🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2004

Generation Designation:

SE3P

Vin Code:

J

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda RX-8 represented a unique niche in the sports car market, focusing on handling, rotary engine technology, and distinctive styling rather than outright horsepower. It appealed to driving enthusiasts seeking an engaging and unconventional experience.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed indirectly with cars like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, and Porsche Cayman, though its rotary engine and unique chassis layout set it apart. Its main rivals were often enthusiasts drawn to its specific characteristics.

Key Features:

Wankel rotary engine (RENESIS), suicide rear doors (Freestyle doors), excellent weight distribution (near 50:50), sporty handling, high-revving engine characteristic.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas General:

Full Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Over 3000 pages (typical for comprehensive software)

Manual Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download/CD-ROM)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Rotary Wankel), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Drivetrain (RWD), Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/EBD), Electrical Systems (Lighting, Accessories, ECUs), Climate Control, Body & Chassis, Body Electronics, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Diagnostics, HVAC, SRS (Airbag) Systems.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service, troubleshooting diagnostic procedures, component testing, repair and replacement procedures for all major systems, disassembly and reassembly of components, wiring diagrams, component locations, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and resolution.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic oil changes and fluid checks to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Includes factory-level repair times and procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary Software (often requires specific viewer or operating system compatibility, e.g., Windows XP/Vista/7) or PDF

Print Quality:

N/A (Software - digital delivery)

Binding Type:

N/A (Software - digital delivery)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software - digital delivery)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

RENESIS (13B-MSP)

Engine Displacement Cc:

1308 cc (2x654cc rotor chambers)

Engine Displacement Ci:

80.0 cu in

Engine Configuration:

Two-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower Hp Standard:

238 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission, High-Power 'R-Spec' / 'Grand Touring')

Horsepower Hp Alternative:

212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Automatic Transmission / Manual 'Sport' Trim)

Torque Lb Ft Standard:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission)

Torque Lb Ft Alternative:

150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Redline Rpm:

9000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or Higher Recommended)

Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Recommended for Rotary Engines (specific Mazda recommendations apply)

Oil Capacity Liters:

Approx. 5.5 Liters (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Individual Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition for each spark plug (4 coils total).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (MX-A)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Sport Shift (AT)

Manual Transmission Ratios:

Provided in manual; typically close-ratio for sporty engagement.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Paddle shifters or Tiptronic-style manual shifting option.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4/GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Specific Mazda specification recommended)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent approved ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4430 mm

Width Mm:

1770 mm

Height Mm:

1340 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2700 mm

Curb Weight Kg Manual:

Approx. 1420 kg

Curb Weight Kg Automatic:

Approx. 1440 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Kg:

Not explicitly specified but around 1800-1900 kg

Trunk Capacity Liters:

Approx. 290 Liters (split-level design)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for 2004 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Good (Frontal Offset crash test, depending on year/specific tests)

Active Safety Features:

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

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front and rear crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard CD player with AM/FM radio. Bose premium audio system often available on higher trims. Optional navigation system on some models.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control. Some models may have limited parking sensors or other advanced features depending on market and trim.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack (on later models or as an accessory), optional Bluetooth hands-free kit on some trims.

Headlight Type:

Halogen projector headlights. Xenon HID headlights available on higher trims/optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

Every 7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first). However, frequent short trips or aggressive driving may necessitate more frequent changes.

Spark Plug Replacement Km:

Refer to manual for specific intervals and types (e.g., Apex seals and spark plugs require specific attention for rotary engines). Typically around 60,000-100,000 km depending on plug type and usage.

Coolant Flush Interval Km:

Every 100,000 km or 10 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Km:

Manual: Approx. 80,000-100,000 km. Automatic: Approx. 60,000-80,000 km or as per severe service schedule.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda ATF DEXTRON III / MERCON or equivalent

Washer Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear (critical for rotary engine longevity), oil consumption (inherent to rotary design but can be excessive if not maintained), ignition coil failure, starter motor issues, catalytic converter failure, oil metering injection system issues, potential for flooding if engine is shut off while cold.

Rotary Engine Specific Maintenance:

Regularly checking oil level and quality, using correct oil, ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down cycles, avoiding prolonged idling, periodic carbon cleaning (decarbonizing) of the rotor housings.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing sporty and innovative vehicles, including iconic models like the RX-7 and its pioneering work with rotary engine technology since the 1960s.

Model Evolution:

The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FD generation) and was designed to offer a more practical, yet still performance-oriented, sports car experience. It introduced the 'RENESIS' rotary engine, which was designed for improved emissions and fuel efficiency compared to previous rotary engines.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Production Location:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years (2004-2005, 2007-2008).

World Car Of The Year:

Finalist for World Performance Car of the Year in 2004.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by model year and specific components, with a notable focus on rotary engine longevity and maintenance requirements.