Only local modifications of well-known models like the Familia and Demio were equipped with the 1.3-liter Mazda B3-ME engine, which was built at a Japanese facility between 1994 and 2003. In certain sources, these units from the previous years of production are listed under index B3E.
B1, B3, B3-ME, B5, B5-DE, B5-ME, B6, B6-ME, B6-DE, BP, and BP-ME are all members of the B-engine family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Mazda Autozam Revue DB in 1994 – 1998;
- Mazda Demio DW in 1996 – 2002;
- Mazda Familia BH in 1994 – 1998;
- Mazda Familia BJ in 1998 – 2003.
Specifications
| Production years | 1994-2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 1323 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 65 – 85 |
| Torque output, Nm | 100 – 110 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 71 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.1 – 9.4 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | until 1999 |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda Demio 1998) — city — highway — combined |
8.7 5.9 6.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~280 000 |
| Weight, kg | 118.5 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda B3-ME engine
Ignition system issues are the most frequently discussed topic on specialized forums;
Don’t save on oil if you have a version with hydraulic lifters because they will rattle;
The oil pump pressure reducing valve is another one of the engine’s weak points.
The timing belt resource is typically 60,000 km, but when it breaks, the valves do not bend; an oil burn of up to 1 liter per 1000 km is frequently observed on a run of more than 200,000 km.