The Citroën 4HT, known internally as DW12BTED4, is a 2,179 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16-valve configuration, high-pressure common-rail direct injection (up to 1,600 bar), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard tune, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) at 3,500 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm, primarily used in large passenger and estate vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën C5, C6, and Peugeot 508, the DW12BTED4 was engineered for strong low-end torque and refined motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run. The engine’s smooth power delivery made it ideal for long-distance and fleet applications with mixed driving conditions.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in vehicles with frequent short trips. This issue, highlighted in PSA Service Bulletin 14/1029, is attributed to inadequate lubrication and thermal stress under cold-engine operation. From 2015 onward, revised pump internals and updated ECU mapping were introduced to improve durability.

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7789).
The Citroën 4HT (DW12BTED4) is a 2,179 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine designed for large platforms (2012–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with drivability in premium applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,179 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (ULSD, EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (variable geometry) | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 96.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Delphi HP4 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6b (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell VNT variable geometry turbo | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (renew every 190,000 km or 10 years) | |
| Oil type | Total Rubia TIR 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for mixed driving but requires adherence to 190,000 km or 10-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent valve damage. Total Rubia TIR 5W-30 oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the DPF and turbo. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to prevent turbo coking. The Delphi HP4 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid high-pressure pump seizure. Post-2015 models feature revised HPFP internals; pre-2015 units should be monitored per PSA SIB 14/1029. The ECU includes adaptive DPF regeneration strategies to accommodate regional driving patterns.
Oil Specs: Requires Total Rubia TIR 5W-30 specification (PSA SIB 14/1029). Meets PSA B71 2290 standard.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7789). Euro 6b compliance from 2015 varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 103 kW output requires EN 590 diesel for optimal performance (PSA TIS Doc. B16900).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B16900, B16925, SIB 14/1029
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7789)
European Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Citroën 4HT (DW12BTED4) was used across Citroën's C- and D-segment platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot and DS under PSA group harmonization. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-adaptive throttle mapping in the C5 and revised EGR routing in the C6-and from 2015, Euro 6b-compliant variants introduced cooled EGR and enhanced lambda control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (PSA TIS B16910). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('4' for DW12 series). Pre-2015 models have black cam covers with exposed turbo actuator; post-2015 units feature revised heat shielding. Critical differentiation from DW12TED: DW12BTED4 has Delphi HP4 pump and 340 Nm torque, while DW12TED is 120 PS with 300 Nm. Service parts require model-year verification - HPFP units for pre-2015 models are not compatible with later Euro 6b variants due to ECU calibration differences (PSA SIB 14/1029).
The DW12BTED4's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. PSA internal field reports from 2016 indicated a significant share of pre-2015 units required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to fuel system faults in stop-start conditions. Extended idling and poor fuel quality exacerbate wear, making fuel system and lubrication maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2014-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN 4HT-DW12BTED4.
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