Mazda BP 1.8l
This power unit is famous for its reliability, but often consumes oil.
Mazda MX-5 engines
The Mazda MX-5 is a Japanese roadster car produced since 1989 by Mazda Motor Corporation. The car was developed with the participation of the British sports car manufacturer Lotus Cars Limited. For this reason, the MX-5 has acquired many of the advantages of British sports cars. Since 2014, the manufacturer has launched the 4th generation of the model together with the manufacturer Fiat, already based on the platform used for the Fiat 124 Spider. The new MX-5 is also equipped with SkyActiv technology.
The Mazda MX-5 was offered with 3 engines between 1994 and 2015 (3 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 2.0 liters, power output from 120 to 160 hp. 2 use a timing chain and 1 a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mazda BP 1.8l (about 330,000 km).
Mazda MX-5 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 NA 1994–1997 | |||||||
| Mazda BP 1.8l | 1994–1997 | 1.8 L R4 | 130–140 hp | petrol | belt | 3.2 L | ~330,000 km |
| Mazda MX-5 NB 1997–2001 | |||||||
| Mazda BP 1.8l | 1997–2001 | 1.8 L R4 | 130–140 hp | petrol | belt | 3.2 L | ~330,000 km |
| Mazda MX-5 NC 2005–2015 | |||||||
| Mazda LF-DE | 2005–2015 | 2.0 L R4 | 140–160 hp | petrol | chain | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
| Mazda L8-DE | 2005–2015 | 1.8 L R4 | 120–125 hp | petrol | chain | 4.3 L | ~275,000 km |
Mazda MX-5 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mazda MX-5?
Mazda MX-5 NA (1994–1997): Mazda BP 1.8l; Mazda MX-5 NB (1997–2001): Mazda BP 1.8l; Mazda MX-5 NC (2005–2015): Mazda LF-DE and Mazda L8-DE.
Which Mazda MX-5 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mazda MX-5 engines are: Mazda BP 1.8l — about 330,000 km; Mazda LF-DE — about 300,000 km; Mazda L8-DE — about 275,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mazda MX-5 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mazda BP 1.8l — 3.2 L (5W-30); Mazda L8-DE — 4.3 L (5W-30); Mazda LF-DE — 4.3 L (5W-30).
Does the Mazda MX-5 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mazda L8-DE and Mazda LF-DE; timing belt: Mazda BP 1.8l. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Mazda MX-5 available with a diesel engine?
No, all Mazda MX-5 engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Mazda L8-DE
The entire period of operation of a car with this engine, owners have to deal with floating speed.
Mazda LF-DE
The first years there were a lot of cases with jamming or falling out of the intake dampers.
Models with the same engines
- Mazda 5 2 shared engines
- Mazda 6 2 shared engines
- Kia Carens/Rondo 1 shared engine
- Kia Spectra 1 shared engine
- Mazda 3/Axela 1 shared engine
- Mazda Familia/323/Protege/Astina 1 shared engine