Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Toyota MR2.
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - emphasizing driver connection and feedback.
Powertrain Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul for all variants within the covered years.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Axles, driveshafts, differential, and clutch service procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shocks, struts, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brake service (pads, rotors, calipers), parking brake.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, charging system, starting system, lighting, sensors, ECUs.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, convertible top service.
Chassis:
Frame, unibody structure, subframe components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Ignition system service, fuel system cleaning, cooling system flushes, brake fluid replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing specific parts like alternators, starters, radiators, etc.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system interpretation, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, and ECUs.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Workshop Level
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic procedures, and repair sequences.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, schematics, and exploded views for most procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Code 1999 2000:
BP-ZE (1.8L)
Engine Code 2001:
BP-Z3 (1.8L with Variable Valve Timing - VVT)
Displacement 1.8L:
1839 cc
Horsepower Bp-Ze:
Approx. 140 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Bp-Ze:
Approx. 118 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower Bp-Z3 Vvt:
Approx. 142 hp @ 6500 rpm ( slight increase due to VVT)
Torque Bp-Z3 Vvt:
Approx. 125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (slight increase due to VVT)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (based on common ratings for the era).
IIHS Side Impact:
Not extensively tested by IIHS during this period for this specific vehicle.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on select models (particularly later NB models).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and pop-up roll hoops behind seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (typically iridium or platinum plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km); Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as per severe duty schedule.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free HOAT coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF MV Type (or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible ATF).
Oil Consumption:
Some early NB models may exhibit higher than normal oil consumption, especially if not maintained properly. Check oil levels frequently.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop cracks over time, leading to leaks.
Clutch Release Bearing Noise:
Pilot bearing or release bearing chatter can occur under load.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars can wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Window Regulator Issues:
Window mechanisms can become stiff or fail, especially on convertibles.
Vvt System Issues:
On 2001+ models, the VVT solenoid or actuator can fail, affecting performance and check engine lights.
Mazda Motorsport:
Mazda's long history in motorsport, particularly with the rotary engine and its success in endurance racing.
First Generation Na:
The NA generation (1989-1997) revived the spirit of the classic British roadster.
Nb Introduction:
The NB generation introduced updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and more power.
Nb Updates 1999 2001:
Early NB models (1999-2000) featured the 1.8L BP-ZE. The 2001 model year introduced the BP-Z3 with VVT, offering a slight power and torque improvement and better fuel efficiency.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
