🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5

Model Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

NB

Engine Code Primary:

BP-ZE

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Type:

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

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking affordable, engaging driving experience

Key Competitors Era:

Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Nissan 300ZX

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive handling, and driver-focused cockpit.

Convertible Experience:

Offers a pure open-top driving experience with a simple manual soft top (or optional hardtop).

Purpose:

To provide comprehensive repair and maintenance information for the 2001 Mazda MX-5, bridging the gap between owner's manuals and factory service manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2001

Engine Variants Covered:

1.8L BP-ZE (Naturally Aspirated)

Trim Levels Covered:

All known trim levels for 2001 MX-5

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific factory publication, typically 1000+ pages for a complete set.

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Download Type:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging

Transmission:

Manual transmission (M/T) service, clutch system

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, rear axle

Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, wheel alignment

Steering:

Steering system components, power steering

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics, front and rear brakes, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, body electrical

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

Chassis:

Frame, chassis components

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, common problems and solutions, fault codes

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for component removal and reinstallation

Cleaning Reinstalling:

Procedures for cleaning and reassembling components

Specifications:

Critical technical specifications for all components and systems

Illustrations:

Diagrams, schematics, and photographs to aid in understanding procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering both routine maintenance and complex repairs, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Capability:

Yes (Zoom IN/OUT)

Binding:

Digital (No physical binding)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip (for download and extraction)

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-ZE

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Displacement:

1839 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower:

140-145 PS (approx. 138-143 bhp) at 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market)

Torque:

165 Nm (approx. 122 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (varies slightly by market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Oil Capacity:

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

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) - less common on enthusiast models

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, dry single plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Recommended: Mazda Genuine Gear Oil or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (if equipped)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3955 mm (155.7 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1680 mm (66.1 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1235 mm (48.6 inches) (soft top up)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2265 mm (89.2 inches)

Front Track:

Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 inches)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1455 mm (57.3 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1100 - 1150 kg (2425 - 2535 lbs) (depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1420 kg (3130 lbs)

Front Weight Distribution:

Close to 50/50 (ideal for sports cars)

Rear Weight Distribution:

Close to 50/50

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star (driver and passenger, 2001 model year specific ratings may vary)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for its class and era)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some trims, standard on others)

Traction Control:

Not typically standard on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up rollover hoops behind seats

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers, often Bose premium option available.

Navigation:

Not typically available from the factory for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs: 60,000 - 100,000 miles (100,000 - 160,000 km). Check manual for specific recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Consult manual for precise viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Specification:

Mazda long-life coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Oil consumption (especially on higher mileage BP-ZE engines), wear on suspension bushings, aging convertible tops and seals, potential ECU capacitor failure (less common on 2001 compared to later NB models), clutch wear.

Rust Prone Areas:

Rear fender arches, rocker panels, chassis rails.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sports Car Legacy:

Builds on Mazda's legacy of producing driver-focused, engaging sports cars, exemplified by the original Mazda RX-7.

Nb Generation Introduction:

The NB generation was introduced for the 1998 model year, succeeding the NA (NA8C) generation. The 2001 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the NB generation, featuring subtle styling updates and potential mechanical refinements.

Production Years Nb Generation:

1998-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Frequently cited by Car and Driver magazine as one of its '10Best' lists in its respective model years for its handling and value.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Has been recognized by various automotive publications for its performance and driving pleasure.