🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

First Generation Codename:

SE3P

Generation Years:

2003-2012

Engine Code Primary:

RENESIS (13B-MSP)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact sports car / rotary coupe

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Subaru Impreza WRX (in some aspects), Acura RSX

Unique Selling Proposition:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), suicide doors, balanced chassis

Manual Purpose:

Provides mechanics and owners with official procedures for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the Mazda RX-8.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All repair procedures

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, engine details, steering, braking, suspension, HVAC, body, electrical systems

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical factory service manuals are 2000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (RENESIS rotary), transmission, drivetrain

Chassis:

Steering system, braking system, suspension system

Body And Comfort:

HVAC system, body panels, interior trim, doors, windows

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagrams, components, troubleshooting

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, component checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Component removal and installation, internal engine repair, system overhauls

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level diagnostics and repair procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to PDF format

Digital Quality:

High resolution, suitable for on-screen viewing and printing

Delivery Method:

Digital download (no shipping costs)

Physical Analog:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP RENESIS

Rotor Displacement Per Rotor:

654 cc

Total Displacement Equivalent:

1.3 Liters (approx.)

Horsepower Early Models:

238 hp @ 8200 rpm (manual transmission)

Horsepower Later Models:

212 hp @ 7600 rpm (automatic transmission), 232 hp @ 8500 rpm (manual transmission)

Torque Early Models:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (manual transmission)

Torque Later Models:

151 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (automatic transmission), 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (manual transmission)

Injection Type:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended, especially for higher output models)

Apex Seals:

Critical component for rotary engine sealing, prone to wear if not properly maintained or lubricated.

Oil Metering System:

Injects oil into the combustion chamber for lubrication of apex seals and housing.

🔧 Transmission

Type Manual:

6-speed manual

Type Automatic:

6-speed automatic (Activematic)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, multi-plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mazda GL-5 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Length:

4430 mm (174.4 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1340 mm (52.8 in)

Curb Weight Approx Manual:

1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Curb Weight Approx Automatic:

1470 kg (3241 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

233 Liters (8.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (driver), 4-star (passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Braking System:

4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, front side curtain airbags

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Available Systems:

Bose premium audio system, optional navigation system.

Key Systems:

ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, DSC, TCS.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard on most models for audio.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, but check manual for specific recommendations and driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Specific intervals for the unique two-spark plug per rotor design, often around 30,000 miles. Refer to manual.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ/SL, SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (rotary specific oils or those with lower ZDDP content may be preferred by some enthusiasts, consult specialist forums and manual).

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 (long-life, pink) or equivalent G12/G12+ coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Apex Seal Wear:

A significant concern for RX-8 owners. Can lead to loss of compression, difficult starting (especially when hot), and misfires. Proper maintenance and avoiding prolonged idling/lugging are crucial. This manual will detail diagnostic procedures for compression testing.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plugs can be a point of failure, leading to misfires. The manual will cover inspection and replacement.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication. Ensuring the oil metering system is functioning correctly is vital. The manual will cover its operation and troubleshooting.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary Legacy:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo series and RX-7.

Successor To:

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

Key Innovations:

RENESIS rotary engine designed for better emissions and low-end torque compared to previous rotaries.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Production Locations:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto Worlds 10 Best Engines:

RENESIS engine was a recipient multiple times.

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for its debut year (2004).