๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: MX-5 Miata Year: 1999 ๐ Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB generation) continued its legacy as a pure, affordable sports car, emphasizing driving enjoyment and lightweight handling. This manual caters to owners and technicians dedicated to maintaining and repairing this enthusiast-focused vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed against vehicles like the Toyota MR2, Porsche Boxster (at a higher price point), and various lightweight roadsters. The Miata's strength lay in its balanced chassis, accessible performance, and widespread enthusiast support. Key Features Key Features: Lightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive, independent suspension, balanced chassis, and a focus on driver feedback. The 1999 model year marked the introduction of the 'NB' generation with updated styling and improved aerodynamics. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive coverage of the BP-Z3 1.8L DOHC engine, including assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, and component testing. Transmission: Details on both the 5-speed manual (M5) and optional 4-speed automatic (4EAT) transmissions, including operation, maintenance, and repair. Drivetrain: In-depth coverage of the rear-wheel-drive system, including differential, axles, driveshaft, and propeller shaft. Suspension: Full information on front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and wheel alignment. Brakes: Detailed procedures for brake system maintenance and repair, including front discs, rear discs, hydraulic system, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped). Steering: Coverage of the power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column. Electrical: Extensive electrical system schematics, component testing, wiring diagrams, diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging, and accessory systems. Body: Information on body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, convertible top operation and maintenance, and interior trim. HVAC: Diagnosis and repair procedures for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (though this model uses a timing chain), and general lubrication. Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for common problems. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components. Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic procedures, including OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system coverage and specific trouble codes. Rebuild: Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances. Technical Depth Depth: Professional level technical manual, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchable Text: Yes (assumed for professional PDF manuals) Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution for clear diagrams and text, suitable for printing individual pages. Image Quality: Top quality diagrams and exploded views for efficient repairs. Binding Type Binding Type: Digital Download (PDF) - No physical binding Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: BP-Z3 Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Displacement: 1839 cc (1.8 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 83.0 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Performance Horsepower: 140 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 117 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Redline: 6800 rpm ๐ง Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (M5) Gear Ratios Final Drive: 3.607 (standard), 3.909 (optional/performance packages) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) Gear Ratios Final Drive: 4.300 Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 157.3 inches Width: 66.1 inches Height: 48.4 inches Wheelbase: 89.2 inches Front Track: 57.9 inches Rear Track: 58.3 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2381 lbs (Manual Transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3175 lbs ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating: Not rated by NHTSA for this model year in a way directly comparable to modern standards. However, considered a safe vehicle for its class and era. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims. Traction Control: Not typically equipped with traction control on this model year. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags. Rollover Protection: Reinforced A-pillars and a behind-the-seat hoop for rollover protection. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player or CD player (optional). Speaker system typically limited to two or four speakers. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited driver assistance features compared to modern vehicles. Primarily focused on core driving dynamics. Connectivity Connectivity: No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Aftermarket options exist for upgrades. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles. Cabin Air Filter: Not equipped with a cabin air filter. Spark Plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles. Recommended: NGK BKR5E-11 (or equivalent). Coolant: Flush and replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Use a 50/50 mix of Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water. Transmission Fluid Manual: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles. Recommended: Mazda GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90. Transmission Fluid...
The 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB generation) continued its legacy as a pure, affordable sports car, emphasizing driving enjoyment and lightweight handling. This manual caters to owners and technicians dedicated to maintaining and repairing this enthusiast-focused vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota MR2, Porsche Boxster (at a higher price point), and various lightweight roadsters. The Miata's strength lay in its balanced chassis, accessible performance, and widespread enthusiast support.
Key Features
Key Features:
Lightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive, independent suspension, balanced chassis, and a focus on driver feedback. The 1999 model year marked the introduction of the 'NB' generation with updated styling and improved aerodynamics.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the BP-Z3 1.8L DOHC engine, including assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, and component testing.
Transmission:
Details on both the 5-speed manual (M5) and optional 4-speed automatic (4EAT) transmissions, including operation, maintenance, and repair.
Drivetrain:
In-depth coverage of the rear-wheel-drive system, including differential, axles, driveshaft, and propeller shaft.
Suspension:
Full information on front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for brake system maintenance and repair, including front discs, rear discs, hydraulic system, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped).
Steering:
Coverage of the power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.
Electrical:
Extensive electrical system schematics, component testing, wiring diagrams, diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging, and accessory systems.
Body:
Information on body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, convertible top operation and maintenance, and interior trim.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair procedures for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (though this model uses a timing chain), and general lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for common problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system coverage and specific trouble codes.
Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Professional level technical manual, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Yes (assumed for professional PDF manuals)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution for clear diagrams and text, suitable for printing individual pages.
Image Quality:
Top quality diagrams and exploded views for efficient repairs.
Not rated by NHTSA for this model year in a way directly comparable to modern standards. However, considered a safe vehicle for its class and era.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped with traction control on this model year.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and a behind-the-seat hoop for rollover protection.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player or CD player (optional). Speaker system typically limited to two or four speakers.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited driver assistance features compared to modern vehicles. Primarily focused on core driving dynamics.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Aftermarket options exist for upgrades.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Not equipped with a cabin air filter.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles. Recommended: NGK BKR5E-11 (or equivalent).
Coolant:
Flush and replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Use a 50/50 mix of Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles. Recommended: Mazda GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000 miles. Recommended: Mazda ATF-III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 24 months or 30,000 miles. Recommended: DOT 3 brake fluid.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III. Viscosity: 5W-30 recommended. Capacity: 4.0 US quarts (with filter).
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Common issues can include radiator leaks, aging suspension bushings, power steering hose leaks, and convertible top seal wear. This manual will help diagnose and repair these.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing driver-focused cars. The MX-5 Miata lineage began in 1989 with the NA generation, aiming to recapture the spirit of classic British roadsters.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The 1999 model year introduced the second generation (NB). Compared to the NA, the NB featured a more aerodynamic design, a stiffer chassis, improved safety features, and a slightly larger engine. It retained the core philosophy of lightweight, RWD fun.
Production
Production Years:
1999-2005 (NB Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Hirohima, Japan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Otr:
Car and Driver's '10Best' list for several consecutive years during its production run, highlighting its exceptional driving dynamics and value.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, affordability, and pure driving experience.