🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda RX-8 occupied a unique niche as a sports coupe with a practical four-door design and a distinctive rotary engine. It appealed to enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented vehicle with unique engineering.

Competitors:

Competed with other performance-oriented coupes and sport sedans of its era, such as the Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and Subaru Impreza WRX, although its rotary engine set it apart.

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine (RENESIS).

Doors:

Freestyle doors (suicide-style rear doors for easier access).

Handling:

Renowned for exceptional handling due to near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (typical for full service manuals, software often provides hyperlinked navigation)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary engine (RENESIS - 13B-MSP), lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, emission control systems.

Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (M6TA), clutch, drivetrain components, propeller shaft, differentials.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering system, power steering.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electricals, power accessories, multiplex communication system (CAN).

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, climate control system, safety features (airbags).

Maintenance:

Routine service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant service, brake fluid service, inspection points.

Repair:

Engine component removal and installation (including apex seals, rotor housings), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnostics and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, use of diagnostic scan tools, specific component testing procedures.

Specifications:

Tightening torques, fluid capacities, electrical values, component tolerances, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams and procedures suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary Software/PDF

Searchability:

Likely fully searchable text with hyperlinked navigation.

Scalability:

High resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B-MSP RENESIS

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Displacement:

1.3L (80 cu in) - equivalent to approx. 2.6L piston displacement due to rotary design

Rotor Housing Material:

Aluminum alloy with chrome plating

Apex Seals:

Multi-piece design (initially ceramic, later updated materials)

Horsepower Gs:

238 hp @ 8,200 rpm (for manual transmission models, depending on market and emission regulations)

Torque Gs:

159 lb-ft (216 Nm) @ 5,500 rpm

Horsepower Sport:

212 hp @ 7,600 rpm (for automatic transmission models or base manual models with reduced compression/redline)

Torque Sport:

152 lb-ft (206 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended, 91+ octane)

Injection System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-port injectors and direct ignition.

Oil System:

Separate oil metering system for rotary apex seals and side seals, plus standard oil sump for lubrication.

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric cooling fans.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda M6TA)

Type:

6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.02, 3rd: 1.36, 4th: 1.05, 5th: 0.85, 6th: 0.75, Reverse: 3.60, Final Drive: 4.30

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent high-quality ATF)

Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard on most models for enhanced traction.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.6 inches (4,435 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1,770 mm)

Height:

53.0 inches (1,345 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 inches (2,700 mm)

Front Track:

60.0 inches (1,525 mm)

Rear Track:

60.0 inches (1,525 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Trunk Volume:

7.7 cubic feet (218 L)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 3,045 lbs (1,381 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approximately 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approximately 4,050 lbs (1,837 kg)

Front Weight Distribution:

Approximately 50%

Rear Weight Distribution:

Approximately 50%

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (front and rear passengers)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with yaw rate sensor and steering angle sensor.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with AM/FM, CD player, and steering wheel audio controls (on higher trims).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (often DVD-based).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Available keyless entry and push-button start (Smart Entry and Start System).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Mazda also recommends topping up oil between changes due to rotary engine characteristics.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Specific interval often cited as 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for leading plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for trailing plugs (specific OEM part numbers crucial).

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher). Check owner's manual for precise recommendations, as rotary engines have unique oil consumption.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mixture with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Rotary Engine Oil Consumption:

Higher than piston engines, requires regular checks and top-ups. The manual will detail the expected consumption range.

Apex Seal Wear:

Can lead to low compression and performance issues. Regular maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures are critical. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for compression testing.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail prematurely, leading to misfires and rough running. The manual will cover testing and replacement.

Starter Motor Issues:

Some models experienced starter motor heat soak issues, affecting starting reliability in hot conditions. The manual may detail related checks or updates.

Catalytic Converter:

Can be sensitive to unburnt fuel from rotary engine issues, potentially leading to premature failure. Proper engine management is key.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary History:

Mazda has a long and unique heritage with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in the late 1960s. The RX-8 represents the evolution of this technology.

Introduction Year:

2003 (for the 2004 model year)

Facelifts:

Received a significant facelift for the 2009 model year (Series 2), with updated styling, interior, and some powertrain refinements. The 2006 model is part of the original Series 1 generation.

Production Period:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto World Engine Of The Year:

RENESIS rotary engine was named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2003 and 2004.

Car And Driver 10Best:

The RX-8 was a Car and Driver 10Best list recipient multiple times during its production run (e.g., 2004, 2005, 2006).

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Received numerous positive reviews and awards from automotive publications globally for its performance, handling, and unique engineering.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimated:

Approximately 15-17 MPG city / 22-24 MPG highway (depending on transmission and specific model year variant).