🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (NB)

Chassis Code:

NB

Engine Code Primary:

BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car.

Key Selling Points:

Affordability, pure driving pleasure, exceptional handling, open-top motoring.

Key Competitors:

Honda S2000 (later in the generation), Porsche Boxster (higher price point), BMW Z3, Chevrolet Corvette (different segment).

Philosophy:

'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) – a core Mazda philosophy emphasizing driver connection.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a digital format (PDF) or a professionally bound printed book.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, timing belt replacement, valve adjustments, piston and ring installation, cylinder head procedures, oil pump, oil pan, seals, and gaskets.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), sensor diagnostics (MAP, TPS, O2, Crank/Cam), starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear selection, shift linkage, flywheel replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

If applicable to specific trims, full diagnostics, fluid service, internal component repair.

Drivetrain:

Rear differential, driveshaft, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS system diagnostics and repair, brake fluid flush, caliper and rotor replacement, brake lines.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, heater core, coolant specifications and capacity.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emission controls.

Electrical System Body:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, power mirrors, door locks, fuses, relays.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant type, charging, component diagnosis), heater controls.

Body And Interior:

Panel removal and installation (doors, fenders, bumpers), interior trim, seats, dashboard, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed oil change intervals, fluid replacement schedules (coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement intervals.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation with torque specifications.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values, alignment settings, tire pressures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. This is the dealer-level technical information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

If PDF: Searchable text, high-resolution diagrams and images, printable.

Printed Quality:

If printed: Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, lay-flat), durable paper stock, clear print quality, high-resolution illustrations and diagrams.

Binding:

Spiral-bound or similar for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment (typical for FSMs).

Paper Stock:

Heavy-duty, possibly coated paper to withstand grease and shop environments (for printed versions).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

BP-Z3

Configuration:

1.8L Inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 140-145 hp (varies slightly by market and exact tune)

Torque Est:

Approximately 115-120 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II compatibility

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MX-5 Miata standard)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (optional on some trims/markets)

Manual Gear Ratios Approx:

First: ~3.136, Second: ~1.866, Third: ~1.310, Fourth: ~1.000, Fifth: ~0.838, Reverse: ~2.978 (Exact ratios may vary)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 157.3 inches

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 48.2 inches (soft top)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 89.2 inches

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 2,300 - 2,450 lbs (depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:

Approx. 3,000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating Est:

Not typically rated due to its open-top, low-profile nature and lack of a B-pillar structure.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available/standard on some higher trims or later in the NB generation.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up or reinforced hoop behind headrests

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose premium audio system on some trims.

Climate Control Interface:

Manual HVAC controls, rotary knobs for temperature and fan speed.

ABS Availability:

Optional on early models, standard on later NB models.

Traction Control Availability:

Optional on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Est:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 quarts (with filter change)

Timing Belt Replacement Interval Est:

Every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 7-10 years (crucial for this interference engine).

Coolant Replacement Interval Est:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended (check manual).

Transmission Fluid Manual Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars), wheel bearings, spark plug wires (older vehicles), radiator leaks, soft top wear/leaks, window regulator issues.

Engine Issues:

Minor oil consumption can be normal, potential for oil leaks from seals (camshaft/crankshaft), occasional coil-on-plug or spark plug wire failure.

Rust Prone Areas:

Rocker panels, rear quarter panels (wheel arches), subframes, floor pans (especially in rust-belt regions).

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sports Car Legacy:

Direct lineage from the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport, RX-7, and the first-generation (NA) MX-5 Miata, continuing the tradition of accessible, fun-to-drive sports cars.

Nb Generation Introduction:

Launched for the 1999 model year, the NB represented a significant redesign from the NA generation, featuring a more modern exterior and interior, improved aerodynamics, and chassis rigidity, while retaining the core driving dynamics.

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

Production Years Nb:

1999-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Car and Driver 10 Best list (multiple years for the Miata lineage, including the NB generation).

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not winning COTY itself, the Miata's philosophy influenced many awards and critical praise for its class.