🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Generation: BG Codes Chassis Codes: BG8S, BG8P, BG8R, BG8Z Engine Codes: BP-ZE (1.8L DOHC), B6 (1.6L SOHC) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact car, economy sedan/hatchback. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Value Proposition: Affordable, reliable transportation with engaging driving dynamics, especially in GT trim. Performance Variants: Included performance-oriented 'GT' trims featuring the 1.8L BP-ZE engine. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Regions Covered: Global (specifics may vary by region, manual typically reflects North American specifications) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt, oil pump, lubrication system. Engine Performance: Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emissions control systems, turbocharging (if applicable to specific trims). Transmission: Manual transmission (M5, G series), automatic transmission (FN4A-EL), clutch system, driveline components. Brakes: Front disc, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake. Suspension Steering: Front struts, rear torsion beam or independent suspension, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications. Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks, body control modules, wiring diagrams. Body Chassis: Frame, body panels, doors, bumpers, glass, interior trim, HVAC system, cooling system. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt adjustments. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems. Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation, component testing procedures. Specifications: Torque specifications for critical fasteners, measurement specifications, tolerances. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages. Print Quality Clarity: Sharp text and clear diagrams for easy comprehension. Binding Type Binding: N/A (PDF format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Displacement: 1.8 Liters Engine 1 Type: DOHC Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated Engine 1 Code: BP-ZE Engine 1 Horsepower: 125 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 115 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Secondary Engine Engine 2 Displacement: 1.6 Liters Engine 2 Type: SOHC Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated Engine 2 Code: B6 Engine 2 Horsepower: 88-93 hp (depending on year/market) Engine 2 Torque: 90-97 lb-ft (depending on year/market) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance in BP-ZE) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic (FN4A-EL) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic actuation 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 165-168 inches (depending on body style) Width: Approx. 66.5 inches Height: Approx. 53-54 inches (sedan) / 53.5 inches (hatchback) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2400-2600 lbs (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3600-3800 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Impact: Not widely available for this era, typically average for its class. IIHS Crash Test Results: Not widely available for this era, typically average for its class. Active Features ABS: Optional on select trims, standard on higher performance models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard from 1990/1991 onwards, passenger airbag optional or unavailable. Seatbelts: 3-point front, 2-point rear (later models may have 3-point rear). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Basic speaker setup. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on select trims. Connectivity Phone Integration: Not applicable for this era. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). Timing Belt Replacement: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for BP-ZE engine to prevent catastrophic failure). Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate). Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mazda ATF-III or equivalent. Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Known Issues Engine Seizure: Timing belt failure in BP-ZE engines can cause valve-to-piston contact, leading to severe damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is crucial. Oil Leaks: Common leaks from valve cover gasket and front crankshaft seal. Suspension Wear: Worn strut mounts and control arm bushings can lead to noisy suspension and poor handling. Rust: Susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and chassis components in areas with harsh winters. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Mazda Legacy: Mazda's reputation for sporty handling and driver engagement established with models like the RX-7 and Miata. Model Evolution Generation Introduction: The BG generation Protege (1989-1994) represented a significant step up in refinement and design from...
Approx. 2400-2600 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3600-3800 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Not widely available for this era, typically average for its class.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Not widely available for this era, typically average for its class.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on select trims, standard on higher performance models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1990/1991 onwards, passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
3-point front, 2-point rear (later models may have 3-point rear).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Basic speaker setup.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on select trims.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Not applicable for this era.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for BP-ZE engine to prevent catastrophic failure).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Known Issues
Engine Seizure:
Timing belt failure in BP-ZE engines can cause valve-to-piston contact, leading to severe damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is crucial.
Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket and front crankshaft seal.
Suspension Wear:
Worn strut mounts and control arm bushings can lead to noisy suspension and poor handling.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and chassis components in areas with harsh winters.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda's reputation for sporty handling and driver engagement established with models like the RX-7 and Miata.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The BG generation Protege (1989-1994) represented a significant step up in refinement and design from its predecessor.
Design Philosophy:
Styled by Toshihiko Hirai, it featured a more aerodynamic and contemporary look.
Production
Production Years:
1989-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protege GT was often recognized for its value and sporty driving characteristics, although not consistently a '10Best' recipient during this specific generation.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability within its class for the period.