🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Year: 2004 Generation Generation Designation: First Generation (SE3P) Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Sports Car / Gran Tourer Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking unique driving dynamics and rotary engine experience Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster (depending on trim and price point) Key Features Unique Selling Proposition: Rotary engine (Renesis), suicide rear doors (Freestyle doors), balanced chassis 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's operations, maintenance, and specifications Secondary Coverage: Basic system explanations, safety features, cleaning Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English (Assumed, standard for US market models) Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Dashboard And Instruments: Instrument cluster layout, warning lights, gauge functions Interior Controls: Climate controls (HVAC), entertainment system operation, lighting controls, driver controls (steering wheel functions, pedals) Security And Access: Locks, keyless entry system, immobilizer, alarm system Safety Features: Seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control Driving Operations: Starting, shifting, braking, fuel usage, driving modes Maintenance And Care: Cleaning procedures, basic checks, fluid levels, tire care Engine Compartment: Component identification, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid) Electrical System: Battery maintenance, fuses, basic electrical checks Wheels And Tires: Tire pressure recommendations, wheel torque specifications Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil level checks, coolant level checks, washer fluid refills, air filter inspection Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, tire changing (basic instructions implied) User Adjustments: Seat adjustment, mirror adjustment, steering wheel adjustment Technical Depth Depth Level: Owner-level operations and maintenance, not a repair manual Diagnostic Scope: Explanation of warning lights and basic troubleshooting guidance 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if the original OCR was good Print Quality: Digital reproduction quality (dependent on source scan) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary Engine Code: 13B-MSP Renesis Displacement Cc: 1308 Rotary Chambers: Two Rotor Performance Horsepower Hp: 215-238 hp (depending on transmission and market) Torque Lb-Ft: 159-160 lb-ft Redline Rpm: 9000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Fuel Delivery: Multi-Port Fuel Injection Fuel Information Octane Rating: 91 AKI or higher recommended Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity Liters: 4.7 (including filter) Coolant Capacity Liters: 7.7 Lubricant Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III viscosity grade SAE 5W-30 (check manual for exact and alternative grades) Air Filter Air Filter Part Number: Mazda Genuine Part Number (example: N3H1-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual Optional Transmission Type: 6-speed Sport Automatic (with paddle shifters in some markets/trims) Features Clutch Type: Single Dry Plate (Manual) Refill Capacities Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters: Approx. 2.0 Lubricant Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid Specification: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4430 Width Mm: 1770 Height Mm: 1340 Wheelbase Mm: 2700 Weights Curb Weight Kg: 1430-1480 kg (depending on trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg: Approx. 1850 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger) IIHS Front Offset Impact: Good Active Features Traction Control: Standard (TCS) Stability Control: Available (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control) Braking System: Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) Passive Features Airbags: Front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters Child Restraints: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system available on certain trims, CD player, AM/FM radio Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control with cabin air filter Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Connectivity Auxiliary Input: May be present on later models or as an accessory, but not standard on early 2004 models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), but often recommended more frequently for optimal rotary health. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (inspect more frequently) Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 30,000 miles for apex seals and side seals; refer to manual for exact intervals for the specific plugs used. Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact type) Power Steering Fluid Specification: Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Washer Fluid: Water and windshield washer fluid Known Issues Apex Seal Wear: A primary concern with rotary engines; requires proper maintenance and operation. Manual provides guidance on avoiding conditions that lead to wear. Oil Consumption: Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system; manual details checking and...
Owner-level operations and maintenance, not a repair manual
Diagnostic Scope:
Explanation of warning lights and basic troubleshooting guidance
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the original OCR was good
Print Quality:
Digital reproduction quality (dependent on source scan)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement Cc:
1308
Rotary Chambers:
Two Rotor
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
215-238 hp (depending on transmission and market)
Torque Lb-Ft:
159-160 lb-ft
Redline Rpm:
9000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Fuel Information
Octane Rating:
91 AKI or higher recommended
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.7 (including filter)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
7.7
Lubricant Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III viscosity grade SAE 5W-30 (check manual for exact and alternative grades)
Air Filter
Air Filter Part Number:
Mazda Genuine Part Number (example: N3H1-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic (with paddle shifters in some markets/trims)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate (Manual)
Refill Capacities
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
Approx. 2.0
Lubricant Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid Specification:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
4430
Width Mm:
1770
Height Mm:
1340
Wheelbase Mm:
2700
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
1430-1480 kg (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Approx. 1850 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on certain trims, CD player, AM/FM radio
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with cabin air filter
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
May be present on later models or as an accessory, but not standard on early 2004 models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), but often recommended more frequently for optimal rotary health.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (inspect more frequently)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000 miles for apex seals and side seals; refer to manual for exact intervals for the specific plugs used.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact type)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Washer Fluid:
Water and windshield washer fluid
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
A primary concern with rotary engines; requires proper maintenance and operation. Manual provides guidance on avoiding conditions that lead to wear.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system; manual details checking and topping up procedures.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in rotary engines; manual may offer advice on preventing this through proper driving and occasional high-RPM operation.
Ignition System:
Requires specific attention to spark plugs and coils due to the unique firing order of rotary engines.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and unique history with rotary engines, dating back to the NSU partnership and the Cosmo.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Design Philosophy:
Focus on lightweight construction, balanced weight distribution, and a unique, high-revving rotary engine for exceptional handling and driving pleasure.
Production
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2004 and 2005
World Performance Car Of The Year:
Runner-up in the World Performance Car of the Year competition