🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Year:

1994

Generation:

NA (First Generation)

Chassis Code:

NA8C

Engine Code Primary:

BP-ZE

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Market Segment:

Compact, lightweight two-seater sports convertible (roadster).

Historical Competitors:

Lotus Elan M100, Fiat Barchetta, Triumph Spitfire (earlier eras), MG MGF (later eras).

Vehicle Philosophy:

'Jinba Ittai' (Horse and Rider as One) – emphasizing driver-to-car connection, responsive handling, and simplicity.

Design Era:

Iconic design inspired by the classic British roadsters of the 1960s.

Dealership Quality:

Provides the same in-depth technical information and procedures used by Mazda authorized dealership technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Control Systems, Fuel, Exhaust, Accelerator Control, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft, Rear Final Drive, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brake System, Parking Brake, Brake Control, Steering Control, Seat Belts, SRS, Body/Locks/Security, Glasses/Windows/Mirrors, Exterior/Interior, Instrument Panel, Seats, Automatic Air Conditioner, Starting/Charging, Lighting, Driver Information, Wiper/Washer/Horn, Body Control, LAN System, Audio/Visual/Navigation/Telephone, Auto Cruise Control, Power Supply/Ground/Circuit Elements, Maintenance

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Digital Download (.rar/.zip)

Printable:

Yes

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage of the BP-ZE engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, control systems), clutch assembly, manual and automatic transmissions, propeller shaft, rear differential, front and rear axles.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension systems, steering control systems, comprehensive brake system diagnostics and repair (including ABS if equipped), and parking brake operation.

Electrical Electronics:

Covers starting and charging systems, lighting, driver information systems, wiper, washer, horn, body control modules, LAN system, audio/visual/navigation/telephone systems, and auto cruise control.

Body Interior Safety:

Includes sections on body, lock, and security systems, glasses, windows, mirrors, exterior and interior trim, instrument panel, seats, automatic air conditioning, seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and scheduled service intervals.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, and step-by-step procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions for virtually every component and system of the vehicle, including engine rebuilds and driveline overhauls.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic flowcharts for electrical faults, and repair procedures for electrical systems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to advanced engine diagnostics, transmission overhauls, and body repair. Mirrors dealership technician-level information.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanations and troubleshooting trees for engine management and other electronic systems.

Torque Specifications:

Extensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Clearances Tolerances:

Precise measurement specifications for engine clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical assembly parameters.

Alphabetical Index:

Included, facilitating quick access to specific topics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF. Optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text is a high probability but not explicitly guaranteed without direct inspection.

Print Quality:

High resolution scans suitable for clear printing. Assumed to be of professional quality as used by dealerships.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, typically delivered compressed)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Required Software:

ZIP/RAR compression utility (e.g., 7-Zip, WinZip, WinRAR) and PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-ZE

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve

Displacement:

1839 cc (1.8 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 128 hp @ 6500 RPM (JDM/USDM spec)

Torque:

Approx. 110 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (JDM/USDM spec)

Redline:

Approx. 7000 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating 91 or higher recommended)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate)

ECU Type:

ECU controlled EFI with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-I)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil recommended

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda FZ or equivalent ATF (Dexron II/III compatible)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, dry single plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 157.3 inches (3995 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

Approx. 48.4 inches (1230 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.1 inches (130 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2200-2350 lbs (1000-1066 kg) depending on transmission and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 4.7 cu ft (0.13 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA ratings for this era are generally less standardized than modern ones. Focus on occupant protection features.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims and model years.

Traction Control:

Not typically available for 1994 models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard for 1994 models.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensionsers for driver and passenger.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and integrated roll bar behind seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player, often with CD changer capability. Basic speaker system.

Cruise Control:

Optional Auto Cruise Control System available on some trims.

Lan System:

LAN (Local Area Network) system for data communication between ECUs and modules.

Gauge Cluster:

Classic analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and coolant temperature.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Critical maintenance item for the BP-ZE engine as it is an interference engine.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11 S (check specific market or manual variant).

Common Wear Items:

Radiator hoses, clutch slave cylinder, cambelt/water pump seals, door sill rust, window regulators, shifter bushings.

Engine Management:

Throttle body cleaning, O2 sensor failure, minor vacuum leaks can affect idle quality.

Rust Prone Areas:

Rocker panels (sill panels), rear wheel arches, front fender lips, chassis rails.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda has a history of producing reliable and enjoyable driver-focused vehicles, with a reputation for innovation in rotary engines and lightweight sports cars.

First Generation Launch:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) was launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year, revitalizing the affordable sports car market.

1994 Updates:

The 1994 model year saw an increase in engine displacement to 1.8L (BP-ZE engine) and a slight power bump, replacing the earlier 1.6L (B6-ZE) engine. Introduction of optional ABS and passenger airbag in some markets.

Production Period Na:

1989-1997

Manufacturing Locations:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The MX-5 Miata consistently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' list for its debut years, including the early 1990s.

Automotive Journalism Acclaim:

Widely praised by automotive journalists worldwide for its driving dynamics, affordability, and pure sports car experience.