From 2002 to 2018, the company produced the 1.8-liter Mazda L8-DE gasoline engine, which was fitted to Ford vehicles under the QQDB index as well as the European versions of the 5, 6, and MX-5 models. An inlet phase regulator with its own index, L8-VE, was included in a version of this unit.
The L-engine family also includes:
- 1.8 L – L8‑DE, L813;
- 2.0 L – LF‑DE, LF‑VD, LF17, LFF7;
- 2.3 L – L3‑VE, L3‑VDT, L3C1;
- 2.5 L – L5‑VE.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 5 CR in 2004 – 2010;
- Mazda 5 CW in 2010 – 2018;
- Mazda 6 I (GG) in 2002 – 2007;
- Mazda 6 II (GH) in 2007 – 2012;
- Mazda MX-5 NC in 2005 – 2015.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2018 |
| Displacement, cc | 1798 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 120 – 125 |
| Torque output, Nm | 160 – 170 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 83 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.1 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 6 2003) — city — highway — combined |
9.5 5.2 6.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
| Weight, kg | 102 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda MZR L8-DE engine
Owners of cars with this engine must deal with floating speed for the duration of the vehicle’s operation;
One benefits from flashing, others from throttle modification, but a third receives nothing;
The thermostat, which frequently just jams, oil leaks from beneath the valve cover and enters the candle wells, the lack of hydraulic lifters, and the requirement to adjust valve clearances every 100,000 kilometers are some of the motor’s weak points.