Market Position:
Unique sports coupe known for its rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, and balanced chassis. Positioned as a distinctive driver's car in the performance coupe segment.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru Impreza WRX (all considered in terms of performance and segment).
Powertrain Uniqueness:
Naturally aspirated, twin-rotor Wankel engine (RENESIS) offering high-revving power delivery.
Design Elements:
Freestyle doors (suicide-style rear doors), balanced 50/50 weight distribution, lightweight construction.
Applicable Years:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 4000+ pages (typical for WSM)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM)
Powertrain:
Engine (Rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Differential, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Lighting, Audio System, HVAC Control, Instrument Cluster, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Dashboard, Trim, HVAC System Components
General Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections
Engine Repair:
Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection/Machining, Oil Metering System Diagnosis, Compression Testing, Engine Reassembly
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Replacement, Gearbox Overhaul (Manual & Automatic), Differential Service
Brake System:
Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Flush, ABS/DSC Component Diagnosis
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Testing, ECU Diagnosis, Fault Code Interpretation
Suspension And Steering:
Component Replacement (Shocks, Springs, Bushings), Alignment Procedures, Power Steering System Service
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine service, detailed diagnostics, component removal/installation, and complete rebuild procedures.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, including specific symptom-to-cause mapping.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of required Mazda special tools for specific procedures (e.g., rotary engine maintenance).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
1.3L (Two Rotor, 654cc per rotor x 2 = 1308cc effective)
Horsepower Early Models:
210-237 hp (depending on trim and market)
Horsepower Later Models:
232 hp (Sport/Grand Touring)
Torque:
159-160 lb-ft (145-146 lb-ft for 210hp variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Oil Type Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL, ILSAC GF-2/GF-3, Viscosity SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Check Manual for Specifics)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters)
Oil Metering System:
Separate oil injection for rotor housings and apex seals (Crucial for Rotary Longevity).
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Sport Mode Automatic Transmission (with Paddle Shifters on some trims)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to Manual for exact specification and part number)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF JWS 3309, ATF-MA1 (Refer to Manual for exact specification and part number)
Length:
174.6 in (4,435 mm)
Width:
69.1 in (1,755 mm)
Height:
53.1 in (1,350 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 in (2,700 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approximately 3,053 - 3,117 lbs (1,385 - 1,414 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approximately 3,100 - 3,200 lbs (1,406 - 1,451 kg)
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 front/rear
Infotainment System:
Mazda's proprietary audio system with CD player, optional navigation system, and speaker configurations (e.g., Bose premium audio on higher trims).
Key Features:
Keyless entry and start, cruise control, power accessories.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input (on some models), potential for aftermarket Bluetooth integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using correct oil type is critical).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Special rotary spark plugs required).
Coolant Replacement:
First at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles (Mazda FL22 coolant recommended).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear or failure of apex seals, often due to poor maintenance, infrequent oil changes, or prolonged low-RPM driving. Leads to low compression.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, especially if the engine is burning excessive oil. Leads to reduced performance and potential stalling.
Ignition Coils:
Weak or failing ignition coils can cause misfires and rough running.
Starter Motor:
Rotary engines require a strong starter for proper cold starts. Failures are not uncommon.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Regular checks and top-offs are mandatory. Excessive consumption indicates a problem.
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a history of producing driver-focused vehicles with innovative engineering, particularly known for its Wankel rotary engines since the Cosmo Sport.
Predecessors:
RX-7 (FC & FD generations)
Introduction Year:
2003 (for the 2004 model year)
Production Period:
2003 - 2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Major Updates:
Minor facelifts and feature updates throughout its lifecycle, including engine power adjustments and cosmetic tweaks.
