What model, what spec ?

colsan · Post by **colsan** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 9:11 pm

Hi all, we're just about to buy a 98 mx5 for my wife and are trying to
find out a little more info about the model and spec.
Its a Jap import
British racing green with tan interior and polished wood steering wheel,
H/brake and gearstick knob.
The model pages says this combination was the series one anniversary edition but ours will be a series 2
It has a 1.8 engine and a 6 speed box. Again the 6 speed box is only listed as fitted to series 3. Its all a bit confusing

I know its a standard car with no mods but the question is what exactly have we got ??

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:29 pm

An import

sprsta · Post by **sprsta** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:57 am

try this
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/99.html

MX5PWR · Post by **MX5PWR** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:42 pm

Hi Colson, good luck in purchasing your new toy. As the car you are looking
at is an 1800 with 6 spd, BRG with Tan interior it would appear that it is a
series II, import VR model. Have a look underneath at the shock and you will
probably find that they are Bilstein Gas shocks. There was no series I
anniversary model as the 10th anniversary was 1999 and there was a special
10th anniversary series II in blue.

The chassis number on the firewall should start with NB8 MEANING IT IS A
SERIES II 1800. If there is still a sticker on the drivers door opening it
should have the model ie VR.

Good luck. MX5PWR

[Posted via external email]

brownie · Post by **brownie** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:48 pm

Series 2 came out 01>,Your've got a high spec NB series 1 ,Jap's always had the good spec cars before anyone else,Early chassis codes are NB8C -1****** Later NB chassis code will be NB8C - 3****** .
Last 6 numbers will tell you which series it is ,They are all NB8C if 1800cc or NB6C if 1600cc or if you own a New shape,NCEC .
Mazda will be able to tell you which model spec it is but MX5PWR is on the money about checking the R/H door shut,Good reading when you can tranlate it.

MX5PWR · Post by **MX5PWR** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:47 pm

Series I (NA) 1989 to 1997, Series II (NB) 1998 to 2005 (facelift model from
2001 known as series 2.5), Series III (NC) 2005 till now. No such thing as a
series I NB.

[Posted via external email]

Post by **zorruno** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:29 am

Incidentally, this local FAQ (written by MX5PWR) is a good read regarding the basics of what model is what:
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic.php?t=8637

Stevo · Post by **Stevo** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 5:34 pm

The door jamb sticker has always been a mystery to me. Mine is an import but the door sticker says its a "Special Edition" but I cant see much on the car that makes it very special. It has a few extras such as front strut brace, chrome cockpit brace, TV, satnav, cd and tape player Nology handmade plug leads and s/s exhaust but Im sure a few of these things are aftermarket. What extras would the special edition come with? Cheers Stevo

sprsta · Post by **sprsta** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:36 pm

i think your colour makes it a special edition
check this

http://www.allroadster.com/libs/EORegister.htm

Stevo · Post by **Stevo** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:59 pm

Thanks for the link sprstr. Very interesting. Cheers Stevo