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
Production years 2003–2011 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
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.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, SOHC, 20-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged, intercooled | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 96.0 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,800–2,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Common rail direct injection (Delphi HP3 pump, up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 17.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (IHI VF34) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 100,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, ACEA B4/B5 | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Analysis derived from Daewoo technical bulletins (2003-2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DAEWOO LW9.
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