Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Coupe
Key Selling Points:
Rotary engine, unique suicide doors, excellent handling, driver-focused cockpit
Primary Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica GT-S, Subaru Impreza WRX
Differentiating Features:
Rotary engine technology, rear-hinged 'freestyle' doors for rear passenger access, lightweight chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, automotive technicians, enthusiast owners, workshop owners
Covered Models:
All RX-8 Models (including Shinka, R3, GT, Sport, Base)
Covered Regions:
Global (primarily North American and Japanese specifications, with applicable European/Australian notes)
Estimated Page Count:
~3000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Searchable and Printable)
Engine:
Rotary engine (13B-MSP Renesis), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management (ECU), starting and charging
Transmission:
6-speed manual (FS5A-EL), automatic transmission (optional), clutch system, driveline, axles, driveshafts
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, starter, alternator, battery
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk, chassis lubrication, frame components
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS warning light troubleshooting
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection
Repair:
Engine rebuild (apex seals, rotor housing, side seals), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, interior component repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault code identification and resolution, common problem diagnosis (e.g., hot start issues, oil consumption)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, live data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, PCM/ECU diagnostics
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork
Engine Name:
Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Rotor Housing Material:
Durable Iron Alloy with Chrome Plating
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotors)
Horsepower Standard Engine:
212 hp @ 7600 rpm (early models) / 232 hp @ 7600 rpm (later models, Grand Touring/Sport trims)
Torque Standard Engine:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (early models) / 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (later models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (premium recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)
Required Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (or 5W-40) Synthetic Recommended
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Direct Ignition) with twin spark plugs per rotor
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication with oil sump and oil metering system (for lubrication of apex and side seals)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (FS5A-EL)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Manual Transmission Oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mazda ATF FZ
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Rating:
Good
Standard Safety Features:
ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil recommended.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for iridium plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
First at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT antifreeze
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Washer Fluid:
Water/Wiper Fluid Mixture
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for premature wear if engine is not properly maintained or driven aggressively without sufficient warm-up, leading to low compression and hot start issues.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can be prone to failure due to oil carry-over from the rotary engine's design, leading to reduced performance and check engine lights.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Ignition coils and spark plug wires can degrade, causing misfires and rough running.
Oil Consumption:
Normal for rotary engines to consume oil, but excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series
Concept Vehicle:
Mazda RX-8 was preceded by the Mazda Taiki concept vehicle, showcasing the 'Nagare' design language
Facelift Updates:
Minor updates in 2006 including revised ECU programming, improved suspension tuning, and aesthetic enhancements (e.g., front bumper, taillights)
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's plant in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
