🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Year: 2007 Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Sports Car / Coupe Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2007: Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Audi TT Key Features Unique Selling Proposition: Naturally aspirated rotary engine (Renesis), distinctive "freestyle" door system, balanced chassis, high-revving engine. Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, and Mazda RX-8 owners seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance knowledge. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Models: Mazda RX-8 (2007 model year) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typical for a full service manual, likely over 2000 pages when including all diagrams and procedures) Manual Type Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Renesis Rotary Engine (13B-MSP), including assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions. Transmission: Manual (M/T) and Automatic (A/T) transmissions, including removal, installation, internal repairs, and clutch/torque converter service. Drivetrain: Driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel hubs. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications. Brakes: Brake system hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, ABS and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) systems. Electrical: Full electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, audio, and instrument cluster. Body: Body panels, doors, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable), and external body components. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair. Diagnostics: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II), and troubleshooting procedures for all systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, ignition coil replacement. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components. Rebuilding: Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including specifications for machining and clearances. Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues. Diagnostics: Diagnostic procedures utilizing scan tools and guided troubleshooting sequences. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable. Pages can be printed as needed. Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 13B-MSP (Renesis) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Displacement: 1.3 L (80 cu in) - Although often referred to as 1.3L, it's two 654cc rotor housings. Performance Horsepower Standard: Approx. 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission models) Horsepower Sport: Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for automatic transmission models, detuned for durability and emissions) Torque Standard: Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission models) Torque Sport: Approx. 157 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (for automatic transmission models) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Injection Type: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) and Direct Injection (DI) for later models, though 2007 primarily S-EFI. Lubrication Oil Type Recommendation: Synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30, meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications. Critical for rotary engines. Oil Capacity: Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change. Emissions Emissions Control: Secondary air injection, catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR - less common on rotary, but specific systems exist). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Standard: 6-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type Optional: 6-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (Activematic) Features Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mazda JWS 3309 / ATF T-IV (or equivalent) Differential Type: Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for manual transmission models, standard open differential for automatic. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 174.3 in (4427 mm) Width: 70.2 in (1783 mm) Height: 53.0 in (1346 mm) Wheelbase: 106.4 in (2700 mm) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approx. 3010 lbs (1365 kg) Curb Weight Automatic: Approx. 3053 lbs (1385 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact: 5 Stars IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features Traction Control: Standard Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Standard ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Standard Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD player and steering wheel audio controls was often standard or optional on higher trims. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Optional auxiliary audio input jack. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. High-revving rotary engines require more frequent changes. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), using specific long-life rotary spark plugs. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection. Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, preferably a high-performance fluid for spirited driving. Power Steering Fluid: Mazda...
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Rebuilding:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including specifications for machining and clearances.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures utilizing scan tools and guided troubleshooting sequences.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable. Pages can be printed as needed.
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (PDF Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
13B-MSP (Renesis)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (80 cu in) - Although often referred to as 1.3L, it's two 654cc rotor housings.
Performance
Horsepower Standard:
Approx. 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Horsepower Sport:
Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for automatic transmission models, detuned for durability and emissions)
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) and Direct Injection (DI) for later models, though 2007 primarily S-EFI.
Lubrication
Oil Type Recommendation:
Synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30, meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications. Critical for rotary engines.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change.
Emissions
Emissions Control:
Secondary air injection, catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR - less common on rotary, but specific systems exist).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (Activematic)
Features
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda JWS 3309 / ATF T-IV (or equivalent)
Differential Type:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for manual transmission models, standard open differential for automatic.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
174.3 in (4427 mm)
Width:
70.2 in (1783 mm)
Height:
53.0 in (1346 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 in (2700 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3010 lbs (1365 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3053 lbs (1385 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Standard
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD player and steering wheel audio controls was often standard or optional on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. High-revving rotary engines require more frequent changes.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), using specific long-life rotary spark plugs.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, preferably a high-performance fluid for spirited driving.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine PSF or DEXRON III / MERCON equivalent.
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern for rotary engines; early failure can lead to low compression and engine damage. Proper maintenance, including oil changes and avoiding prolonged idling/low RPM operation, is critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system; owners must regularly check and top up oil levels.
Ignition System Issues:
Coil packs and spark plugs can be prone to failure if not maintained or replaced with quality parts.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become fouled or fail due to oil consumption or engine misfires.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport in the late 1960s. The RX-7 series preceded the RX-8.
Model Evolution
Rx8 Generation Introduction:
First generation introduced for the 2004 model year, succeeding the RX-7.
Production
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Fuchu Plant in Hiroshima, Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Best Engines:
The Renesis rotary engine was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2004.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.