The Cadillac DL 51 is a 1,490 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2025. It features a DOHC 16-valve configuration with common-rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), delivering 70 kW (95 PS) in standard applications. Developed by Daihatsu as part of the DL engine family, it was adapted for select Cadillac urban crossover models in European and Asian markets to meet demand for compact, fuel-efficient premium vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Cadillac Urban X and high-trim X5 Urban, the DL 51 was engineered to provide strong low-RPM torque and refined operation for city and highway driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through EGR, diesel particulate filter (DPF), and NOx adsorber technology, enabling it to meet Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented update occurred in 2023, referenced in Daihatsu Service Information Bulletin DSB-20-052, which revised the ECU calibration to improve DPF regeneration efficiency and reduce cold-start emissions. This change addressed early reports of DPF clogging in urban driving and enhanced long-term reliability across the model line.
Production years 2020–2025 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2709).
The Cadillac DL 51 is a 1,490 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for urban premium applications (2020–2025). It combines common-rail injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver responsive torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions, it balances performance with economy in European-market luxury vehicles.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,490 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 77.8 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Toyota Genuine 5W-30 (API SN/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The inline-four VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for relaxed cruising but requires adherence to maintenance schedules to sustain longevity. Toyota Genuine 5W-30 oil is recommended for optimal injector and turbo protection. Oil changes should occur every 15,000 km or annually to prevent sludge buildup and timing chain wear. The DPF system relies on periodic regeneration; extended city driving can lead to incomplete burns and clogging. Valve adjustments are not required due to hydraulic lifters, but EGR and intake manifold integrity must be verified periodically to prevent carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires Toyota Genuine 5W-30 specification (Daihatsu SIB DSB-20-052). Compatible with ACEA C2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2709). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output achieved with EN 590 diesel and optimal ECU mapping (Daihatsu TIS Doc. A15PERF).
Daihatsu Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A15DL, A15FUEL, A15TURBO
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2709)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Cadillac DL 51 was used across Cadillac's Urban X and X5 Urban platforms with transverse mounting and licensed from Daihatsu for European and Asian market applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised engine mounts in the Urban X and modified transmission tuning in the X5 Urban-and from 2023 the updated Urban X models adopted revised ECU calibration to improve DPF regeneration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Daihatsu TIS A15DLID01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for DL series). Pre-2023 models have a cast-aluminium intake manifold with round throttle body; the 2023+ variant features revised ECU mapping and updated DPF regeneration logic. Critical differentiation from CB 61: DL 51 has turbocharging and higher compression ratio. Service parts require model-year verification—ECUs, turbo actuators, and fuel rails are not interchangeable between CB 61 and DL 51 variants (Daihatsu TIS A15DL).
The DL 51's primary reliability risk is DPF clogging on high-mileage engines, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short trips. Internal Daihatsu engineering reports noted increased DPF regeneration failures beyond 130,000 km, while UK DVSA field data shows a notable share of emissions failures linked to incomplete regenerations. Extended short-trip operation and delayed maintenance increase thermal cycling stress, making oil and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Daihatsu technical bulletins (2020-2025) and UK DVSA emissions failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DAIHATSU DL-51.
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