Positioning:
The Mazda RX-8 was positioned as a unique sports car, offering a practical coupe design with a high-revving rotary engine and exceptional handling characteristics.
Competitors:
Competed with cars like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4, though its rotary engine set it apart.
Rotary Engine:
Distinctive 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, known for its smooth power delivery and high redline.
Suicide Doors:
Unique freestyle doors (rear-hinged rear doors) for easier access to the rear seats.
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, and agile handling.
Value:
Provides owners and technicians with the exact factory information needed for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, potentially saving significant labor costs.
Engine Service:
Complete service and repair for the Renesis rotary engine.
Transmission Service:
Service and repair for both manual (e.g., Aisin AY6, RX-8 R3's Eaton HO52) and automatic transmissions.
Brake System:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the braking system, including ABS.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Electrical System:
Diagnosis and repair of all electrical components and systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension service, alignment, and component replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column service.
Cooling System:
Service and repair of the engine cooling system, including radiator and fans.
Fuel Injection:
Diagnosis and repair of the fuel injection and fuel delivery system.
Emission System:
Service and troubleshooting of emission control systems.
HVAC:
Heater and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Engine Control System:
Diagnosis and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and related sensors/actuators.
Chassis Body:
Body panel repair, chassis component service, and structural information.
Restraint System:
Service and diagnosis of airbags, seatbelts, and related systems.
Interior:
Service and repair of interior trim, seating, and related components.
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of the drivetrain, including the differential.
Axle:
Service and repair of drive axles and CV joints.
General Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed lubrication points and schedules.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Comprehensive diagnostic routines for identifying faults.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components.
Tuning:
Information related to vehicle tuning and performance adjustments.
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, equivalent to what professional technicians use.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2 rotors)
Horsepower Std:
210-238 hp (depending on trim and transmission)
Torque Std:
159-160 lb-ft
Redline:
Approx. 9,000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-port)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Consumption:
Designed for controlled oil consumption for apex seal lubrication.
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-star (for driver and passenger, specific year may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for most years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags.
Seat Design:
Designed with occupant safety in mind, including advanced seat structures.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific intervals, typically around 5,000 miles or 6 months for conventional oil, or longer for synthetic. Crucial for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specialized spark plug configurations for rotary engines require specific replacement intervals, typically detailed in the manual.
Apex Seal Inspection:
While not a typical scheduled item, the manual covers diagnostics for apex seal wear, a critical aspect of rotary engine health.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL certified oil, viscosity grade recommended in manual (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30, often with specific ester content for rotary engines).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - specific type like GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity grade detailed in manual.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF Type T-IV or equivalent (check specific model year/transmission for exact spec).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Differential Fluid:
Gear Oil API GL-5, viscosity grade specified in manual (e.g., 75W-90).
Rotary Engine Maintenance:
Proper pre-mix or oil metering system function is critical. Carbon buildup and apex seal wear are potential concerns if maintenance is neglected.
Starter Motor:
Weak starter motors or battery issues can lead to difficulty starting, especially when the engine is warm (flooding).
Ignition Coils:
Ignition coils can be a common failure point, leading to misfires.
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the NSU license and culminating in the RX series.
Rx Legacy:
Successor to the RX-7, the RX-8 aimed to offer a more practical and refined rotary experience.
Redesign Facelift:
Minor styling and feature updates occurred throughout its production run, including the 2009 facelift (though this manual covers up to 2008).
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan.
