FD3S
Mazda RX‑7 FD import check
FD3S is the factory model code for the Mazda RX-7 FD, built for the Japanese market from 1991 to 2002. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with FD3S-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
FD3S at a glance
- Model code
- FD3S
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- RX-7 (FD)
- Body
- 2-door coupe
- Built
- 1991 to 2002
- Engine
- 13B-REW (1308 cc twin turbo rotary petrol)
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Japanese trims
- Type R, Type RS, Type RB, Spirit R
- Chassis number format
- FD3S-nnnnnn
From our own model library. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Is it a genuine FD3S?
If you paste the advert into the free check, we compare its wording with the chassis code. An advert that says “RX-7 FD” on a car whose chassis code isn’t FD3S gets flagged.
Known problems to check on a FD3S
- Rotary apex-seal wear: ask for a recent compression test
- Overheating from tired cooling systems
- Sequential turbo vacuum-hose faults
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A FD3S sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Mazda RX-7 FD?
FD3S. A Japanese-market Mazda RX-7 FD has a frame number that starts with FD3S, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the FD3S built?
From 1991 to 2002, with the 13B-REW (1308 cc twin turbo rotary petrol) engine and RWD layout.
What should I check when buying a FD3S?
Rotary apex-seal wear: ask for a recent compression test. Overheating from tired cooling systems. Sequential turbo vacuum-hose faults. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.