Market Position:
Sporty compact coupe positioned as an affordable and stylish alternative to more mainstream offerings. Known for its unique styling and available V6 engine.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic Coupe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ford Probe. The MX-3 differentiated itself with its distinctive styling and the availability of a compact, high-revving V6 engine, which was unusual for its class at the time.
Key Features:
Distinctive 'coke bottle' styling, available 1.6L inline-4 and 1.8L V6 engines, lightweight chassis, nimble handling, sporty interior design.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Pre-delivery Inspection and Scheduled Maintenance, Engine, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel and Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front and Rear Axles, Steering System, Braking System, Wheels and Tires, Suspension, Body, Body Electrical System, Heater and Conditioner System, Technical Data, Special Tools, Wiring Diagram
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era, exact count not provided in product info)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Cooling System, Fuel System, Emission Control, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch Assembly, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Drivetrain (Axles, CV Joints), Steering System, Power Steering System, Suspension (Front and Rear), Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS if equipped), Wheels, Tires, Body Panels, Interior Trim, Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting, HVAC System, Electrical Systems (Wiring Diagrams included), Diagnostic Procedures
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), Scheduled Servicing, Engine Repair and Rebuilds, Transmission Repair (manual and automatic), Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service and Repair, Steering System Overhaul, Electrical System Troubleshooting, HVAC System Servicing, Body Panel Repair, Pre-delivery Inspections, Diagnostic Code Interpretation, Component Removal and Installation, Torque Specifications, Timing Belt Replacement (critical for some engines), Fuel Injector Service, Emission Control System Adjustment
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees. Likely includes specifications for component clearances, pressures, voltages, and resistance values essential for expert-level repairs.
Engine Codes And Details:
B6D (1.6L DOHC Inline-4, 114 hp), K8-DE (1.8L DOHC V6, 125-140 hp depending on market/tune). The manual likely covers both variants, with specific sections for each.
Typical Performance 1.8L V6:
Horsepower: ~130-140 hp, Torque: ~115-125 lb-ft. Specific outputs varied by region and tuning.
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive, transaxle design integrating engine and transmission. Manual likely includes clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing specifications. Automatic likely covers torque converter, valve body, and electronic control unit information.
Length:
Approx. 4315 mm (169.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1335 mm (52.6 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1100-1250 kg (2425-2756 lbs), depending on engine and equipment
Typical Safety Ratings Mid 90S:
Likely received average to below-average safety ratings by modern standards. NHTSA frontal crash test data for this era often showed marginal protection. The manual might detail airbag systems if equipped on certain trims.
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some models may have had rear discs). ABS was an optional feature on higher trims. Power-assisted steering.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, crumple zones, side-impact door beams (details would be in the 'Body' section). Airbags were optional or standard on later models/higher trims.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player. Manual will cover the electrical aspects of the audio system and antenna.
Driver Assistance Features:
Power steering, anti-lock brakes (ABS) as an option. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like traction control, adaptive cruise control, or lane keeping assist would be present.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense. Connectivity would be limited to the audio system's ability to play cassette tapes.
Typical Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using recommended oil viscosity. The manual would provide precise intervals for all maintenance items.
Engine Oil Recommendation:
Likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API SG or SF rated. Check owner's manual or manual for exact specification. For the V6, it might have specific requirements. Manual will list coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid specifications (e.g., ATF for automatic, gear oil for manual).
Common Mx3 Issues:
Timing belt failure (critical for V6 engines - preventative replacement is vital, often cited as 60,000 miles or 5 years). Distributor O-ring leaks. CV joint wear. Radiator leaks. Automatic transmission issues (less common than some contemporaries but possible). Catalytic converter failure due to age. Rust on body panels, especially in certain climates. The manual would be invaluable for diagnosing and repairing these.
