🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MazdaSpeed3

Model Variant:

MazdaSpeed3

Year:

2008

Generation:

2nd Generation (BL)

Chassis Code:

BL

Engine Code:

MZR DISI Turbo (LF-VD / L3-VDT)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Performance Hatchback

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians seeking detailed repair information for the MazdaSpeed3.

Key Competitors:

Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Vehicle Strengths:

Powerful turbocharged engine, agile handling, practical hatchback design, aggressive styling.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data and procedures for maintaining and repairing the high-performance MazdaSpeed3, saving time and money on dealership visits.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive maintenance and repair procedures for the 2008 MazdaSpeed3 (2nd Generation).

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000+ pages (typical for a complete factory service manual).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Standard for this product)

Format:

Digital (PDF) / Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, turbocharging, engine management (ECU/PCM).

Transmission System:

Manual transmission (MZR DISI Turbo), clutch system, driveline components.

Braking System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake hydraulics, parking brake.

Suspension System:

Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, steering system (power steering).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, power accessories, multiplex communication systems.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation and repair.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, frame and underbody.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt system, SRS components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation.

Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, diagnostic connector locations, scan tool data analysis, component testing procedures.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, material specifications, wear limits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

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

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital) / Typically softcover or spiral-bound for printed versions.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital) / Durable paper stock for printed versions to withstand workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve, DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition)

Engine Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2261 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 94.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

263 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

280 lb-ft (379 Nm) @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Direct injection, High-pressure fuel pump

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Turbocharger Model:

Hitachi HT07-4A or similar variable geometry turbocharger

Boost Pressure:

Approximately 15.5 psi (1.07 bar) peak

ECU Type:

Denso ECU

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch

Final Drive Ratio:

3.385:1 (typical)

Optional Transmission:

None available for Speed3 model.

Limited Slip Differential:

Standard Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil, Castrol SYNTRAX Universal GL-4 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.7 inches (2634 mm)

Length:

177.1 inches (4498 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.0 inches (127 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3150 lbs (1406-1429 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg)

Wheel Size:

18 x 7.5 inches

Tire Size:

225/40R18

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 Stars (Front Driver), 5 Stars (Front Passenger)

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Traction Control:

TCS (Traction Control System)

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

ABS:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with subwoofer (optional/standard on higher trims).

Display:

Multi-information display in instrument cluster, optional navigation system (may vary by market/trim).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary audio input jack (typically in center console or glove box).

Keyless Entry:

Remote keyless entry and ignition (push-button start in some configurations).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific mileage based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 45,000 - 60,000 miles (72,000 - 96,000 km). Use specific colder heat range plugs suitable for turbocharging (e.g., NGK LTR7AI-10).

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting API SN/SM or ILSAC GF-5 specifications (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil Ultra 5W-30).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Genuine FL22 Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Engine Issues:

Carbon buildup on intake valves (due to direct injection), turbocharger seal failures, fuel injector clogging.

Drivetrain Issues:

Clutch wear, occasional transmission synchro issues, torque steer (inherent to powerful FWD cars).

Electrical Issues:

Occasional issues with power window motors, HVAC blower resistors.

Performance Considerations:

Regularly clean or replace the air filter, ensure proper intercooler function, use high-quality fuel, and adhere to recommended spark plug types and intervals.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Performance History:

Mazda has a strong lineage in performance vehicles, notably with the rotary-powered RX-7 and the Miata MX-5.

Mazdaspeed Lineage:

The MazdaSpeed3 follows the successful turbocharged Mazdaspeed Protegé, bringing enhanced performance to the compact segment.

Generation Transition:

The 2nd Generation (BL) MazdaSpeed3, introduced for the 2007/2008 model year depending on market, featured a larger, more powerful engine and revised styling over the first generation.

Production Years For Gen:

2006-2013 (First Gen BK), 2009-2013 (Second Gen BL) - 2008 model year is typically considered the end of the first generation in many markets, but the manual specifies '2nd Generation' so this reflects the transition or initial release in some regions.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not specific to the 2008 Speed3, the MazdaSpeed3 generally received positive reviews and comparisons within its class, often cited for its performance value.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its potent engine and engaging driving dynamics, balancing everyday usability with spirited performance.