🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sports Car / Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience, performance-oriented buyers.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Porsche Cayman, BMW Z4, Audi TT.

Powertrain Uniqueness:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS) with sequential intake ports, known for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature.

Chassis Design:

Front-mid engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with near 50/50 weight distribution for exceptional handling and balance.

Design Language:

Distinctive styling with suicide rear doors (freestyle doors) for improved rear-seat access.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mazda RX-8 (2003 model year)

Regional Focus:

Likely global, but tailored to regions where Mazda sold the RX-8 in 2003. Specific regional variations (e.g., emissions controls) may be present.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary engine (RENESIS), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, engine management (ECU/PCM).

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT) - including gear selection, clutch operation, differential.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, axles, propeller shaft, limited-slip differential (LSD).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, steering knuckle, bushings.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument panel, power distribution, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, trim, interior components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core.

Safety Restraints:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures for all major systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for component replacement and overhaul.

Rebuilds:

Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul, component rebuilding.

Adjustments:

Alignment procedures, component adjustments (e.g., idle speed).

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (if OCR processed).

Quality:

Typically good digital quality from factory sources, allowing for clear printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B-MSP RENESIS

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (80 cu in)

Rotor Housing Volume:

654 cc per rotor (total displacement equivalent to approx. 2.6L piston engine)

Horsepower:

238 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission variants)

Torque:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission variants)

Redline:

9000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Apex Seals:

Nitride-treated steel (critical wear component requiring specific maintenance).

Cooling System:

Water-cooled with a thermostat and cooling fan. Sensitive to coolant level and type.

Lubrication System:

Wet sump. Requires specific rotary oil (APOILS) injection for apex seal lubrication, in addition to engine oil.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Type R154)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (RE4R01A)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Typical Ratios: 1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.33, 3rd: 1.59, 4th: 1.14, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.86, Reverse: 3.67. Final Drive: 4.44 (often with LSD).

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, manual shifting capability (Activematic).

Manual Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mazda recommendation).

Automatic Fluid:

Mazda ATF-MAZDA (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

173.0 in (4395 mm)

Width:

69.1 in (1755 mm)

Height:

52.8 in (1340 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 in (2700 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (1360-1406 kg), depending on transmission and trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5 Stars (for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Crash:

4 Stars (front seat), 4 Stars (rear seat)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) often standard or optional on higher trims.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, side-impact airbags, front seat-mounted airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH system for rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system often available on higher trims, with CD player.

Navigation:

Optional touchscreen navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry and ignition.

Bluetooth:

Typically not standard on the 2003 model. May be available on later revisions or as an aftermarket addition.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines require frequent oil changes and checking oil levels.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, but typically at higher mileage intervals than piston engines. Specific rotary spark plugs are used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.

Engine Oil:

Wankel Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., Mazda AP07-20-5Z00 or equivalent synthetic, check manual for specific viscosity and API rating).

Coolant:

Mazda Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent HOAT coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF or specific Mazda fluid.

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Premature wear or failure of apex seals is a well-known issue, often exacerbated by poor maintenance, low oil levels, or detonation. Proper pre-mix or oil injection system maintenance is crucial.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plugs (especially trailing plugs) can fail, affecting engine performance and emissions.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication. Insufficient oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Regular checks and topping up are essential.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged due to unburned fuel or oil, especially if the engine is not running optimally.

Eccentric Shaft Seal:

Can fail, leading to oil leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Focus:

Mazda's long history with rotary engines, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo and RX-7 series.

Predecessor:

Mazda RX-7 (FD generation)

Introduction Year:

2003 (for the 2004 model year in North America)

Production Period:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto:

One of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2003 (for the RENESIS rotary engine).

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times.