🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Year: 2008 Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Mazda RX-8 carved a unique niche as a practical sports car with a rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking distinct performance and handling characteristics. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, and Subaru WRX, though its rotary powerplant set it apart. Key Features Key Features: Renesis rotary engine, unique freestyle doors (suicide doors), rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, high-revving engine characteristics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Comprehensive repair and service for all aspects of the 2008 Mazda RX-8 Page Count Page Count Estimated: Over 2000 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Repair Service Manual / Factory Service Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Apex Seal inspection/replacement, Rotor Housing inspection, Oil Metering Pump, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensor specifications Transmission: Manual Transmission (MX-A, RWD), Automatic Transmission (optional, if applicable), clutch system, drivetrain components Brakes: Front and rear brake systems, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications Suspension: Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment Electrical: Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, audio system, starting and charging system Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection HVAC: Air conditioning system, heater, climate control Safety Systems: Airbag system, SRS, seatbelt maintenance Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (if applicable) Repair: Engine overhauls, transmission repairs, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation Disassembly And Assembly: Step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation Diagnostics: Use of diagnostic tools, OBD-II system, specific component testing Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format Details: PDF, searchable text, includes zoom functionality Print Quality Print Quality: Full printable quality, designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text Binding Type Binding Type: Digital (PDF download) - no physical binding Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 13B-MSP (RENESIS) Displacement: 1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor chambers) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 232 hp (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets) Torque: Approximately 159 lb-ft (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets) Redline: 9000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended) Fuel Injection: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) Lubrication Oil Type Recommendation: API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (refer to manual for exact specification and regional variations) Ignition Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 6-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (Activematic) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic, single dry plate clutch Transmission Fluid Manual Type: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90) Transmission Fluid Automatic Type: Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 174.0 inches Width: Approximately 69.1 inches Height: Approximately 52.5 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 106.4 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (depending on transmission and trim) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 4000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: 5 Stars (for driver and front passenger) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (in certain years/configurations) Active Features Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Standard audio system with CD player, optional Bose premium audio system, optional navigation system (market dependent). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cruise Control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Auxiliary audio input jack. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system. Critical for rotary engines. Spark Plug Replacement Interval: Refer to manual; typically at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles) due to unique ignition needs of rotary engines. Air Filter Replacement Interval: Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions. Coolant Flush Interval: Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as recommended by Mazda. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.5 US quarts (with filter change) Coolant Type: Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent blue coolant) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Known Issues Apex Seal Wear: A well-documented concern with rotary engines, leading to compression loss if not maintained correctly. Regular oil...
The Mazda RX-8 carved a unique niche as a practical sports car with a rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking distinct performance and handling characteristics.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, and Subaru WRX, though its rotary powerplant set it apart.
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic tools, OBD-II system, specific component testing
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format Details:
PDF, searchable text, includes zoom functionality
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Full printable quality, designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF download) - no physical binding
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP (RENESIS)
Displacement:
1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor chambers)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 232 hp (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets)
Torque:
Approximately 159 lb-ft (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets)
Redline:
9000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Lubrication
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (refer to manual for exact specification and regional variations)
Ignition
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (Activematic)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual Type:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Type:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 174.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 52.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.4 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (depending on transmission and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5 Stars (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (in certain years/configurations)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Standard audio system with CD player, optional Bose premium audio system, optional navigation system (market dependent).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cruise Control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary audio input jack.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system. Critical for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; typically at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles) due to unique ignition needs of rotary engines.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as recommended by Mazda.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 US quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent blue coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
A well-documented concern with rotary engines, leading to compression loss if not maintained correctly. Regular oil changes and proper engine warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and rotor housings, especially with short trips. Periodic high-RPM driving (Italian tune-up) or specific cleaning procedures may be required.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. The oil metering pump injects oil into the combustion chambers. Monitoring oil levels is critical.
Starter Hot Start Issue:
Some RX-8s can experience difficulty starting when the engine is hot, often related to heat soak in the starter motor or fuel vapor issues. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Eccentric Shaft Seal Failure:
Less common but can lead to significant oil leaks and engine damage.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of engineering innovation, including its pioneering work with rotary engines, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution Rx8:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations), carrying forward the rotary engine legacy while adopting a more practical four-door, four-seat coupe design.
Production
Production Years:
2003-2012
Major Updates 2008:
For 2008, the RX-8 received subtle styling tweaks, suspension improvements for better handling, and a power bump for the manual transmission model (sometimes referred to as the 'High Power' or 'R3' package depending on market).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Ten Best Engines:
The RENESIS rotary engine was recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times during its production run, praising its smooth power delivery and unique character.