Front and rear suspension component inspection and replacement (shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, steering rack and power steering system service.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brake service (pads, rotors), brake fluid specifications, ABS module diagnostics, brake booster and master cylinder service, EBD system.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all systems, ECU diagnosis (PCM, TCM), sensor testing (crankshaft, camshaft, O2, MAF), starter motor and alternator testing, lighting system, power windows, central locking.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system refrigerant recharge, compressor service, blower motor and control module troubleshooting, heater core replacement.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, latch systems, window regulators, chassis component repair, structural integrity checks.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement (specific rotary plugs), coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul, apex seal replacement procedure, rotor housing lapping/resurfacing, OPE (Oil Pressure Ejector) system checks, starter motor rebuild, engine mount replacement.
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-I, GF-II, GF-III (Specific viscosity recommended in manual, e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7-5.0 liters (with filter)
Cooling
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (FL22 or equivalent blue coolant), or a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethylene glycol antifreeze.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (optional on some trims)
Features
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Manual specifies Mazda Gear Oil 75W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF J-M III or equivalent.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4435 mm (174.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on transmission and trim
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-star (for driver and front passenger, 2005 model year tested)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (2005 model year tested)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti-Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, side-curtain airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional on higher trims), CD player, AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Push Button Start:
Standard (Smart Card key)
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard (3.5mm jack)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes often recommended for rotary engines, especially under spirited driving.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific types and intervals). Use of correct double-iridium plugs is critical.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years.
Manual Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent specified by Mazda).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals leading to compression loss, rough idle, starting issues ('flooding'), and potential engine failure. Requires specific maintenance and oil consumption to mitigate.
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils and spark plug wires, leading to misfires and poor performance.
Oil Consumption:
High oil consumption is inherent to rotary engines; failure to maintain oil levels can be catastrophic.
Starter Motor:
Struggles to crank a hot rotary engine due to thermal issues, sometimes requiring specific starter motors or preventative measures.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail due to oil burning or misfires.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long and pioneering history with rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series.
Model Evolution
Rx8 Debut:
Introduced in 2003, replacing the RX-7 (FD).
Facelift Updates:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements in 2009 (Series 2).
Production
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times (2004-2005).
Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
Renesis rotary engine recognized by Ward's 10 Best Engines (2004).