Only the European and American versions of the well-liked MX-3 model were equipped with the Mazda K8-DE 1.8-liter V6 gasoline engine, which the company assembled between 1991 and 1998. Cars intended for the Japanese market were equipped with a version of this engine with the K8-ZE index and 145 horsepower.
K8-ZE, KF-DE, KF-ZE, KJ-ZEM, KL-DE, KL-G4, and KL-ZE are all members of the K-engine family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Mazda MX-3 EC in 1991 – 1998.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 1845 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 130 – 135 |
| Torque output, Nm | 155 – 160 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 75 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69.6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.2 |
| Features | DOHC, VRIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| 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 MX-3 1995) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 6.7 8.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~290 000 |
| Weight, kg | 165 (with attachments) |
Disadvantages of the Mazda K8-DE engine
Grease leaks from under the valve covers are common at high mileage; the timing belt resource is about 100,000 km, but when it breaks, the valves hardly ever bend; hydraulic lifters can knock up to 50,000 km due to low-quality oil; all-aluminum motors are afraid of overheating, so keep an eye on the cooling system; closer to 150,000 km, oil consumption may already appear, up to a liter per 1000 km.