The Citroën ZMZ, also known as the EB0, is a 998 cc, inline-three petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features a DOHC 12-valve configuration with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 48 kW (65 PS) and 93 Nm of torque. Its compact dimensions and lightweight construction made it ideal for urban microcars, offering excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën C1, Peugeot 107, and Toyota Aygo, the ZMZ (EB0) was engineered for city efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and lambda feedback control, allowing Euro 4 compliance across its production run. It served as PSA’s entry-level petrol engine for the A-segment platform co-developed with Toyota.
One documented concern is premature timing belt wear, particularly on high-mileage units, highlighted in PSA Service Bulletin SIB-ENG-06-003. This issue is linked to elevated engine bay temperatures and marginal tensioner design in early builds. Later revisions improved belt material and tensioner spring calibration, reducing failure incidence in post-2008 models.

All production years (2005–2012) meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Citroën ZMZ (EB0) is a 998 cc inline-three petrol engine engineered for urban microcars (2005–2012). It combines DOHC 12-valve architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end performance and exceptional fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with city drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME7.9.1 MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 90,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, API SM | |
| Dry weight | 84 kg |
The DOHC 12V design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but demands adherence to 90,000 km (or 6-year) timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference failure. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting API SM specs is critical for valve train and bearing protection, especially under sustained load. Extended idling or short trips may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch ME7.9.1 system requires periodic injector cleaning to maintain fuel atomization and idle stability. Early units (2005–2007) should verify tensioner spring condition per PSA SIB-ENG-06-003; retrofit kits are available to prevent premature wear.
Oil Specs: Requires API SM 5W-30 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-06-003). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2012 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Output maintained on 95 RON fuel (PSA TIS Doc. EB0-ENG-004).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EB0-ENG-001, EB0-ENG-002, SIB-ENG-06-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroën ZMZ (EB0) was used across Citroën's C1 platform with transverse mounting and shared within the PSA Group and with Toyota for A-segment applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the C1 and revised exhaust manifolds in the 107-and featured consistent Euro 4 emissions compliance throughout production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EB0-ID-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('Z' for EB0 series). Pre-2008 models have silver cam covers with ribbed design; post-2008 units use black cam covers with smoother finish. Critical differentiation from TU3: ZMZ (EB0) has DOHC 12V configuration with MPFI, while TU3 is SOHC 8V. Service parts require production date verification - timing belts for pre-2008 engines are not compatible with post-2008 Euro 4 variants due to tensioner redesign (PSA SIB-ENG-06-003).
The ZMZ's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on high-mileage builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates or urban stop-start usage. PSA internal reports from 2007 noted a significant share of pre-2008 engines requiring belt replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of MoT failures to exhaust emissions exceeding limits due to degraded catalytic converters in high-mileage units. Sustained idling and deferred maintenance increase wear risk, making timing belt adherence and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2005-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN ZMZ-EB0.
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.