🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: 3 Year: 2008 Body Style: 5-Door Hatchback Codes Oem Manual Part Number: LB02-20-000E 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Small Family Car Usp: Sporty handling, stylish design, and engaging driving dynamics for its class. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Mazda's 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy evident in chassis tuning. Design: Aggressive exterior styling and well-appointed interior for its segment. Practicality: Versatile 5-door hatchback body style offers good cargo space. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Mazda 3 5-Door. Page Count Number Of Pages: Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for this model year and type). Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine And Drivetrain: Operation, basic checks, and minor maintenance for engine and transmission systems. Brakes And Suspension: Understanding and operation of brake systems, ABS, and suspension components. Electrical And Lighting: Operation of lights, wipers, power accessories, fuses, and basic electrical system checks. Interior And Comfort: Climate control, seating adjustments, audio system, navigation (if equipped), and interior features. Safety Systems: Airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common issues. Emergency Procedures: Jumper starting, tire changing, emergency roadside assistance information. Vehicle Care: Cleaning, washing, and interior care recommendations. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information for everyday use, operation, and basic upkeep. Not a diagnostic or repair manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Printed Print Quality Print Quality: OEM quality, clear text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Stapled or perfect bound (typical for OEM owner's manuals). Paper Type Paper Stock: Durable, high-quality paper suitable for automotive environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: LF-DE (2.0L) / L3-VE (2.3L) Engine Type: Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve Performance Displacement 2.0L: 1999 cc Horsepower 2.0L: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 2.0L: 135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Displacement 2.3L: 2261 cc Horsepower 2.3L: 156 hp @ 6500 rpm (Standard) / 167 hp @ 6500 rpm (MZR DISI Turbo) Torque 2.3L: 144 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Standard) / 170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (MZR DISI Turbo) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Recommended Octane: 87 Octane (minimum) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type 2.0L: 5-Speed Manual Type 2.3L: 6-Speed Manual Optional Type 2.0L: 5-Speed Automatic Type 2.3L: 5-Speed Automatic Features Automatic Transmission: Activematic with manual shift mode. Manual Transmission: Close-ratio gearing for sporty feel. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 174.6 inches (4435 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: 57.9 inches (1470 mm) Wheelbase: 104.7 inches (2659 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 97.0 cubic feet Cargo Cargo Volume Seats Up: Approx. 15.5 cubic feet (hatchback) Weights Curb Weight Min: Approx. 2,900 lbs (2.0L Manual) Curb Weight Max: Approx. 3,100 lbs (2.3L Automatic) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat: 5 Stars IIHS Front Crash Rating: Good IIHS Side Crash Rating: Good Active Features Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags Front: Dual front airbags Airbags Side: Front side-impact airbags Airbags Curtain: Available front and rear side-curtain airbags Seatbelts: 3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts. Child Seats: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. Tpms: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on some trims. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system. Auxiliary Input: Auxiliary audio input jack (common on higher trims). Navigation: Optional in-dash DVD-based navigation system on select trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Keyless Entry: Standard keyless entry, optional remote keyless entry with ignition. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system on higher trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty). Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months. Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical). Cabin Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical). Spark Plugs: Iridium-tipped spark plugs: approx. 75,000 miles. Coolant Replacement: Initial 105,000 miles or 10 years, then every 52,500 miles or 5 years (Long Life Coolant). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 compliant. Engine Oil Capacity: 4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter for 2.0L; 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.3L. Coolant: Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent...
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on some trims.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack (common on higher trims).
Navigation:
Optional in-dash DVD-based navigation system on select trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry, optional remote keyless entry with ignition.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system on higher trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: approx. 75,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial 105,000 miles or 10 years, then every 52,500 miles or 5 years (Long Life Coolant).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter for 2.0L; 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.3L.
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
75W-85 GL-4 (or consult manual for specific recommendations).
Known Issues
Clutch Wear:
Can be susceptible to wear with aggressive driving, especially in manual transmissions.
Rust Corrosion:
Potential for rust on wheel wells and rocker panels in areas with heavy road salt usage.
Power Steering Pump:
Some reports of early failure or noise from the power steering pump.
Throttle Body Issues:
Can accumulate carbon deposits, leading to idle issues or stalling in some cases.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Emphasis on driving pleasure and innovative engineering.
Model Evolution
Generation I:
First generation Mazda 3 (BK) launched in 2003 (for model year 2004), replacing the Mazda Familia/323. Known for its sporty chassis and styling.
2008 Facelift:
This model year represents a mid-cycle facelift for the first-generation Mazda 3, featuring updated exterior styling (grille, headlights, taillights) and interior refinements.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Thailand, China, Ukraine.
Production Years Gen I:
2004-2009
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Alist:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years (including 2008 model).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS.