Welcome to our comprehensive Service Kit guide whatever make and model of MX5 you have the pleasure in driving. In this guide we cover key information you need to consider for 4 different types of Kits which are: Routine/Annual Service Kits, Cam Belt Kits, Brake Kits & Spark Plugs & Leads. But don't worry if it's not a full kit you're after we have a full range of service parts for each Mk that include Genuine and Aftermarket products.
Already know which type of kit you need and want to head straight to your Mk? Click for your MX5...
1. Routine / Annual Service Kits
Mk1/Mk2 & 2.5 Routine / Annual Service Kits
The Mazda recommended service intervals for Mk1/2 & 2.5 are:
- Mk1 up to 1993 = 6250 miles or 12 months
- Mk1 from 1993>1998 = 9370 miles or 12 months
- Mk2/2.5 1998>2005 = 9370 miles or 12 months
In our range of Service Kits we have options to cover all jobs and budgets. Starting from aftermarket Kits containing just oil, air and fuel filters through to kits that include spark plugs and ignition leads. The same kits are also available using Genuine Mazda filters. We also have a genuine and aftermarket kit that has an oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and oil.
All parts are available separately, and we have a host of other products that may be required such as brake fluid, coolant, engine flush etc as well as performance filters like the K&N oil filters and air filters or Pipercross air filters.
Mk3/3.5/3.75 Annual / Routine Service Kits
The Mazda recommended service intervals for Mk3/3.5/3.75 2005>2015 are 12500 miles or 12 months whichever comes first.
Like for the Mk1/2 & 2.5 we have service kits containing either genuine or aftermarket filters, some with spark plugs and some with oil. None have ignition leads or fuel filters as the Mk3 doesn't have any. Other parts available include the FL22 longlife coolant, brake fluid, as well as performance filters.
Spark plugs in the Mk3 are iridium plugs that don't need changing until 60,000 miles.
Mk4 & RF Annual / Routine Service Kits
The Mazda recommended service intervals for the Mk4 & RF 2015> are 12500 miles or 12 months whichever is the sooner.
Service Kits available include oil and air filter, oil & air filter plus spark plugs, again like the Mk3 these only require charging at 60,000 miles). The same kits can be selected to include oil.
Please note we only supply these kits with Genuine Mazda parts including the oil which is the recommended 0W-20 Skyactiv oil from Mazda. Performance filters are available separately.
Ready to get started with your Annual / Routine Service Kit? Click for your Mk...
Related videos you'll find useful...
Click here to read our blog post on how to change your oil
Click here to read our blog post on how to change your coolant
2. Cam Belt Service Kits Mk1/2 & 2.5
Only Mk1 & Mk2 MX5's have Cam / Timing Belts, all later models have chains that are likely to outlast the car and rarely need maintenance.
The recommended service interval for a cam belt is 60,000 miles or 5 years. As with any routine service maintenance (including Annual/Routine servicing above), if you have just bought the car and are unsure of its service history it is highly recommended that the cam belt is replaced to be on the safe side.
Unlike most cars where if the belt snaps due to age or damage it will likely cause irreparable damage to the engine when the pistons try and eat the valves, the MX5 is what is known as a "safe' or 'non interference' engine. Basically this means the car will just stop and no major damage will occur. It is however a pain and can be avoided if it is routinely changed.
The Cam Belt kits we have available range from genuine and aftermarket basic kits through to ones containing everything from the belts, bearings and gaskets to water pump and coolant.
Whilst it is not essential to change the water pump when doing a cam belt, it is highly recommended as they also wear out eventually and there is nothing worse than spending all that time doing the work, only to start the car and find it does need changing and you then have to take everything back off again (it is pretty much the first part you have to fit!).
As with the Annual/Routine Service Kits, the Cam Belt Service Kits we supply contain all the main parts required, however all parts are available separately so you can 'build your own' if you preferred and we have almost all other parts should they be required such as pulleys and bolts, gaskets, timing belt covers and even a handy little tool to lock off the cam pulleys while you change the belt.
Related Cam Belt video you'll find useful...
Please note whilst it was a Mk1 featured in the video the process is identical on all Mk2'?s.
3. Spark Plugs & Leads Service Kits
Only Mk1 & Mk2 models have leads and plugs. Later models have plugs but no leads as the ignition coils are fitted directly to the top of each plug. The only exception to this is the 1.8 VVTI Mk2.5 (2000>2005). This has two ignition leads and two direct coils and we have kits available for this model.
For the available kits we have either just leads and plugs, or leads plugs and ignition coils. We only recommend NGK spark plugs and we use a good quality aftermarket brand of leads. Other versions of the plugs are available separately such as iridium or plugs designed for cars with forced induction. We also have Magnecor performance ignition leads sets. For later models we have either the genuine Mazda spark plugs or the cheaper NGK equivalent (ironically though the Genuine plugs are made by NGK!)
Spark plugs are part of the routine maintenance schedule however ignition leads aren't. Both however are two of the main causes of misfires and a poorly running car. Misfires have the potential to cause other issues too such as damaging the catalytic convertor. The misfire will cause unburnt fuel to be dumped into the cat which ignites causing it to heat up beyond its normal operating temperature which then causes it to fail. Basically, it's worth saying that for a small amount of extra cost it's worth changing the leads as well.
4. Brake Service Kits
We have a great range of value kits available for all models ranging from aftermarket, genuine Mazda and full sports kits containing EBC pads and discs as well as stainless lines and brake fluid for Mk1, Mk2 & 3 models. As with all kits, parts are available separately and we have masses of other parts like fitting, bolts, calipers and brake lines.
Choosing the right Brake Kit depends on the model, year and / or engine size. The simplest way to tell on earlier models though is to measure the diameter of the disc as there is no guarantee a car still hasn't been upgraded at some point in it's life. Here is your handy guide:
Mk1 1.6 1989>1998
- Front discs - 235mm
- Rear Discs - 231mm
Mk1 1.8 1993>1998
- Front discs - 255mm
- Rear Discs - 251mm
Mk2/2.5 1.6 & 1.8 Standard Brake
- Front discs - 255mm
- Rear Discs - 251mm
Mk2.5 1.8 Sport Big Brake
- Front discs - 270mm
- Rear Discs - 276mm
Mk3/3.5/3.75 2005>2015
These are all the same and there is no difference between any of the years or engine sizes
Mk4 & RF 2015>
The only difference is between the 1.5 & 2.0 litre engines and all of our kits are listed by the engine size.
Exceptions to the rule
There are however one or two exceptions though such as the odd Mk2 special edition that had the bigger brakes fitted, and left-hand drive Mk1 1.6 automatic cars had the 1.8 brakes so again, the only way to be certain is to measure them.
Time to check out all of the different Service Kits we have for your MX5? Choose your Mk...
Looking for parts and it's not a Kit you're after? Head to the complete service section for your Mk...
- Mk 1 Complete Service Category
- Mk 2 Complete Service Category
- Mk 3 Complete Service Category
- Mk 4 Complete Service Category
Need a little more help?
As MX5 specialists if you still need a little help on selecting the rights parts for your job, don't hesitate to contact us.
Leave your comment