🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

SE3P

Generation Name:

Second Generation (2009-2012)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sports Car / Coupe

Unique Selling Proposition:

Wankel Rotary Engine technology, unique 'freestyle' door system

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Subaru BRZ (later generation)

Manual Value:

Provides factory-level technical information, empowering owners for efficient maintenance and repair

Manual Benefit:

Enables informed decision-making for repairs, potentially reducing dealership costs

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and Service for Mazda RX-8 (2011)

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary (RENESIS) Engine (13B-MSP), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT - if applicable for the trim), clutch, driveshafts, differential

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (double-wishbone), power steering system, steering rack, wheel alignment

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, blower motor, climate control module

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, troubleshooting guides

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary), ignition coil checks

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies

Cleaning:

Cleaning procedures for engine components, fuel injectors, and other parts

Reinstalling:

Correct procedures for reassembling components with proper torque specifications

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls)

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

Zoom IN/OUT capability

Binding:

Digital (N/A for PDF)

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for PDF)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP RENESIS

Displacement:

2 x 654 cc (totaling 1308 cc equivalent)

Rotor Design:

Apex seals, side seals, corner seals

Horsepower:

Approximately 232 hp (Sport Trim), 212 hp (Standard Trim) - Varies slightly by market and specific model year updates.

Torque:

Approximately 159 lb-ft (Sport Trim), 155 lb-ft (Standard Trim)

Redline:

9,000 RPM

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

Oil Type Capacity:

Specific rotary engine oil required (e.g., Idemitsu Racing Rotary Oil or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ or higher ACEA A3/B3 or higher); capacity approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) for engine oil; 0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) for oil metering injection.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Speed)

Type:

6-speed Activematic Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate (Manual)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Mazda GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent API GL-4

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATX/ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron III H / Mercon

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.8 inches (4440 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

54.1 inches (1375 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

60.4 inches (1535 mm)

Rear Track:

60.6 inches (1540 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3053 - 3210 lbs (1385 - 1456 kg) depending on trim and transmission

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 7.6 cubic feet (215 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5-Star (for driver and passenger, model year 2007 - similar structure)

IIHS Side Crash:

Good (for model year 2007 - similar structure)

ABS:

Yes

Ebs:

Yes

Traction Control:

Yes (TCS)

Stability Control:

Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system (optional), CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless entry and push-button start (standard on many trims).

Bluetooth:

Available on some trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Frequent checks are critical due to oil consumption inherent to rotary engines.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Specific rotary spark plugs (two per rotor) require replacement at intervals recommended by Mazda, often around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on type and driving.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual.

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to engine_specs for specific rotary oil type (essential for apex seal lubrication).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

Apex Seal Wear:

A primary concern for rotary engines. Symptoms include low compression, starting issues, and rough running. Requires specialized knowledge for diagnosis and repair.

Carbon Buildup:

Can occur in the exhaust ports and leading spark plug ports, affecting performance. Regular decarbonization procedures are often recommended.

Oil Consumption:

Normal for rotary engines, but excessive consumption can indicate seal issues. Constant monitoring is crucial.

Starter Motor Heat Soak:

Can lead to difficult hot starts; often addressed by improved cooling or battery modifications.

Catastrophic Engine Failure:

Can occur if maintenance is neglected or critical issues like low compression are ignored.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo Sport in the 1960s. RX-8 represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated rotary development.

Rx7 Successor:

The RX-8 was developed as the successor to the legendary RX-7, offering a different approach with a focus on practicality (four seats) and balanced performance.

Generations:

Two generations: First Generation (2003-2008), Second Generation (2009-2012).

Production Period:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward 2004:

Wards 10 Best Engines for the RENESIS rotary engine (2004)

Car And Driver 2003:

Car and Driver 10Best list (2003)