The Citroën ES9J4 is a 3,138 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2005. It features a DOHC 24-valve configuration with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 155 kW (211 PS) and 300 Nm of torque. Its smooth power delivery and refined character made it ideal for executive sedans and premium hatchbacks, offering strong mid-range performance and driving comfort.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën C5, C6, and Peugeot 607, the ES9J4 was engineered for high-speed cruising and passenger refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual catalytic converters and lambda feedback control, allowing Euro 3 compliance across its production run. It served as PSA’s flagship petrol engine for longitudinally mounted front-wheel-drive platforms.
One documented concern is premature exhaust camshaft wear, particularly on early production units, highlighted in PSA Service Bulletin SIB-ENG-00-010. This issue is linked to marginal lubrication flow in the cam carrier galleries under sustained high-load operation. Later revisions improved oilway drilling and introduced upgraded camshaft materials, reducing wear incidence in post-2002 builds.
All production years (1999–2005) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3457).
The Citroën ES9J4 is a 3,138 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for premium passenger vehicles (1999–2005). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and quiet operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances refinement with performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,138 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 96.0 mm | |
| Power output | 155 kW (211 PS) @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SH | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The DOHC 24V V6 design provides smooth mid-RPM torque ideal for relaxed driving but demands adherence to 120,000 km (or 6-year) timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference failure. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SH specs is critical for camshaft and bearing protection, especially under sustained load. Extended idling or short trips may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch MPFI system requires periodic injector cleaning to maintain fuel atomization and idle stability. Early units (1999–2001) should verify cam carrier oilway integrity per PSA SIB-ENG-00-010; retrofit kits are available to prevent premature wear.
Oil Specs: Requires API SH 10W-40 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-00-010). Compatible with ACEA A2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1999–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3457).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Output maintained on 98 RON fuel (PSA TIS Doc. ES9J4-ENG-004).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ES9J4-ENG-001, ES9J4-ENG-002, SIB-ENG-00-010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3457)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroën ES9J4 was used across Citroën's C5 and C6 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the PSA Group for executive applications in Peugeot models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the C6 and revised exhaust manifolds in the C5-and featured consistent Euro 3 emissions compliance throughout production. 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 ES9J4-ID-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for ES9 series). Pre-2002 models have silver cam covers with ribbed design; post-2002 units use black cam covers with smoother finish. Critical differentiation from ES9J2: ES9J4 has DOHC 24V configuration with MPFI, while ES9J2 is 2.9L with different output. Service parts require production date verification - timing belts for pre-2002 engines are not compatible with post-2002 Euro 3 variants due to tensioner redesign (PSA SIB-ENG-00-010).
The ES9J4's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load or extended-idle usage. PSA internal reports from 2001 noted a significant share of pre-2002 engines requiring cam replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of MoT failures to elevated hydrocarbon emissions due to degraded catalytic converters in high-mileage units. Sustained high-load operation and delayed maintenance increase wear risk, making oil quality and timing belt adherence critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1999-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN ES9J4.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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