The Citroen HMT (EB2D) is a 1,129 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1988 and 1996. It features a SOHC 8-valve configuration with single-point fuel injection (SPi), delivering 37 kW (50 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 82 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm. Part of the PSA EB engine family, the EB2D was engineered for lightweight packaging and fuel efficiency in compact city cars.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën AX and Peugeot 106, the EB2D was designed for economical urban commuting and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 1 compliance across its production run, with later builds meeting early Euro 2 thresholds depending on market.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head warping under sustained high load or overheating conditions, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in PSA Service Information Bulletin SIB-ENG-1990-03, is linked to inadequate coolant flow in the cylinder head gallery. From 1990, revised water pump impeller design and updated thermostat calibration were implemented to improve thermal management.
Production years 1988–1992 meet Euro 1 standards; 1993–1996 models comply with Euro 2 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Citroen HMT (EB2D) is a 1,129 cc inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for lightweight city cars (1988–1996). It combines single-point fuel injection with a SOHC 8-valve layout to deliver basic yet reliable performance. Designed to meet Euro 1 and Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises fuel economy and ease of maintenance over power output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,129 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 37 kW (50 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 82 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Siemens SPi single-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1988–1992); Euro 2 (1993–1996, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (renew every 90,000 km or 5 years) | |
| Oil type | Total Quartz 4000 10W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 86 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable low-speed response ideal for city use but requires adherence to 90,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent valve damage. Total Quartz 4000 10W-30 oil is recommended for optimal bearing protection and longevity. Overheating must be avoided due to risk of head warping on early units. The Siemens SPi system is robust but sensitive to clogged fuel filters, which can cause poor idle quality. Post-1990 models feature improved coolant flow; pre-1990 engines benefit from thermostat and water pump inspection during major service. Lambda sensor maintenance is essential to maintain emissions compliance and idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires Total Quartz 4000 10W-30 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-1990-03). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1 standards.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1988–1992 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Euro 2 compliance from 1993 onward is standard across all markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to basic fuel mapping (PSA TIS Doc. B30110).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B30000, B30110, SIB-ENG-1990-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
ISO International: ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Passenger cars — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroen HMT (EB2D) was used across Citroen's Platform 1 with transverse mounting and shared extensively with Peugeot under PSA Group harmonisation. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly higher compression in the AX and revised ECU mapping in the Peugeot 106—and from 1990 the updated EB2DT variant introduced improved cooling, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS B30040). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('T' for EB2D series). Pre-1990 models have ribbed black valve covers; post-1990 units use smooth black covers. Critical differentiation from EB2DT: Original EB2D uses Siemens SPi with single injector, while EB2DT uses multi-point injection. Service parts require model year verification—water pumps for pre-1990 engines are not compatible with post-1990 variants due to impeller and housing redesign (PSA SIB-ENG-1990-03).
The EB2D's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping on early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates or poorly maintained cooling systems. Internal PSA quality reports from 1991 indicated a notable share of pre-1990 engines required head resurfacing before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in city-driven vehicles. Extended oil intervals and overheating increase warping risk, making coolant and belt maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1988–1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN HMT-EB2D.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with CITROEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
CITROEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialCITROEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
