🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Chassis Code:

NB / NB8B

Generation:

Second Generation (NB)

Production Years Covered By Manual:

1998-2005

Market Designation:

North America (Miata), Global (MX-5)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Lightweight, affordable two-seater sports car

Appeal:

Known for its pure driving experience, handling, and reliability.

Competitors Nb Era:

Lotus Elise (higher price point), Porsche Boxster (higher price point), Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000 (higher performance/price).

Driving Dynamics:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, near 50/50 weight distribution, independent suspension.

Design Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One), emphasizing driver connection to the road.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, propeller shaft, drive shafts, front suspension, rear suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires, body, chassis electrical, HVAC, body electrical, diagnostics, troubleshooting

Intended User:

Professional Technicians and Enthusiast DIYers

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format Type:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for engine components (cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train). Includes torque specifications and clearances.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil galleries, oil pressure testing, lubrication charts.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant hoses, pressure testing, flushing procedures.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.

Drivetrain Clutch:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch hydraulics, adjustment procedures.

Drivetrain Transmission:

Manual transmission (e.g., M5, M6) and automatic transmission (e.g., J4A) overhaul, gear synchronization, bearing replacement, fluid specifications and capacities.

Drivetrain Axles Suspension:

Propeller shaft, universal joints, drive shafts (CV axles), front suspension (wishbones, springs, dampers), rear suspension (multi-link, springs, dampers), wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, tie rod ends, steering angle sensor.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, brake booster, calipers, rotors, pads), ABS system, parking brake, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bolt torque, wheel bearing replacement.

Body Structure:

Body panel removal and installation, structural repair guidelines, chassis specifications.

Chassis Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay locations, connector pinouts, ECU locations.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, receiver-drier), heater core, blower motor, climate control module.

Body Electrical:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, alarm system.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

System-specific troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II scanner usage.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump, radiator, shock absorbers), gasket replacement, seal replacement, internal engine component repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems, including electrical system testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Common symptoms and their potential causes and solutions, organized by system.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically for PDF manuals)

Interactivity:

Hyperlinked table of contents and cross-references (common in digital manuals).

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Authenticity:

Likely derived from official Mazda factory service information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves

Horsepower Early Nb:

140-146 hp (depending on market/year)

Torque Early Nb:

119-121 lb-ft (depending on market/year)

Horsepower Late Nb8B:

142 hp (US spec, 1999-2000), 155 hp (US spec, 2001-2005 with VVT)

Torque Late Nb8B:

115 lb-ft (US spec, 1999-2000), 133 lb-ft (US spec, 2001-2005 with VVT)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum, premium recommended for optimal performance)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (non-VVT), 9.7:1 (VVT)

Engine Management:

ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection

Recommended Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3; Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific climate suitability)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters)

Spark Plug Type:

NGK BKR5E-11 (or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (Type G4MA)

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (optional on some models)

Manual Gear Ratios Typical:

1st: 3.136, 2nd: 1.839, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.795 (Final Drive: 4.100)

Automatic Transmission Type:

J4A 4-speed automatic

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

3955 mm (155.7 inches)

Width:

1680 mm (66.1 inches)

Height:

1235 mm (48.6 inches) (soft top)

Wheelbase:

2265 mm (89.2 inches)

Front Track:

1455 mm (57.3 inches)

Rear Track:

1470 mm (57.9 inches)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1050-1100 kg (2315-2425 lbs)

Curb Weight Auto:

Approx. 1070-1120 kg (2359-2469 lbs)

Standard Wheel Size:

15x6.0 inches (early NB), 16x6.5 inches (late NB)

Standard Tire Size Early:

195/55R15

Standard Tire Size Late:

205/45R16

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100

Wheel Bolt Torque:

103 Nm (76 ft-lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-Star (1999-2005 models, based on available data)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-Star (1999-2005 models, based on available data)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (1999-2005 models, depending on specific testing year and equipment)

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on early base models

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims/later models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and standard pop-up roll bar behind seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional Bose premium sound system. Speaker configuration typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Display Type:

Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models

Keyless Entry:

Optional on some trims/later models

Bluetooth:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions are common.

Headlights Early Nb:

Pop-up headlights

Headlights Late Nb:

Fixed projector-style headlights

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Refer to manual for specifics.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not Applicable (NB models use a timing chain).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron IIE or compatible ATF

Clutch Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid

Nb Common Issues:

Radiator leaks, AC system leaks (especially Schrader valves and O-rings), window regulator issues, subframe rust (particularly in salt-belt regions), oil cooler line leaks (if equipped), starter motor solenoid failure, minor electrical gremlins.

Nb Engine Issues:

Oil consumption can increase with age and mileage. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system can sometimes develop solenoid issues if maintenance is neglected.

Nb Transmission Issues:

Synchro wear in manual transmissions can occur with aggressive driving. Clutch wear is normal with usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Focus on driving enjoyment and innovation, with a strong lineage of sporty vehicles.

Na Miata Introduction:

Launched in 1989, redefined the affordable sports car market.

Nb Miata Introduction:

Introduced for the 1999 model year, an evolution of the NA platform with revised styling, improved chassis rigidity, and updated features.

Nb Miata Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year (NB2), including pop-up headlights removed, revised front and rear fascias, and updated interior.

Nb8B Specifics:

Refers to the NB generation, often used in conjunction with engine codes or specific market variations. The NB8B generally aligns with the post-facelift (NB2) models, particularly those with the 1.8L VVT engine in various global markets.

Nb Production Start:

1998

Nb Production End:

2005

Assembly Plant:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Recognized by Car and Driver as one of its '10Best' lists multiple times during its production run for its driving purity and value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for reliability and owner satisfaction, though specific ratings vary by model year.