๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: MX-5 Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: NB1 ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Lightweight sports car, roadster Reputation: Renowned for its pure driving experience, handling, and affordability. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Porsche Boxster (later models), BMW Z3, Triumph TR series, MG MGB (earlier heritage) Key Features Driving Dynamics: Near 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, agile chassis. Design: Classic two-seater roadster styling, retractable soft-top or optional hardtop. Manual Value Proposition Benefit For Owner: Enables owners to perform essential maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life. Benefit For Technician: Provides factory-level detail for accurate diagnostics and efficient repairs, ensuring quality workmanship. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Repair, Service, Maintenance Target Audience: Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts with Basic Mechanical/Electrical Knowledge Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies (Factory manuals can range from 1000-3000+ pages for comprehensive coverage) Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Download Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, engine management, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, emission control Transmission: Manual transmission (type B series), clutch, drivetrain, driveshafts, differentials Suspension: Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms Steering: Power steering system, steering column, steering rack Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, body electrical, wiring diagrams Body: Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, body sealing, chassis components HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, controls Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections Disassembly: Component removal and disassembly for repair Assembly: Component reassembly and installation Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, common problem identification Specifications: Critical technical specifications, torque values, tolerances, clearances Illustrations: Diagrams, schematics, and photographic aids Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printable: Yes, Full Printable Zoom Capability: Yes, Zoom IN/OUT Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: BP-Z3 (derived from BP-VE) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 140 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec) Torque: Approx. 118 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated diaphragm clutch Differential: Open differential (standard) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 3955 mm (155.7 inches) Width: 1680 mm (66.1 inches) Height: 1235 mm (48.6 inches) (soft top up) Wheelbase: 2265 mm (89.2 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1050-1100 kg (2315-2425 lbs) depending on trim and options Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 150 liters (5.3 cubic feet) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4/5 stars (for similar period vehicles) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (for similar period vehicles) Active Features ABS: Available (standard on some trims/markets) Traction Control: Not typically standard on this model Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard) Rollover Protection: Reinforced A-pillars and headrest hoops ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette Player, likely with 4-6 speakers. Navigation: Not available Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles (iridium type) Timing Belt Replacement: Not applicable (all NB MX-5s use a timing chain) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG or SH, ACEA A2-96 or B2-96, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations) Coolant: Mazda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Transmission Fluid: GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (manual) Differential Fluid: API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil Known Issues Common Wear Item: Clutch wear, throw-out bearing noise. Common Repair: Radiator leaks, AC system issues, oil seal leaks (rear main seal). Electrical Quirks: Window regulator issues, headlight switch problems. ๐ Vehicle History Brand Heritage Mazda Philosophy: Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving philosophy. Model Evolution Generation: Second Generation (NB) - Introduced for the 1999 model year, but 1998 production refers to the end of the first generation (NA). Predecessor: Mazda MX-5 (NA generation, 1989-1997) Production Manufacturing Plant: Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan ๐ Awards & Recognition Recognitions Car...
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printable:
Yes, Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
Yes, Zoom IN/OUT
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (derived from BP-VE)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 140 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
Approx. 118 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated diaphragm clutch
Differential:
Open differential (standard)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
3955 mm (155.7 inches)
Width:
1680 mm (66.1 inches)
Height:
1235 mm (48.6 inches) (soft top up)
Wheelbase:
2265 mm (89.2 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1100 kg (2315-2425 lbs) depending on trim and options
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 150 liters (5.3 cubic feet)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (for similar period vehicles)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for similar period vehicles)
Active Features
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims/markets)
Traction Control:
Not typically standard on this model
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and headrest hoops
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette Player, likely with 4-6 speakers.
Navigation:
Not available
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (iridium type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (all NB MX-5s use a timing chain)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, ACEA A2-96 or B2-96, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (manual)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Known Issues
Common Wear Item:
Clutch wear, throw-out bearing noise.
Common Repair:
Radiator leaks, AC system issues, oil seal leaks (rear main seal).
Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving philosophy.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation (NB) - Introduced for the 1999 model year, but 1998 production refers to the end of the first generation (NA).
Predecessor:
Mazda MX-5 (NA generation, 1989-1997)
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the NB generation officially started in 1999, the MX-5 lineage (including the NA) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards in the 1990s, solidifying its status.