 file update for Connect of 205MB about a year ago and nothing much since then, a standalone Mazda Connect update has since been released as OTA is too restrictive.
The only other form of Software/Firmware is done @ Dealer level for cars System Updates for cars Control Modules.
This is a live portal for Calibration File Downloads, they are not stored in PC like old IDS (Ford licensed).
The Diagnostic Application is called MDARS and is licenced by Bosch, it is a Bosch/Mazda system, MDARS started with 7 Generation model BP Mazda 3 in 2019.
The VCI module used to communicate from Laptop with MDARS to cars OBD Port is called a PassThrough and Mazda uses Bosch made Mazda VCM II.
In 2025 Mazda are using a new passthrough unit made by DENSO Japan for exclusive use with MDARS 7 Gen Models using MDARS and can't be used with Mazda IDS (Gen 6 and before).
It is very wrong Dealers don't make money out of Warranty Claims, having done this for my first Mazda Dealer warranty claims are a loss to break even as Mazdas rates are really low both in hourly rate (repair times) paid and the labour claims cash rate, most R and R claims don't pay anymore than 0.3 of an hour to 0.5, like the recent rear shock replacement on CX-60 Mazda Pays a Dealer 0.9 hour.
Engine Assembly replacement about 12 hours.
Transmissions (MX-5) 2.1 hours.
These are all set coded rates and obviously depends on Model and varies.
New Parts being replaced (if applicable), all Parts for Warranty Claims are paid for by the Dealer Parts Department, they are not given to the Dealer, the Dealer when submitting the warranty claim claims for Labour and any Parts, at end of month the Dealer is reimbursed from MME or UK Service. Again the Parts reimbursement is at a set rate off list price. Usually about every quarter the Dealer is visted by MME Rep to check off Waranty claims via Dealer claim number and the defective parts removed from the car, the Rep briefing looks at the old part and bins it in Dealers bin.
Sometimes a warranty part maybe returned with Rep.
Sometimes a Dealer Warranty Claim is rejected because the old part is not there or tagged correctly, in this rare case the Dealer wears all costs (a total loss).
Why would a Dealer put a Customers car on the backburner?, sure the repair is scheduled as it depends how busy the Dealer is (man hours available), usually waiting on a replacement new part(s) or advice from Mazda. Priority is always retail first, but if the part is there and the owner drops off the car the Service Manager wants the car out of the shop ASAP.
All Service Departments today in medium to large Dealers run on performance management schedules, labour hours available against labour hours sold (totals used), number of cars in the shop and the time spent in shop for Retail, Pre-Delivery and Warranty.
All fun....
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.!
