Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge
Competitors Era:
Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000 (though often priced higher)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive handling, and 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy
Convertible Experience:
Simple, engaging open-top motoring
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle, saving on labor costs and preserving its driving purity.
Applicable Years:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Regions Covered:
Global (specific regional variations may apply, manual targets common specifications)
Estimated Page Count:
~2000-3000 pages (typical for a complete workshop manual of this scope)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable (typically PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Cooling, Engine Fuel & Emissions, Engine Ignition, Engine Control System (ECU), Exhaust System, Turbocharger (if applicable to specific trims)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT - if applicable), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox/Rack & Pinion
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc), Parking Brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Hydraulics
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper & Washer System, Horn, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Central Locking, Audio System, Cruise Control, Immobilizer
Body Exterior Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Mirrors, Convertible Top (Manual & Power), Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Troubleshooting Charts, Flowcharts
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Tire Rotation, Brake Pad Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic procedures, identification of common faults and their solutions
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, inspecting, servicing, and reinstalling components
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation, and diagnostic tool usage)
Searchability:
Typically Searchable PDF text
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing individual pages or sections
Physical Equivalent Binding:
Not applicable for downloadable, but original factory manuals often spiral-bound or hardbound
Physical Equivalent Paper:
Not applicable for downloadable, but original factory manuals typically printed on durable paper stock
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Horsepower Early Nb:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Later Nb:
145 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx., post-facelift or specific markets)
Torque Early Nb:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Later Nb:
125 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx., post-facelift or specific markets)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MX-5 Miata 'BP-Z3' Transmission)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (available on select trims/markets)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90 or equivalent (check manual for exact spec, e.g., PN: 0000-77-GL05-01 or similar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (check manual for exact spec, e.g., PN: 0000-77-110E-01 or similar)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not consistently rated across all model years by NHTSA, but generally considered good for its class.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not consistently rated across all model years by IIHS.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on very early NB or base trims.
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims or later models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard.
Roll Bar:
Reinforced A-pillars and integrated roll bar behind seats for rollover protection.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory standard AM/FM/CD player, often with 4-6 speakers. Higher trims may have premium audio options.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were rare or optional on very late models, often an aftermarket addition.
Cruise Control:
Available on many trims, especially later models.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims, particularly post-facelift models.
Auxiliary Input:
Generally not standard; aftermarket solutions or FM transmitters are common for connecting modern music players.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory; requires aftermarket integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or as per severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs, or 30,000-50,000 miles for platinum/copper.
Timing Belt Replacement:
The BP-Z3 engine uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, which is generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but should be inspected.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.0 US Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Coolant Capacity:
~5.0 US Quarts (4.7 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some engines, particularly higher mileage units, can exhibit increased oil consumption. Regular monitoring is crucial.
Radiator Plastic Tanks:
Original plastic radiator tanks can become brittle and crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.
Soft Top Leaks:
Aging rubber seals around the convertible top can lead to water ingress. Proper maintenance and seal conditioning are recommended.
Power Window Motors:
Window motors can fail, often due to worn regulators or electrical issues.
Alternator Failure:
Alternators can fail, often indicated by battery warning lights or dimming headlights.
Clutch Release Bearing:
The release bearing can wear out, causing a squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed.
Rust In Wheel Wells:
Corrosion can affect the rear quarter panels and wheel wells, especially in areas with road salt. Regular inspection and rustproofing are advised.
Marque Focus:
Mazda's commitment to lightweight, affordable, and fun-to-drive sports cars, building on the legacy of the original MX-5 Miata (NA).
Nb Introduction:
Launched in 1998, replacing the original NA generation. Featured a more modern design, improved aerodynamics, and increased chassis rigidity.
Nb Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh in 2000 (MY2001) brought updated styling (pop-up headlights replaced with fixed units), revised suspension tuning, and engine power bump in some markets.
Nb Special Editions:
Numerous special editions throughout its run, often with unique paint, wheels, and interior appointments (e.g., 10th Anniversary, Shinsen, Maverick).
Production Period:
1998-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
