25th Mar 2006, 01:39
On the european versions it's even written somewhere on the engine bay: 'check your oil every... kms'. Oil burning is due to the design and not the material of the seals- and things used to be much worse in the Ro80 days... It is indeed one of the shortcomings of the rotary engine, but you don't have to worry: just top the oil up regularly, respect the engine (i.e do not rev it when cold) and it will last.
25th Mar 2006, 16:48
The Renesis engine like all rotary engines has no valves like a cylinder engine has. In order to properly lubricate all parts of the engine, oil is injected into the combustion chamber. Hence, yes your RX-8 will burn oil. Is 600 miles a quart too much? I have no idea. Hope this helps. Good luck with your car.
2nd Apr 2006, 12:43
The oil injected mixes with the fuel, depending on how much throttle you give it. 600 miles, having to add a quart, means there is a problem or you really have a heavy foot. Even having a heavy foot, the engine should not consume that much, since oil that is injected is only in amounts of .003. On the 04 model here are some things to check with your dealer.
Gas mileage problem mostly found on 6 speed. Remedy: Recall upgrade on the computer.
Oil consumption. Remedy: Recall different type of oil pan baffle
When revved in one spot at high RPM, the rear bumper can melt around the exhaust. Remedy: Recall, not sure what they do.
These recalls came out in or around Sept. 05. On a new model car like the 04, problems like these are typical, especially with a design change on the motor. As far as I know, these problems should not be found on the 05 or 06. Please remember, on fresh engines they will always consume more fuel and oil until properly broken in.
Hope this helps.
2nd Apr 2006, 12:50
The car burning oil, is not a problem. Its how the engine is designed. From new up to about 3-4k miles the engine will stop burning so much. The engine is extremely reliable as long as you treat it propely i. e wait for proper warm up time before thrashing it, check oil & engine coolant every 2 tanks or more. Not much can go wrong with only 3 moving parts!
Don't buy the car if you can't afford filling it with petrol every week and topping up oil after every 2 tanks.
2nd Apr 2006, 15:48
I'm not saying I disagree with you, but several auto magazines had RX-8's for long term cars and all reported having to continually add oil at every stage of the car's life. Now given they are obviously in touch with Mazda on a weekly basis (meaning Mazda is telling them how to correctly maintain the car), why is the car eating so much oil if you claim it stops after 3 - 4K?
13th May 2006, 22:37
We have had a 2004 RX8 for 2 years with the check engine light coming off and on until the 48,000 mile maintenance. Also, the car was dying whenever the outside temperature began to warm up.
The car was taken in to the dealership many, many times, but they could not find a problem. The dealership took the computer out of the car and sent it to California for inspection. They did reset the computer, but it did not fix the problem.
Since the 48,000 mile maintenance the check engine light has never come on again, although the car continues dying after coming to a stop.
We took it back to the dealership and they drove the car and could not find a problem. The car was returned to us after the dealership kept it for 24 hours and today the car died 3 times within a 15 mile trip.
We don't feel we should be responsible for these problems with the car, but we are obviously afraid someone is going to get hurt.
15th May 2006, 22:13
I experienced a similar problem with my 04 RX-8. It continually cuts off when I come to a stop, and my dealership cannot seem to find anything wrong with it. They sent my PCM to California, couldn't duplicate the problem and said it was fixed. I have complained of this to them over six times, and they still can't figure it out. At 54,000 miles, I'm just going to trade it in and get my moneys worth. Try researching the Magnosson-Moss warranty act, it might help you if you're still under warranty and want another car.
26th May 2006, 00:53
OK I am very tired of people complaining about Rotary engines "burning" oil. They are required to use oil injectors because of the unique design. This design does not employ oil passages like those found in standard "V" style engines. Also the absence of traditional style valve-train, which employs a gravity style lubricating system, it requires the injectors to make sure the running gear has plenty of lubrication. Ever since rotaries have to come to the united states I have heard numerous stories of people being confused why a brand new car smokes when started or driven hard. So, yes rotaries require a relatively more aggressive preventive maintenance program. They are tremendous engines that just need a little more TLC. With the proper care and a watchful eye these little gems of engineering will last many prodigious miles.
12th Aug 2006, 00:16
I have just recently bought an RX8 and have had no problems at all. I wait until it is completely warmed up before I drive it anywhere. I have yet to have it stall or anything and, it has never once had a problem starting. I have 1400 miles thus far on it and would recommend getting one for anyone who enjoys a true sports car. As far as the oil problem, I have a fairly heavy right foot and mine is a manual and, I have put only about half a quart in it so far and it is doing just fine. For those of you out there that are having problems and the car is dying, you all must not have been warming up the car properly before you go driving. Actually, ANY car should be warmed up before driven rotary or not to ensure extended mileage use.
12th Aug 2006, 19:52
They burn oil because it's an intergral part of the rotary engine's ability to function.
29th Aug 2006, 20:09
RX-8 owners take note: Yet another recall is going to be issued for all 04, 05, and some 06 models. Apparently internal oil leaks may require the entire engine to be replaced. Just had my 04 in for the "squeaky brakes" problem (dealer refused to fix), and I was informed Mazda will begin testing RX-8 engines soon.
14th Sep 2006, 17:23
As a previous owner of a 1987 RX7 Twin Turbo, I am in love with the RX series of cars, "MINE ROCKED". This thing ran like a scalded dog, cornered like a demon, and was comfortable on long trips. In short MY CAR WAS AWESOME.
I can tell you that my 1987 RX7 Twin Turbo never needed any oil added between changes (every 3000 miles religious). I never even knew rotaries burned oil till the RX8 hit the scene.
As per the MPG, I got 25 actual MPG on the highway (doing the math myself). That was with a Turbo model and a driver with a heavy foot.
I had the car for 10 years. The only part I ever replaced (other than the consumables) was a thermostat.
I was not happy to hear about the oil consumption and MPG problems noted by allot of owners. With all the complaints I am reading, I can’t help thinking Mazda has taken a step backwards with the RX8.
Mike L.
24th Mar 2006, 17:22
Many magazines have proclaimed the rotary engine to be a modern marvel. The facts are thus: They burn way too much oil. They're not as reliable as people will lead you to believe. And when they break, you're facing exorbitant repair costs.