The Mazda B6-ME or B6-2E 1.6-liter gasoline engine was produced from 1989 to 1994 and was installed on various modifications of the 323 model in the back of the BG and the first generation MX-3. Also, this unit is found on the third generation Ford Laser and the US version of the Escort.
The B-engine family includes: B1, B3, B3‑ME, B5, B5‑DE, B5‑ME, B6, B6‑ME, B6‑DE, BP, BP‑ME.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 323 BG in 1989 – 1994;
- Mazda MX-3 EC in 1991 – 1993.
Specifications
| Production years | 1989-1994 |
| Displacement, cc | 1597 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 85 – 90 |
| Torque output, Nm | 135 – 140 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 323 1993) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 6.5 8.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~280 000 |
| Weight, kg | 138.3 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda B6-ME engine
- Structurally simple and reliable motor worries only at high mileage;
- On specialized forums, failures of the ignition system are most often discussed;
- Often, idle speeds float here, mainly due to throttle contamination;
- The timing belt resource is approximately 60,000 km, but when it breaks, the valves usually do not bend;
- After 150 – 200 thousand km, hydraulic lifters often knock and oil burn begins.
