Used Mazda CX-3 Cylinder Head

The CX-3 was sold in the UK from 2015 onwards as a single generation, with a facelift arriving in 2018, so a 2016 and a 2018 car sit either side of that facelift boundary. Whether the cylinder head itself changed across that boundary depends entirely on the engine code, which you'll find on your V5 or via a VIN check — if the codes match, fitment is much more likely, but confirm with the breaker against your registration before buying.

No — the cylinder head is specific to the engine, and a 2.0 petrol and a 1.5 diesel are entirely different units with different bore sizes, combustion chamber designs, and port configurations. Always match the engine code exactly, not just the fuel type or displacement, and supply your registration or engine code to the breaker so they can pull the right head.

The cylinder head itself is determined by the engine code, not whether the car is manual or automatic, so gearbox type does not directly govern head fitment. That said, some engine variants were only ever paired with one gearbox type in the CX-3 range, so telling the breaker your gearbox as well as your engine code helps them narrow down the right donor car and spot any ancillary differences to watch for.

Trim level makes no difference whatsoever to cylinder head fitment on the CX-3; the head follows the engine, not the badge. The SE, SE-L, Sport, and GT Sport trims shared the same engine options, so a head from a lower-spec car will fit an equivalent-engined higher-spec car mechanically — just be aware cosmetic parts like rocker cover finishes or any trim-specific covers may look different.

The 2018 facelift is a known production boundary for the CX-3, and while the engine codes may appear the same across it, ancillary fittings, sensors, and mounting points can change mid-production in ways that aren't always obvious. Give the breaker both registration numbers and ask them to check part numbers against your specific build before committing, as fitment cannot be guaranteed across that boundary without verification.

The single most important detail is your engine code, found on your V5C or via a VIN decoder, as the cylinder head follows the engine above everything else. Also provide your registration, fuel type, and year of manufacture so the breaker can cross-reference their stock against your exact build and flag any sensor or ancillary differences — the more specific you are, the less risk of ordering a head that doesn't suit your car.