🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Common Name:

RX8

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sports Car / Performance Coupe

Key Selling Points:

Unique rotary engine, balanced chassis, suicide doors (freestyle doors), sharp handling, distinctive styling.

Competitors 2003-2012:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru Impreza WRX, Honda S2000 (in spirit/performance focus).

Engine Layout:

Front-midship, Naturally Aspirated Rotary

Door Configuration:

2+2 Seating with Freestyle Doors (rear-hinged passenger-side door)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2003-2012 Model Years

Regional Variations Covered:

Primarily North American/Global specifications, may include regional differences where significant.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (estimated for comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, ECU/PCM (Engine Control Unit/Powertrain Control Module)

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (6-speed), Automatic Transmission (optional), Drivetrain, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, EBD, DSC), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Body Electrical System, Lighting, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control, Chassis Control, Security System, Audio System Wiring

Body:

Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Sunroof (if equipped)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition Coil Inspection, Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Changes, Transmission Fluid Changes, Differential Fluid Changes

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Component Testing Procedures

Repair:

Engine Overhaul/Rebuild (Rotary specific), Transmission Repair, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair/Replacement

Special Procedures:

Apex Seal Replacement (Rotary specific), Eccentric Shaft Lubrication, Compression Testing (Rotary specific), Engine Mount Replacement, Fuel Injector Servicing, ECU Reprogramming

Depth:

Comprehensive Factory Level - Includes detailed diagrams, specifications, torque values, diagnostic trees, and step-by-step repair instructions for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick keyword access to information.

Print Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams, text, and component identification.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Mazda RENESIS (Rotary Engine)

Engine Code Early:

13B-MSP (230 PS variant)

Engine Code Late:

13B-MSP (212-232 PS variants)

Displacement Cc:

1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotor chambers)

Horsepower Hp Early:

238 hp (175 kW) @ 8200 rpm

Horsepower Hp Late:

212-232 hp (156-171 kW) @ 7500-8200 rpm (depending on trim/transmission)

Torque Lb-Ft Early:

159 lb-ft (216 Nm) @ 5500 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft Late:

159-160 lb-ft (216-217 Nm) @ 5000-5500 rpm (depending on trim/transmission)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Port Fuel Injection (PFI) with Direct Injection (DI) in later models (DISI - Direct Injection Spark Ignition)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Type:

Wet Sump with Oil Metering Injector (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM grade oil recommended, specifically Mazda RX-8 specific oil or equivalent with appropriate viscosity and additive package)

Apex Seals:

Critical wear component; requires proper lubrication and engine management. Manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Designed for slight oil consumption for lubrication of apex seals; manual details checks and recommended additives.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (optional on certain trims)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Multi-Plate Clutch

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil, or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4435 mm (174.6 in)

Width Mm:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height Mm:

1340 mm (52.8 in)

Wheelbase Mm:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track Mm:

1500 mm (59.1 in)

Rear Track Mm:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight Kg Manual:

1460 kg (3219 lbs) - varies by trim

Curb Weight Kg Automatic:

1485 kg (3274 lbs) - varies by trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

1850 kg (4079 lbs) - approximate

Trunk Volume Liters:

207 L (7.3 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (2004 model)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (2004 model)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on most models (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control, with Traction Control System - TCS)

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:

Standard (EBD)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Front Side-Impact Airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Optional/Standard depending on trim level (Side-Curtain Airbags)

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR Seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, AM/FM/CD/MP3, auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional touch-screen navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard/Optional depending on trim

Bluetooth:

Available on later models and higher trims for hands-free calling.

Engine Management:

Advanced ECU with various sensors for optimal rotary engine performance and emissions control.

🔧 Maintenance

Interval Km:

5,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first) - critical for rotary engine health

Interval Miles:

3,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) - critical for rotary engine health

Interval Km:

30,000 km

Interval Miles:

20,000 miles

Interval Km:

50,000 km (Platinum/Iridium recommended)

Interval Miles:

30,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium recommended)

Interval Km:

100,000 km or 5 years

Interval Miles:

60,000 miles or 5 years

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30. Consult manual for specific API/ILSAC certifications.

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon or Mazda Genuine ATF-III

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Wear is a common concern, especially with improper maintenance or driving habits. Manual details compression testing and replacement.

Ignition Coils:

Coil packs can fail, leading to misfires. Manual covers testing and replacement.

Oil Level Management:

Crucial for rotary engines; manual emphasizes frequent checks and topping up with appropriate oil.

Catalytic Converter:

Can be susceptible to fouling from oil consumption if not managed. Manual covers diagnostic procedures.

Clutch Replacement:

A common wear item, especially in manual transmission models.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can experience wear over time. Manual provides replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Continuation of Mazda's pioneering work with the rotary engine, notably the RX-7 series.

Introduction Year:

2003 (North America 2004)

Facelifts:

Significant facelift occurred in 2008 with revised styling, updated interior, and introduction of DI technology on some models.

Trim Levels:

Base, Touring, GT, Shinka Edition (limited), Sport, Grand Touring (post-facelift). Variations in features, engine power, and transmission availability.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.

World Car Of The Year Finalist:

Finalist for World Car of the Year in 2004.

Car Of The Year Japan:

Won Japanese Car of the Year award for 2003-2004.