The European, American, and Japanese models of the 323 BJ were equipped with the Mazda ZM-DE 1.6-liter gasoline engine, which the company produced between 1998 and 2003. The motor’s modification for the European market is simply known as ZM, and it differs very little.
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 BJ in 1998 – 2003;
- Mazda Familia BJ in 1998 – 2003;
- Mazda Protege BJ in 1998 – 2003.
Specifications
| Production years | 1998-2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 95 – 105 |
| Torque output, Nm | 145 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 323 2002) — city — highway — combined |
9.6 6.3 7.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 140.9 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda ZM-DE engine
Rare maintenance is the only thing a structurally straightforward and dependable engine fears;
Change your spark plugs as soon as possible to avoid having to pay for ignition coils as well;
Timing belt replacement is scheduled every 60,000 kilometers, but the valve does not bend when it breaks;
There are no hydraulic lifters here, and you have to adjust the valves every 100,000 kilometers. Wear on the valve stem seals causes an oil burner on long runs.