Niche Appeal:
The RX-8 occupied a unique market position as a practical, four-door sports coupe with a distinctive rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a different driving experience.
Rivals 2007:
Competed indirectly with sports sedans and coupes like the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, and Acura TSX, though its rotary engine set it apart.
Rotary Powertrain:
The 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine was the RX-8's defining characteristic, offering a high-revving, smooth power delivery.
Freestyle Doors:
Innovative 'freestyle' rear doors provided easier access to the rear seats, enhancing practicality.
Dealer Grade Information:
This manual is derived from the same documentation used by certified Mazda technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Engine Management:
Comprehensive coverage of the Renesis rotary engine, including lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, emissions control, and rotary specific diagnostics.
Powertrain:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, and axle assemblies.
Chassis And Suspension:
Complete coverage of front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications, and body structural data.
Brakes:
In-depth information on brake system components (ABS, EBD, DSC), hydraulic circuits, disc and pad replacement, caliper overhaul, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for lighting, power accessories, instrumentation, starting, charging, and body control modules.
Body And Interior:
Procedures for body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, seats, airbags, HVAC system, and exterior lighting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes (engine, transmission, differential), coolant flush, spark plug replacement (apex seals, side seals), air filter replacement, brake fluid flush.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with explanations and repair procedures.
Component Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed steps for engine component replacement (e.g., rotor housing, eccentric shaft, oil injectors), transmission rebuild, brake caliper servicing, alternator/starter replacement.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, wear limits, and critical measurements for engine and chassis components.
Special Tools And Equipment:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for rotary engine service and other complex repairs.
Depth Level:
Extremely high; covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to full engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnostics.
File Format:
If digital, typically PDF. Searchable text is a key feature of high-quality digital manuals.
Print Quality:
High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and easily readable text, typical of factory-produced documentation.
Binding Type:
If printed, likely a durable spiral-bound or perfect-bound format suitable for workshop use.
Paper Type:
If printed, typically heavy-duty, coated paper to resist grease and wear in a shop environment.
Engine Type:
Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP) Rotary Engine
Engine Configuration:
Naturally aspirated, two-rotor, Wankel
Displacement:
1.3 L (1308 cc actual displacement, often marketed as 2.6L equivalent)
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 212 hp @ 7400 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 151 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Type Spec:
Mazda DEXELIA ULTRA 5W-30 API SL/CF or ILSAC GF-3 (equivalent API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 also acceptable per later Mazda recommendations for similar engines)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based coolant with Organic Acid Technology (OAT).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tip spark plugs are critical for rotary engines. Manual will specify exact part numbers and replacement intervals for leading and trailing plugs.
Transmission Type Std:
6-speed manual transmission (Mazda Type-R, Mazda M6)
Transmission Type Opt:
6-speed Sport Automatic transmission (with paddle shifters in some trims)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch (manual)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Likely API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Specific Mazda fluid P/N will be listed.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent compatible with Mazda's 6-speed automatic transmissions. Specific Mazda fluid P/N will be listed.
Length:
175.6 inches (4460 mm)
Width:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Height:
52.9 inches (1344 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 inches (2700 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2,955 lbs (1340 kg) for manual transmission models.
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg) for automatic transmission models.
Cargo Volume:
Small but usable trunk space, typically around 7.6 cubic feet (215 liters), with split-folding rear seats for larger items.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star rating for driver and front passenger (2007 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good rating (2007 model year)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Acceptable rating (2007 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Sport Mode that allows for more driver engagement.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Available Bose premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio, and in some trims, an auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
Optional factory GPS navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, but the manual will provide specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Critical for rotary engines. Manual will specify intervals for leading and trailing plugs, often around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type and use.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on dusty conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
First at 10 years/100,000 miles, then every 5 years/50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for apex seal wear if the engine is not properly maintained (e.g., infrequent oil changes, 'flooding' the engine, carbon buildup). Manual provides diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication. Manual will detail the expected consumption rate and how to check/replenish.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be susceptible to damage from unburnt fuel or excessive oil consumption. Manual offers diagnostic methods.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo in the 1960s.
Rx Series Lineage:
Successor to the RX-7, aiming for a balance of performance, practicality, and unique engineering. Introduced as a 2004 model.
Production Years Rx8:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Fuchu Plant in Hiroshima, Japan.
Ward S 10 Best Engines:
The Renesis rotary engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld's '10 Best Engines' list for 2004 and 2005, highlighting its innovative design and performance.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The RX-8 was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times, including for 2004 and 2005, praising its handling and unique powertrain.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings over its lifecycle, often influenced by the specific maintenance requirements of the rotary engine. The manual is crucial for proper care.