Model Code Series:
BF Platform
Years Covered:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
Chassis Codes:
BF (incl. variations like BF711, BF712, BF713, BF714, BF721, BF722, BF723, BF724, BF731, BF732, BF733, BF734, BF741, BF742, BF743, BF744)
Engine Codes:
FE (1.6L), FE-T (1.6L Turbo), B6 (1.6L), B6-23 (1.6L), RF (1.7L Diesel), EGi (Fuel Injection variants)
Positioning:
The Mazda 323 (BF platform) was a popular compact car known for its sporty handling, reliability, and practical design. It competed in a segment dominated by vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra.
Strengths:
Often praised for its engaging driving dynamics, especially in performance-oriented trims like the Familia GT. Offered a good balance of fuel efficiency and performance.
Features:
Front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive on select models. Wide range of engine options, from economical naturally aspirated units to turbocharged performance variants. Available in multiple body styles catering to different consumer needs.
Value:
This comprehensive workshop manual provides enthusiasts and mechanics with the detailed information needed to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Mazda 323 BF series, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.
Primary Markets:
North America, Europe, Asia, Australia (specific engine/trim variations may apply)
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon, 2-door Coupe (Familia GT)
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (carburetor and EFI), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), brakes (hydraulic, disc/drum configurations, ABS if applicable), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, wipers, horn, charging system, starting system, entertainment systems, HVAC controls
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, rust repair, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, steering rack replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI models, electrical system fault finding
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mazda tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Family:
Mazda FE and B-Series (B6)
1.6L Fe (Naturally Aspirated):
Displacement: 1597cc. Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC. Power: Approx. 80-90 hp. Torque: Approx. 95-105 lb-ft. Fuel System: Carburetor or Electronic Fuel Injection (EGI).
1.6L Fe-T (Turbocharged):
Displacement: 1597cc. Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, Turbocharged. Power: Approx. 105-115 hp. Torque: Approx. 120-130 lb-ft. Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EGI).
1.6L B6 (Naturally Aspirated):
Displacement: 1598cc. Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (in performance variants), SOHC (in standard variants). Power: Varies by configuration, ~90-110 hp for SOHC, ~120-140 hp for DOHC.
1.7L Rf (Diesel):
Displacement: 1720cc. Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated Diesel, SOHC. Power: Approx. 55-60 hp. Fuel System: Diesel Injection Pump.
Horsepower Range:
55 hp (Diesel) to 140 hp (DOHC Turbocharged variants)
Fuel Types:
Unleaded Gasoline (for petrol engines), Diesel Fuel (for diesel engines)
Injection Systems:
Carburetor (single or dual barrel), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) including Bosch L-Jetronic or similar systems
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select models, often paired with turbo engines (e.g., Familia GT-X).
Type:
Dry Single Plate (for manual transmissions)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approximately 98.2 inches
Length Inches:
Varies by body style: Hatchback approx. 161.6 inches, Sedan approx. 167.3 inches
Width Inches:
Approximately 65.7 inches
Height Inches:
Varies by body style: Hatchback approx. 54.1 inches, Sedan approx. 53.9 inches
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 2100-2600 lbs (varies by trim and body style)
Crash Test Results:
Limited specific official crash test data available for this era from NHTSA/IIHS compared to modern standards. Early models generally lacked advanced safety features.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Optional front and rear disc brakes and ABS on some higher trims/later models.
Restraints:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants). Driver airbag not standard on most models from this period.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on type: standard copper, platinum).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years, critical for interference engines.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher; Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific temperature ranges).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze; 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda long-life coolant recommended if available.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Common Problems:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, rocker panels, and strut towers), fuel injector clogging (EFI models), carburetor issues (older models), worn suspension bushings, aging electrical components, potential for head gasket failure on high-mileage engines, starter motor issues.
Turbo Specific:
Turbocharger wear, intercooler leaks, boost control issues on FE-T models.
Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles. The 323 lineage represents a significant part of Mazda's growth in the global compact car market.
Generation:
This manual covers the BF generation of the Mazda 323, produced from 1980 to 1989. The period 1985-1989 represents a mid-cycle update and continuation of this platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly occurring in other global locations.
Market Reception:
Well-received for its value, fuel economy, and increasingly for its driving dynamics, particularly the performance variants.
