🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Miata

Model Designation:

MX-5 Miata (NB generation)

Generation:

NB

Chassis Code:

NB8A (1999-2000), NB8B (2001-2005)

Engine Code Primary:

BP-Z3

👋 Introduction

Market Niche:

Affordable two-seater sports car, focused on driving purity and open-top motoring.

Key Competitors:

Lotus Elise (higher price point), Porsche Boxster (higher price point), other small roadsters of the era.

Driving Experience:

Lightweight construction, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, engaging handling.

Design:

Iconic Pininfarina-influenced styling, pop-up headlights (on earlier NB models, phased out by 2002), compact roadster proportions.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Digital Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar e-book format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting, charging

Transmission:

Manual transmission (MT), Automatic transmission (AT - less common for this generation Miata), clutch system, driveshaft, differential

Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulic, front brakes (discs), rear brakes (discs), ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rods

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, gauges and instruments, power windows, power mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, convertible top mechanism

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Repair:

Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, circuit analysis

Rebuilding:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages, searchable text

Print Capability:

Printable for hard copy reference

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine Displacement Early:

1.8L (1839cc)

Engine Displacement Late:

1.8L (1839cc) with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) from 2001 onwards

Horsepower Early:

140 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque Early:

119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower Late:

142 hp @ 6500 rpm (for standard 1.8L) / 145 hp @ 6500 rpm (for 1.8L with VVT)

Torque Late:

117 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for standard 1.8L) / 125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for 1.8L with VVT)

Engine Type Special:

2.0L MZR (LF-VE) for Mazdaspeed Miata (2004-2005)

Horsepower Special:

178 hp @ 6000 rpm (Mazdaspeed Miata)

Torque Special:

166 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Mazdaspeed Miata)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed manual (FS5W71C)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed automatic (F4A-EL) - less common, primarily on earlier NB models

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, dry single-plate

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

Mazda GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent API GL-4 specification)

Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent MERCON specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 157.3 inches (3995 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)

Seating Capacity:

2

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 4.7 cubic feet (133 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 2300-2450 lbs (1043-1111 kg), depending on trim and options

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 2400-2550 lbs (1089-1157 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100

Wheel Size Standard:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size Standard:

205/50R15 or 205/45R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 stars (for 2000 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 stars (for 2000 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on early base trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard; optional side airbags on some trims.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bar behind seats (on some models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with 4 or 6 speakers. Aftermarket head units are popular upgrades.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level. Air conditioning is standard on most models.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely standard; aftermarket solutions or FM transmitters were common for music playback.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Coolant Change:

Replace coolant every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Change:

Replace brake fluid every 2 years (DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended).

Power Steering Fluid Check:

Check fluid level at every oil change.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.2 US quarts (5.9 liters).

Oil Consumption:

Some early NB models experienced increased oil consumption; proper maintenance and monitoring are crucial.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Can occur with age and mileage, requiring transmission removal for repair.

Radiator Plastic Tanks:

Plastic tanks can degrade over time, leading to leaks. Metal-core radiators are a common upgrade.

Convertible Top Wear:

Weatherstripping and fabric can degrade; maintenance of the mechanism is important.

Window Regulator Failure:

Can be a common issue, requiring replacement of the regulator mechanism.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Mazda's philosophy of 'Zoom-Zoom' emphasizing driving enjoyment and responsiveness.

Nb Generation Introduction:

Introduced for the 1999 model year, the NB generation evolved the NA Miata's concept with a stiffer chassis, improved aerodynamics, and updated styling. Pop-up headlights were present on early NB models and removed by 2002.

Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred for the 2001 model year, including revised bumpers, headlights (fixed), taillights, and interior updates. The VVT engine became more widely available.

Special Editions:

Numerous special editions were released throughout the NB generation, including the Mazdaspeed Miata (turbocharged), 10th Anniversary Edition, Shinsen, and others.

Production Years:

1998-2005 (for NB generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in its early years, cementing its status as a premier driver's car.

Road And Track:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling and driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports:

Generally good reliability ratings, with some common wear-and-tear items noted as typical for a sports car.