Market Positioning:
Sporty, unique four-door coupe with a focus on handling and driver engagement, positioned against other performance-oriented sedans and coupes of its era.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Sedan, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL.
Unique Selling Proposition:
The groundbreaking 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, balanced chassis, suicide rear doors (Freestyle doors) for rear-seat access, and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience, drivers who appreciate innovative engineering, and those looking for a practical yet sporty four-door vehicle.
Manual Value:
Provides essential technical knowledge for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the distinctive RX-8, including its unique rotary engine, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Covered Years:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Primary Market:
Global (indications of North American focus)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals are 2000+ pages)
Manual Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine System:
Complete Renesis rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housing, eccentric shaft, oil injection, cooling, lubrication, and starting system.
Transmission System:
Manual (AZ6) and Automatic (FN4A-EL) transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, valve body, and related diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear braking systems (vented discs), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double-wishbone), steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, sensors (crank, cam, O2), ECUs, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors (including freestyle doors), interior trim, glass, bumpers, and chassis components.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system, refrigerant handling.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant checks, brake fluid service, lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, identification of common faults and their solutions.
Technical Data:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, component identification.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, reading and clearing DTCs, live data analysis.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams and service procedures.
Print Quality:
High quality, full printable
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within PDF reader
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for download)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Binding Type:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (dual rotor, 654cc per rotor)
Horsepower Gs:
Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Manual Transmission)
Horsepower Gt:
Approx. 238 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission - High Power Model)
Horsepower Automatic:
Approx. 197 hp @ 7200 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque Gs:
Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission)
Torque Gt:
Approx. 164 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (Manual Transmission - High Power Model)
Torque Automatic:
Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Ignition System:
Direct Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for each spark plug (two per rotor).
Rotary Specific Features:
Side exhaust ports, peripheral intake ports, side oil metering system, focus on high RPM operation.
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual (Mazda AZ6)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Sportronic Automatic (Mazda FN4A-EL)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate dry clutch (manual).
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios vary by model and year, typically with close ratios for sporty driving.
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or optional on performance models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Mercon V/Dexron III type fluid.
Length:
Approx. 4430 mm (174.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Track Front:
Approx. 1500 mm (59.1 in)
Track Rear:
Approx. 1515 mm (59.6 in)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1495 kg (3295 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 8.7 cu ft (246 L) - Notably small due to drivetrain packaging.
Seating Capacity:
4-passenger (2 front, 2 rear bucket seats).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (front and rear passengers)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters.
Chassis Structure:
Advanced impact-absorbing body structure.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, typically with CD player and AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional in-dash navigation system available on some models.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with manual overrides.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and push-button start.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack (3.5mm) often found in armrest or center console.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on later models or via aftermarket integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines require frequent oil changes and consumption is normal.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-40,000 miles, with specific types for different engine states (e.g., leading/trailing plugs).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-40,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Level Check:
Recommended at every fuel fill-up due to normal rotary oil consumption.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5 or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Specific attention to oil quality is critical for rotary engines.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 (or equivalent long-life pink/red coolant). Do not mix coolant types.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent.
Apex Seal Wear:
The most common and significant concern. Apex seals can wear prematurely if the engine is not properly maintained, warmed up, or if carbon build-up occurs. Symptoms include loss of compression, rough idle, and starting issues.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be prone to failure due to oil burning or incomplete combustion, especially on earlier models or those not driven spiritedly.
Ignition Coils And Plugs:
Can degrade over time, leading to misfires and rough running. Proper maintenance and replacement are crucial.
Oil Pump And Level Sensor:
Failure can lead to severe engine damage. Regular checks and ensuring correct oil levels are paramount.
Cooling System:
Potential for leaks, especially with plastic components, and proper coolant flow is vital for the rotary engine.
Starter Motor:
Can struggle to turn over a hot rotary engine, sometimes requiring specific starting procedures or a higher-torque starter.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and storied history with rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo Sport and culminating in the Le Mans-winning 787B. The RX-8 represents the modern evolution of this unique engine technology.
First Generation Development:
The RX-8 was conceived as a successor to the RX-7, aiming for a more practical and accessible sports car while retaining the rotary engine's character. Designed by Mutsuo Shioda.
Design Highlights:
The distinctive 'Freestyle doors' (rear-hinged suicide doors) were a key design element, providing easier access to the rear seats without a traditional B-pillar. The interior was designed to be driver-centric.
Facelifts Updates:
Received minor updates throughout its production run, including suspension revisions for improved handling, interior trim upgrades, and revised engine management. The most significant changes often referred to as Series 1 (2003-2008) and Series 2 (2008-2011).
Production Period:
April 2003 - August 2012
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan
Production Volume:
Approximately 197,000 units globally.
