🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

SE3P

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Rotary Coupe

Unique Selling Proposition:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine, distinctive freestyle rear doors, balanced chassis, high-revving performance.

Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Toyota Celica GT-S (historically), Subaru Impreza WRX (performance-oriented competitors)

Powertrain Highlight:

Rotary engine offers a unique driving experience and compact packaging.

Design Highlight:

Freestyle doors provide enhanced rear-seat access, suicide-style opening.

Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a unique, engaging, and dynamically capable sports coupe with a focus on handling and engine character.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete vehicle repair and service

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, component replacement, technical specifications

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 3000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Rotary, 13B-MSP Renesis), clutch, transmission (manual & automatic options), driveshafts, differential, axles

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (front & rear discs, ABS, DSC), wheels, tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), audio system, power windows/locks/mirrors, HVAC controls, SRS airbag system, engine control module (ECM), ignition system

Body:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation

Repair:

Engine overhaul (apex seals, rotor housings, rotor seals), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick access to information

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

Displacement:

1.3L (twin rotor)

Horsepower:

238 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Torque:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 149 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Redline:

9000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 recommended (API certified)

Oil Capacity:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change

Spark Plugs:

Specific multi-electrode rotary plugs (e.g., NGK RE7CL)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual

Type:

6-speed Activematic Automatic with Paddle Shifters

Manual Transmission Features:

Close-ratio gearing, short-throw shifter

Features:

Sport mode, paddle shifters for manual gear selection

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mazda GL-4 Gear Oil 75W-90 or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.3 in (4427 mm)

Width:

69.1 in (1755 mm)

Height:

52.8 in (1341 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 in (2700 mm)

Front Track:

60.0 in (1525 mm)

Rear Track:

60.6 in (1539 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Trunk Volume:

7.6 cu ft (215 liters)

Curb Weight:

3,053 - 3,219 lbs (1,385 - 1,460 kg) depending on transmission and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-Star (Front Seat), 5-Star (Rear Seat)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Brake Assist:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side-impact airbags, Curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Navigation:

Optional DVD-based navigation system.

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack.

Tachometer:

Prominent center-mounted tachometer, redlining at 9000 RPM.

Oil Meter:

Unique rotary oil metering gauge.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil is highly recommended for rotary engines.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Replace at 30,000 miles (using specific rotary plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent

Coolant:

Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix)

Apex Seal Wear:

Premature wear of apex seals can lead to loss of compression and engine failure. Proper pre-mix or diligent oil level checks are crucial.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged due to oil consumption or incomplete combustion, leading to reduced power.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail, causing misfires and rough running.

Starter Motor:

Some models can experience starter issues, especially when the engine is hot.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication; regular monitoring and top-offs are essential.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and storied history with the rotary engine, beginning with the Cosmo in the 1960s and famously culminating in the Le Mans-winning 787B.

Rx7 Predecessor:

The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations), carrying on the rotary performance lineage.

First Generation Launch:

The RX-8 was first introduced in 2003 (as a 2004 model year) and ran until 2012.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Assembly Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

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

Word Car Of The Year:

Nominated for World Car of the Year.

Handling Reputation:

Consistently praised for its exceptional balance, responsive steering, and engaging handling dynamics.