🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Model Nickname:

RX8

Generation Code:

SE3P (First Generation)

Production Years Covered:

2003-2012

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Gran Turismo

Unique Selling Proposition:

Rotary engine, suicide rear doors (Freestyle Doors), balanced chassis

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster

Engine Layout:

Front-Mid Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive

Chassis Design:

Lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Service Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair, Reassembly

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (specific count not provided but implied to be comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

PDF Download

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differential, Axles)

Chassis And Suspension:

Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS), Wheel & Tire Specifications

Electrical And Body:

Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Lighting System, Audio System, HVAC System, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Airbag) System

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, dashboard, headliner, glass, seals, locks, security system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition Coil Inspection/Replacement

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Service/Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair/Replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

System-Specific Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides

Assembly And Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle components and sub-assemblies.

Cleaning And Lubrication:

Procedures for cleaning specific parts and appropriate lubrication points during assembly.

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures, detailed exploded diagrams, critical specifications, torque values, special tool recommendations

Diagnostic Tools:

References to diagnostic scan tools (e.g., Mazda's 'M-MDS' or compatible aftermarket tools) and their use in interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Compatibility:

PDF

Print Capability:

Full Printable (User can print entire manual or specific pages)

Zoom Functionality:

Zoom In/Out enabled for detailed viewing of diagrams and text

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for initial download extraction if applicable)

Compatible Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Mazda Renesis (Rotary)

Engine Displacement:

1.3L (2x 654cc rotors)

Engine Code Early:

13B-MSP

Engine Code Late:

13B-MSP (with minor revisions)

Horsepower Early:

approx. 250 hp (depending on market and trim)

Horsepower Late:

approx. 232 hp (for US Grand Touring/Sport trims without sunroof)

Torque Early:

approx. 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)

Torque Late:

approx. 218 Nm (161 lb-ft)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended/Required)

Redline:

9,000 RPM

Apex Seals:

Critical component requiring specific maintenance and lubrication

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some models)

Manual Transmission Notes:

Known for its short throws and precise engagement

Automatic Transmission Notes:

Offers driver-selectable modes for sporty driving

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Specific Mazda PN: 0000-77-GL04-01)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-FZ (Specific Mazda PN: K020-W0-008)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Length:

4,435 mm (174.6 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,340 mm (52.8 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

approx. 1,390 kg (3,064 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

approx. 1,440 kg (3,175 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags, 3-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Active Head Restraints

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Availability:

Available with Bose premium audio system, CD player, and in-dash navigation on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Keyless Entry and Start, Cruise Control, Optional Navigation System

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input (on most models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for long-life plugs. Specific plug types are critical.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant). Crucial to use oil suitable for rotary engines.

Coolant Specification:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Apex Seal Wear:

A common concern, often exacerbated by improper maintenance, lack of pre-mix oil, or prolonged low-RPM operation. Manual details specific checks and replacements.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plugs require regular inspection and replacement. Premature failure can lead to misfires and engine damage.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Owners should regularly check and top up the oil level (typically between oil changes).

Catalytic Converter:

Can be susceptible to damage from unburned fuel due to misfires or improper engine operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Continuation of Mazda's pioneering development of the Wankel rotary engine, notably the RX-7 series.

Introduction Concept:

Unveiled as the 'RX-8 Concept' at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, it served as a spiritual successor to the RX-7.

Facelifts And Updates:

Minor updates in 2009 (Series 2) included revised styling, interior, and suspension tuning. Engine power was slightly reduced in some markets to meet emissions.

Production Plant:

Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan

Production End Year:

2012

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.

World Car Of The Year:

Voted World Performance Car of the Year in 2004 by an international panel of automotive journalists.