🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

323

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

BG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car / Small family car

Perception:

Known for reliability, practical design, and agile handling, especially in performance variants.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon

Performance Variant:

GTX model featuring AWD and turbocharged engine for sporty performance.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasized driver engagement, efficient packaging, and Mazda's signature 'Zoom-Zoom' DNA before the official slogan existed.

📋 Manual Details

Market:

Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.)

Trim Levels:

All (e.g., GL, LX, GSi, GT, GTX, Familia)

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All gasoline engine variants (e.g., 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L naturally aspirated and turbocharged)

Engine Management:

EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), ignition systems, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed) transmissions

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for GTX models

Suspension:

Front independent (MacPherson struts), Rear independent (multi-link) or semi-independent (torsion beam) depending on model

Brakes:

Front disc (vented/solid), Rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (on select models)

Steering:

Rack and Pinion, Power Steering (optional/standard)

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis structure

Body Electrical:

Wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, audio system

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacements, brake fluid changes, air filter service, battery maintenance

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI systems, electrical fault finding

Repair:

Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, exhaust system repair, fuel system component replacement

Overhaul:

Detailed engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Adjustment:

Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment

Recalibration:

EFI system basic setup and adjustments

Specification Setting:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications, chassis alignment specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Example:

B6 (1.6L), BP (1.8L), FE (1.6L), E3 (1.3L), Z5 (1.5L)

Displacement Options:

1.3L (1324cc), 1.5L (1498cc), 1.6L (1597cc), 1.8L (1839cc)

Horsepower Range:

60 - 164 hp (depending on engine and trim)

Torque Range:

70 - 140 lb-ft (depending on engine and trim)

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), some earlier/base models may have Carburetion

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Configuration:

Inline-4 cylinder, front-mounted, transverse (most models)

ECU Type:

ECU-controlled EFI and ignition

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

AWD Transfer Case:

Included on GTX models

Manual Fluid:

API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended)

Automatic Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 4305 mm (169.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1680 mm (66.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in) (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 980 - 1200 kg (2160 - 2645 lbs) depending on body style and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and market, typically around 1500-1700 kg

Bolt Pattern:

4x100mm

Center Bore:

54.1mm

Common Sizes:

175/70R13, 185/65R14, 195/55R15 (GTX)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by market and testing protocols of the era; generally considered safe for its class. Specific ratings for 1989 may be limited.

ABS:

Optional on some higher trim levels and performance models (GTX)

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts (3-point front, 2-point rear in some early models, 3-point rear in later/higher trims)

Crumple Zones:

Designed with energy-absorbing front and rear sections

Driver Airbag:

Optional or standard on very late production models/specific markets

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with 2-4 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Dashboard:

Analog gauges for speed, tachometer (optional/higher trims), fuel, temperature. Warning lights for system status.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models.

Antenna:

Manual or power antenna for radio reception.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Coolant Change:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for B6, BP, Z5 engines (check manual for exact spec).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2, ILSAC GF-2; Viscosity: 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. 5W-30 for very cold climates.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (3.7 - 4.8 US Quarts) with filter change, depending on engine.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Sludge:

Can occur with infrequent oil changes on some engines, particularly the BP engine.

Rust Corrosion:

Prone to rust in areas with heavy road salt use, especially on wheel arches, rocker panels, and suspension components.

Cooling System:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump can degrade over time, leading to leaks and overheating.

Cv Joints:

Wear on front CV joint boots can lead to joint failure, indicated by clicking noises during turns.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and failure of exhaust components (muffler, pipes) due to age and environmental factors.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors, particularly ground points and fuse box connections, can cause intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Motorsport:

Mazda has a strong heritage in motorsports, contributing to the development of sporty variants like the 323 GTX.

Generation:

Third Generation (BG) - introduced in 1989

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform elements with Ford Laser and Meteor in certain markets.

Production Years:

1989-1994 (for BG generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, and assembly plants in various other countries worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

The Mazda 323, particularly in its various international guises (Familia), often received favorable reviews from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and value.