🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car (2+2 seating)

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru Impreza WRX (though RX-8 is naturally aspirated), Ford Mustang (V6 variants).

Unique Selling Points:

Rotary engine (Renesis), rear-hinged freestyle doors, exceptional handling and balance, high-revving engine character.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though format not explicitly stated, common for workshop manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Rotary engine (Renesis), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emission control, engine management, rebuild procedures, troubleshooting.

Transmission System:

Manual transmission (Type R, Type RS), automatic transmission (optional), clutch system, drive shafts, differential.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor replacement.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), power steering system, steering rack, alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, power locks, audio system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics.

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, structural components, rust prevention, collision repair basics.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control, refrigerant specifications, component replacement.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes (engine and transmission), filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific rotary plugs), coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, spark plug inspection, apex seal inspection (indirectly via compression testing).

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair, interior component removal and installation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system issues, and rotary engine specific problems (e.g., hot starting, oil consumption).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics. Includes detailed torque specifications, electrical schematics, and component testing procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF. Searchable text is standard for professional manuals. High resolution for clear diagrams.

Diagram Clarity:

High-quality, detailed exploded views and circuit diagrams essential for complex rotary systems.

Binding Method:

If printed, typically coil-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality:

Durable, possibly gloss or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and highlight diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary

Engine Code:

Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP)

Displacement:

1308 cc (approx. 654 cc per rotor)

Horsepower Gs Gt:

232 hp @ 8,200 rpm (GS/GT trims, 6-speed manual)

Horsepower Sport Gt:

212 hp @ 7,600 rpm (Sport/GT trims, 5-speed manual or automatic)

Torque Gs Gt:

159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (GS/GT trims, 6-speed manual)

Torque Sport Gt:

152 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (Sport/GT trims, 5-speed manual or automatic)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECM Type:

Denso ECU (specific model varies by year and market)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

6-Speed Manual (Type R)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Automatic with Sequential Sport Shift (optional on some trims)

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate Clutch

Differential Type:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) on performance models, open differential on base models.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4430 mm (174.4 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1340 mm (52.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track:

1500 mm (59.1 in)

Rear Track:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

1450-1470 kg (approx. 3197-3241 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

1470-1490 kg (approx. 3241-3285 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

207 liters (7.3 cu ft) - notable for its small size due to rear drivetrain and rotary packaging.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for the generation covered by this manual, specific ratings may vary slightly by year/test).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for the generation covered by this manual).

Stability Control:

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

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags (depending on trim and year).

Seat Belts:

Pretensioners and load limiters on front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with subwoofer on higher trims, CD player, auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system with touchscreen interface on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless entry and start system on most models.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system on later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Critical due to rotary lubrication needs.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs every 60,000 miles (100,000 km). Iridium plugs for Series 2 may differ. Crucial for rotary health.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km) with specified coolant.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM rated, SAE 0W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 (check specific year for precise recommendation). Crucial: Must be low ash content oil.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil).

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Mazda ATF JWS3317 or equivalent.

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with long-life additives.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Rotary Engine Specific:

Apex seal wear (leading to low compression, hard starting, especially when hot), carbon buildup, oil consumption, potential for flooding.

Cooling System:

Water pump seals, thermostat issues, radiator leaks (especially in higher mileage vehicles).

Fuel System:

Fuel injector issues, fuel pump problems (less common but possible).

Ignition System:

Coil pack failure (especially early models), spark plug degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series.

Rx8 Development Goals:

To create a practical yet engaging sports car that captured the essence of the RX-7 while being more usable for daily driving, with a focus on handling and driver engagement.

Generations:

First generation (2003-2012), with significant updates in 2009 (series 2).

Production Years:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004.

World Performance Car:

Nominee for World Performance Car of the Year.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as below average in reliability by Consumer Reports, largely due to rotary engine specific issues if not meticulously maintained.