DCNSX

I bought my 8 two years ago with 30k miles and it now has 65k. It was fully serviced when i bought it. All i have done is change the brake pads, put on new tires, and done regular oil changes. i run mid-grade (89-octane) gas. What services should i do at this point? are new plugs a must? my "check engine" light has come on before but it then goes away.

Old Rotor

Yes get new NGK plugs and air filter to start. Find out what your CEL is too.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

most likely gas cap.

but if it never *or hardly* comes back, well no biggie.

Plugs, plugs wires, and coils.

staticlag

replace transmission/differential oil if you haven't already.

DCNSX

Thanks for all the replies. how hard would it be to change my own plugs and wires? (and how long for a first-timer?) any special tools needed other than a spark plug wrench?

Old Rotor

Not too hard, do one at a time first time out. Plugs and wires one hour your first time. You will need extensions. Look in DIY section. You should be able to get plugs and wires for about one hundred dollars.

Rhythmic

I've been looking and can't find a decisive answer...

What is the recommended interval to change:
1.) spark plugs
2.) wires
3.) coils
4.) Differential fluid
5.) Brake/clutch fluid
6.) Coolant

DCNSX

Thanks everyone. $100 sounds do-able. Mazdaparts.org (a Mazda dealer and sponsor of this site) has the Mazda plugs and wires at $179 (includes shipping). Are there cheaper places out there? and is there a specific plug (NGK?) that i really should use?

also- the air filter was $33.62

coils are $29.28 each - but i wasn't planning on doing those.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Coils, 27 bux a piece @ finishlineperformance.com

For spark plugs, if you wanna save money, you can get 10 leading plugs on one of the ebay sellers for like 9 bux each, shipping is free. That should be able to last a REALLY long time, even if you change them every 10K miles.

For Trailing plugs, only place you can get them cheaper is thru 3rd party vendors like Amazon or Sparkplugs.com, about 20 dollars each excluding shipping (Amazon I think is free, but selling at about 22 bux each, its worth it IMO)

Air filter? you talking about intake air filter or the cabin ? If Intake, get a K&N drop in filter replacement, clean it every 10 K miles or so and it will Last the life of your car. about 50 bux. cabin filter is like 30 something 40 bux, change it every 15K miles or so (or else its gonna smell like rotten eggs)

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

1. Depends on your driving style, if you do mostly Highway or High Revving Driving. You can change them out around 25~30 K miles. but if you do a lot of city driving like me, I suggest you to change it around every 15~20K miles

2. wires? I guess u're talking about Plug wires? IMO I will replace them every 3 spark plug changes.

3. Every 2 spark plug changes but thats just me.

4. Every 30K miles you should be good to go. I do mine every 15~20K.

5. Bleed them every year.

6. If you're area has tons of pollution or salt in winter, change them every year or 30K miles. whichever comes first.

Rhythmic

Thanks ny.

Looks like I'll be in the garage a lot in the coming weeks.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

my 8 is my DD and I live in NYC so all of the stuff that I said applies to me ...

meh, if u store ur 8 during winter months. you Dont need to change your stuff too often.

HERO

iTrader: (3)

since its an 04 you should probably change the spark plugs, spark plug wires, coils, air filter, clean the MAF, change the tranny fluid, differential fluid, brake/clutch fluid, and coolant.