🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Sports Car (2+2 seating) Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru Impreza WRX (though RX-8 is naturally aspirated), Ford Mustang (V6 variants). Key Features Unique Selling Points: Rotary engine (Renesis), rear-hinged freestyle doors, exceptional handling and balance, high-revving engine character. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Workshop Manual Language: English Format: Digital (likely PDF, though format not explicitly stated, common for workshop manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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). Technical Depth 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 Format File Type: Likely PDF. Searchable text is standard for professional manuals. High resolution for clear diagrams. Print Quality Diagram Clarity: High-quality, detailed exploded views and circuit diagrams essential for complex rotary systems. Binding Type Binding Method: If printed, typically coil-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable, possibly gloss or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and highlight diagrams. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary Engine Code: Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP) Displacement: 1308 cc (approx. 654 cc per rotor) Performance 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 System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECM Type: Denso ECU (specific model varies by year and market) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 6-Speed Manual (Type R) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-Speed Automatic with Sequential Sport Shift (optional on some trims) Features Clutch Type: Single Dry Plate Clutch Differential Type: Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) on performance models, open differential on base models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior 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) Weights Curb Weight Manual: 1450-1470 kg (approx. 3197-3241 lbs) Curb Weight Automatic: 1470-1490 kg (approx. 3241-3285 lbs) Cargo Trunk Volume: 207 liters (7.3 cu ft) - notable for its small size due to rear drivetrain and rotary packaging. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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). Active Features 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). Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags (depending on trim and year). Seat Belts: Pretensioners and load limiters on front seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment 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. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Keyless Entry Start: Keyless entry and start system on most models. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system on later models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals 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...
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control, refrigerant specifications, component replacement.
Procedures Included
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).
Technical Depth
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 Format
File Type:
Likely PDF. Searchable text is standard for professional manuals. High resolution for clear diagrams.
Print Quality
Diagram Clarity:
High-quality, detailed exploded views and circuit diagrams essential for complex rotary systems.
Binding Type
Binding Method:
If printed, typically coil-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Durable, possibly gloss or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and highlight diagrams.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary
Engine Code:
Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1308 cc (approx. 654 cc per rotor)
Performance
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)
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.
Known Issues
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
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series.
Model Evolution
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
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Award:
Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004.
World Performance Car:
Nominee for World Performance Car of the Year.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as below average in reliability by Consumer Reports, largely due to rotary engine specific issues if not meticulously maintained.