From 1994 to 1998, the company produced the Mazda Z5-DE 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which was installed in the BH body of several models of the well-known 323 family, including the Familia, Protege, and Lantis. This power unit had a lean-burn variant with its own Z5-DEL index.
The Z-engine family also includes:
- 1.3 L – ZJ‑VE;
- 1.5 L – Z5‑DE, ZL‑DE, ZL‑VE, ZY‑VE;
- 1.6 L – Z6, ZM‑DE.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 323 BH in 1994 – 1998;
- Mazda Familia BH in 1994 – 1998;
- Mazda Lantis CB in 1994 – 1998;
- Mazda Protege BH in 1994 – 1998.
Specifications
| Production years | 1994-1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 1489 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 90 – 110 |
| Torque output, Nm | 130 – 140 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 75.3 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 – 9.5 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 323 1997) — city — highway — combined |
9.5 6.2 7.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 128.7 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda Z5-DE engine
There are essentially no weak points in this dependable and structurally straightforward motor;
The primary issues are associated with inadequate and delayed maintenance;
Wear on the valve stem seals causes an oil burner during extended runs;
Although the timing belt is intended to last 60,000 kilometers, it lasts longer, and when it breaks, the valve does not bend;
There are no hydraulic lifters, and valve adjustments are necessary every 80 to 100 thousand kilometers.