🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Year: 2005 Chassis Code: SE3P Codes Engine Code: RENESIS (13B-MSP) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Sporty, unique-engine performance car targeting enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (in performance segment), though unique rotary engine sets it apart. Key Features Unique Selling Proposition: Naturally aspirated rotary engine with high-revving characteristics and unique exhaust note. Design: Freestyle doors (suicide doors) for rear-seat access, balanced 50/50 weight distribution. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2005 Mazda RX-8 Secondary Coverage: All trim levels and engine configurations for the 2005 model year Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 1500-2000 (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual) Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (RENESIS rotary), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD, DSC) Electrical: Power Distribution, Lighting, Ignition, Starting System, Charging System, Body Electronics, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Audio System Body And Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System (Evaporator, Blower Motor, Condenser) Diagnostics: OBD-II Diagnostics, Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specific), Coolant Service Repair: Engine Rebuild (Apex Seals, Rotor Housing Inspection), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement Disassembly And Assembly: Component Level Disassembly and Reassembly for all major systems Troubleshooting: Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic flowcharts Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission repairs, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printable: Full Printable Zoom Functionality: YES (Zoom IN/OUT) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine Name: RENESIS (13B-MSP) Displacement: 1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor chambers) Performance Horsepower: 212 hp @ 7,600 rpm (Manual Transmission), 200 hp @ 7,600 rpm (Automatic Transmission) Torque: 159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (Manual Transmission), 151 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (Automatic Transmission) Redline: 9,000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, Premium (91+ octane recommended) Engine Management ECU: Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated ignition and fuel control 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda 'Type R' gearbox) Optional Type: 6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sport Shift Features Clutch: Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch Drive Layout: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 174.8 inches (4440 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: 52.8 inches (1340 mm) Wheelbase: 106.3 inches (2700 mm) Ground Clearance: 4.5 inches (115 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3000-3100 lbs (1360-1406 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3815 lbs (1730 kg) Cargo Trunk Capacity: 7.7 cubic feet (0.22 cubic meters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-star NHTSA Side Impact: 5-star IIHS Front Offset: Good Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Passive Features Airbags: Front and side-impact airbags, active front head restraints Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional). Display: Multi-information display (MID) in the instrument cluster. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Connectivity Aux Input: Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on most models). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (or as per manual, often with specific rotary oil recommendation). Spark Plugs: Refer to manual; typically requires special rotary spark plugs and specific replacement intervals due to unique combustion. Air Filter: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG/SH/SJ/SL grade oil, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific rotary oil recommendations and 2-stroke oil injection). Coolant: Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent). Transmission Fluid Manual: Mazda GL-4 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ (or equivalent). Differential Fluid: Mazda Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5). Known Issues Apex Seals: Premature wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern with rotary engines, often related to oil consumption, infrequent oil changes, or lack of proper warm-up/cool-down cycles. Carbon Buildup: Carbon deposits can form in the rotor housings and exhaust ports, leading to rough idling or starting issues. Regular engine cleaning procedures are advised. Oil Level: Rotary engines consume oil by design for lubrication. It is critical to regularly check and maintain the oil level to prevent engine damage. Starter Slow Crank: Some early models experienced starter motor issues leading to slow cranking, especially...
Front and side-impact airbags, active front head restraints
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional).
Display:
Multi-information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on most models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (or as per manual, often with specific rotary oil recommendation).
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; typically requires special rotary spark plugs and specific replacement intervals due to unique combustion.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL grade oil, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific rotary oil recommendations and 2-stroke oil injection).
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mazda GL-4 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ (or equivalent).
Differential Fluid:
Mazda Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5).
Known Issues
Apex Seals:
Premature wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern with rotary engines, often related to oil consumption, infrequent oil changes, or lack of proper warm-up/cool-down cycles.
Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits can form in the rotor housings and exhaust ports, leading to rough idling or starting issues. Regular engine cleaning procedures are advised.
Oil Level:
Rotary engines consume oil by design for lubrication. It is critical to regularly check and maintain the oil level to prevent engine damage.
Starter Slow Crank:
Some early models experienced starter motor issues leading to slow cranking, especially when the engine was hot. Can be exacerbated by carbon buildup.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda's long history with rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo.
Model Evolution
Rx8 Introduction:
The RX-8 was introduced in 2003 as a successor to the RX-7, focusing on unique styling, handling, and the rotary powerplant.
Production
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.
Ward Powertrain:
Featured on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for its RENESIS rotary engine in 2003.