From 2003 to 2019, the company’s Japanese plant produced the 1.6-liter Mazda Z6 engine, which was exclusively installed on the third series model throughout its three generations.
The MZR Z6 engine is built using an in-line configuration of four cylinders in accordance with the classical scheme. It is an improved version of the Hiroshima Plant’s B6D powertrain. All of the Mazda 3’s engines are currently produced at this facility. The MZR Z6 engine’s cylinder block is composed of sturdy aluminum alloy. A lamellar steel chain powers the timing, and it won’t need to be changed for a very long time (at least 250 thousand kilometers). An automatic tensioner is used to stretch it.
In addition, the Z-engine family comprises:
- 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 3 BK in 2003 – 2009;
- Mazda 3 BL in 2009 – 2013;
- Mazda 3 BM in 2013 – 2019.
Specifications
| Production years | 2003-2019 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 105 |
| Torque output, Nm | 145 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | S-VT, intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 3 2008) — city — highway — combined |
8.9 5.7 6.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 131.2 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda Z6 engine
In the early years of production, the intake flaps were frequently loose and started to rattle; relatively small engine mounts are used here, which causes strong vibrations; the primary cause of floating rpm is throttle or EGR contamination;
Another possibility is a blown intake manifold gasket;
The valves here need to be adjusted every 100,000 kilometers, and there are no hydraulic lifters.