Engine Code

DAEWOO LW9 engine (2003-2011) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Daewoo LW9 is a 2,998 cc, inline-five diesel engine produced between 2003 and 2011. It features a SOHC 20-valve configuration with common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 100 kW (136 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Designed for commercial and fleet applications, it combines robust low-end pulling power with improved fuel efficiency over naturally aspirated predecessors.

Fitted primarily to the Daewoo Tacuma and Tosca models, the LW9 was engineered for durability in high-mileage driving conditions. Its inline-five architecture provides smooth operation and reduced vibration, making it suitable for executive and taxi use. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and precise common rail fuel metering, meeting Euro 3 standards across its production run.

One documented reliability concern is DPF clogging in urban-operated units with frequent short trips. This issue, highlighted in Daewoo Service Information Bulletin 04-11-08, is linked to incomplete regeneration cycles under low-load conditions. From 2007, revised ECU mapping and enhanced DPF regeneration protocols were introduced to mitigate blockage and extend service life.

Daewoo Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2003–2011 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).

LW9 Technical Specifications

The Daewoo LW9 is a 2,998 cc inline-five turbo-diesel engineered for mid-size sedans and fleet vehicles (2003-2011). It combines common rail direct injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver strong low-RPM torque and operational smoothness. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances performance with durability in commercial and passenger applications.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,998 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline-5, SOHC, 20-valve
AspirationTurbocharged, intercooled
Bore × stroke89.0 mm × 96.0 mm
Power output100 kW (136 PS) @ 3,800 rpm
Torque320 Nm @ 1,800–2,600 rpm
Fuel systemCommon rail direct injection (Delphi HP3 pump, up to 1,600 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 3
Compression ratio17.8:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerVariable geometry turbo (IHI VF34)
Timing systemTiming belt (interval: 100,000 km)
Oil typeSAE 10W-40, ACEA B4/B5
Dry weight198 kg
Practical Implications

The inline-five configuration provides inherent balance and smooth power delivery but requires strict adherence to 100,000 km timing belt intervals to prevent interference damage. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting ACEA B4/B5 specifications is required to protect high-load components and maintain turbocharger lubrication. The DPF system depends on regular highway driving for passive regeneration; urban use without periodic long runs increases clogging risk. Post-2007 models benefit from updated ECU logic that extends forced regeneration cycles, reducing DPF-related faults. Fuel quality must meet EN 590 standards to prevent high-pressure pump wear and injector coking.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, ACEA B4/B5 specification (Daewoo SIB 05-09-12). Compatible with GM-Lorsiv III.

Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all LW9 models (2003–2011) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across markets with EN 590 diesel.

Primary Sources

Daewoo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LW9-3001, SIB 04-11-08, SIB 05-09-12

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)

SAE International: ISO 1585 Passenger Car Test Code

LW9 Compatible Models

The Daewoo LW9 was used across Daewoo's Tacuma and Tosca platforms with longitudinal mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Tosca and revised exhaust routing in the Tacuma-and from 2007 the facelifted Tosca models adopted updated DPF regeneration logic, improving reliability in stop-start traffic. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Daewoo
Years:
2003-2008
Models:
Tacuma
Variants:
CDX, CDL
View Source
Daewoo Group PT-2003
Make:
Daewoo
Years:
2006-2011
Models:
Tosca
Variants:
2.0 DTi
View Source
Daewoo Group PT-2003
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Daewoo TIS LW9-3001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for LW9). Pre-2007 models have silver valve covers with ribbed timing covers; post-2007 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from F20D4: LW9 uses an inline-five configuration with Delphi common rail injection, while F20D4 is an inline-four with Bosch VP44 rotary pump. Service parts require model year verification—DPF systems before 2007 lack enhanced regeneration and are not interchangeable.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Daewoo TIS Doc. LW9-3001

Location:

Stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Daewoo TIS LW9-3001).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2007: Silver valve cover with ribbed plastic timing cover
  • Post-2007: Black valve cover with updated DPF housing
Timing Belt

Evidence:

Daewoo SIB 05-09-12

Interval:

Replace every 100,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first (Daewoo SIB 05-09-12).

Interference Risk:

Yes—timing belt failure results in piston-to-valve contact due to interference design.
DPF System

Evidence:

Daewoo SIB 04-11-08

Maintenance:

DPF cleaning or replacement may be necessary if regeneration cycles are consistently interrupted.

Regeneration:

Passive regeneration occurs during sustained highway driving; urban use may require forced regeneration via diagnostic tool.

Common Reliability Issues - DAEWOO LW9

The LW9's primary reliability risk is DPF clogging in city-driven units, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short trips. Daewoo internal reports from 2008 indicated a significant portion of pre-2007 units required DPF cleaning before 120,000 km, while VCA field data shows incomplete regeneration as a leading cause of emissions-related failures. Urban driving patterns and infrequent highway use increase blockage risk, making adherence to operational guidelines critical.

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning light, forced regeneration failure.
Cause: Incomplete passive regeneration due to frequent short trips and low exhaust temperatures; ECU mapping pre-2007 less effective at initiating active cycles.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration using diagnostic tool; clean or replace DPF if flow is restricted; ensure regular highway driving to support passive regeneration.
Timing belt wear or failure
Symptoms: Squealing noise, misfires, loss of compression, catastrophic engine damage if broken.
Cause: Normal wear beyond service interval; oil contamination from front crank seal; improper tensioning during installation.
Fix: Replace belt, tensioner, idlers, and water pump every 100,000 km; verify cam/crank alignment per OEM procedure.
Turbocharger actuator sticking
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, erratic throttle response, over-boost or under-boost fault codes.
Cause: Carbon buildup or mechanical wear in VGT actuator linkage due to prolonged low-load operation and poor combustion.
Fix: Inspect and clean actuator mechanism; replace if movement is restricted; recalibrate using OEM diagnostic software.
High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, power loss, fluctuating idle, fuel pressure warning.
Cause: Internal wear due to fuel contamination or use of non-compliant diesel failing to lubricate Delphi HP3 pump adequately.
Fix: Replace with updated Delphi unit; install high-efficiency fuel filter and use EN 590 diesel meeting sulfur and cetane specifications.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Daewoo technical bulletins (2003-2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about DAEWOO LW9

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DAEWOO LW9.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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