🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Product Name:

Mazda RX-8 Digital Workshop Repair Manual 2003-2011

Chassis Codes:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda RX-8 occupied a unique niche in the sports coupe market, known for its innovative rotary engine and distinctive styling. It appealed to enthusiasts seeking an engaging driving experience beyond conventional piston engines.

Competitors:

Competed with cars like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, BMW 3 Series Coupe, and Audi A4 Coupe, though its rotary powertrain offered a distinct alternative.

Engine Tech:

The naturally aspirated Renesis rotary engine (13B-MSP) was a defining feature, offering smooth power delivery and a high redline. It also featured sequential twin rotors for improved torque.

Design:

Distinctive 'freestyle' doors (suicide doors) on the rear provided easier access to the rear seats, enhancing practicality for a coupe.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for excellent weight distribution and balanced handling, contributing to a highly engaging driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years:

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (Digital format implies extensive content)

Type:

Digital Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Extensive coverage including rotary engine specifics, apex seals, rotor housings, side seals, lubrication, cooling, and ignition systems.

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of the Renesis rotary engine (13B-MSP), including troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly, and rebuilding procedures. Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, and differential.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension (double-wishbone, multi-link), steering system (power steering), wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs, and control arms.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake fluid bleeding, caliper and rotor replacement, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, interior and exterior electrical components, body control module (BCM), immobilizer system.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, climate control, glass replacement, body repair procedures.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, and other systems. Use of diagnostic tools and scanners.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary engines), ignition coil inspection, coolant flushes.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for major repairs, component overhauls, engine rebuilding (including apex seal replacement and related procedures), transmission overhaul, and suspension component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trees and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Installation And Adjustment:

Procedures for installing new components, adjusting timing, wheel alignment specifications, and calibration of electronic systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick access to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (654cc x 2 rotor chambers)

Horsepower Early Models:

238 hp @ 8200 rpm (for 6-speed manual transmission models)

Horsepower Later Models:

212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission models)

Torque Early Models:

159 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm (for 6-speed manual)

Torque Later Models:

151 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for 5-speed manual and automatic)

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with four ignition coils (two per rotor).

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled with electric cooling fans.

Oil Type Recommended:

API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III conforming oil, viscosity SAE 5W-30 is generally recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity ranges based on climate.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.5 - 6.5 US quarts (5.2 - 6.2 liters) with filter change. Precise capacity should be confirmed in the manual.

Rotor Material:

Aluminum housing with chrome-plated internal surfaces.

Apex Seals:

Ceramic or composite material, critical wear item.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag MM6 for higher output models), 5-speed Manual Transmission (for lower output models)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Activematic)

Rwd Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated diaphragm-spring clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil JWS 3373 or equivalent). Check manual for specific part numbers and viscosity.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF. Check manual for specific Mazda part number.

Differential Type:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on some models, particularly those with 6-speed manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 172.2 inches (4374 mm)

Width:

Approximately 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

Approximately 52.9 inches (1344 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 106.4 inches (2703 mm)

Front Track:

Approximately 59.3 inches (1505 mm)

Rear Track:

Approximately 59.5 inches (1510 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 7.6 cubic feet (215 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 3040 - 3080 lbs (1379 - 1397 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approximately 3130 - 3180 lbs (1420 - 1442 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult manual or vehicle VIN.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating (driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-star rating (front and rear passengers)

IIHS Ratings:

Good ratings in front and side impact tests for many model years. Consult specific year ratings.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on most models.

Brakes Performance:

Ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes. Larger rotors on 6-speed manual models.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Body Structure:

Advanced impact-absorbing body structure with reinforced cabin.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer and auxiliary input on higher trims. Standard Mazda infotainment systems available.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Available keyless entry and ignition system.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), inspect more frequently.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Specific to rotary: Side plugs typically every 30,000 miles, although the manual will provide exact recommendations. Rotary plugs are a critical maintenance item.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as specified by the manual.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 - 36,000 miles (38,000 - 58,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Check manual for specific part number and mixture ratio.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Check manual for specific requirements.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid, or Dexron III/Mercon ATF if specified for older models. Consult manual.

Rotary Engine Compression:

Low compression due to wear or failure of apex seals, side seals, and corner seals is a significant concern for RX-8 owners. Regular oil checks and correct lubrication are crucial.

Ignition Coils:

Failure of the ignition coils is relatively common and can lead to misfires, rough idling, and poor performance. Regular inspection and replacement are advised.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their design (for lubrication of seals). Owners must monitor oil levels regularly and top up as needed.

O2 Sensors And Catalytic Converter:

Can be susceptible to issues due to the nature of rotary engine exhaust and oil consumption.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and storied history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo in the late 1960s. The RX-7 and subsequently the RX-8 are iconic models showcasing this technology.

Introduction:

The RX-8 was introduced globally in 2003 as the successor to the highly successful RX-7 (FD generation). It aimed to bring the rotary experience to a broader audience with increased practicality.

Facelifts And Updates:

Received minor updates throughout its production run, including revisions to engine output (reducing horsepower slightly in later models for reliability and emissions), suspension tuning, and interior refinements. Notable refresh in 2008.

Production Period:

2003-2011 (Global production ceased in 2012)

Production Locations:

Hiroshima, Japan

Sales Figures:

Approximately 192,000 units sold worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Top 10 Engines:

The Renesis rotary engine was a multiple recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award for its unique technology and smooth power delivery.

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production.

Car And Driver Review:

Consistently praised for its handling, unique engine, and distinctive design, though criticism often focused on fuel economy and the inherent maintenance needs of the rotary engine.