The Fiat 182 B3.000 – Petrol is a 903 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1984 and 1989. It was engineered as a compact, lightweight powerplant for entry-level urban vehicles. Featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 6-valve configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery, it delivered 27 kW (37 PS) at 5,200 rpm with 61 Nm of torque, providing economical performance ideal for city commuting.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Panda 45 and Fiat Uno 45 models, the 182 B3.000 – Petrol emphasized fuel efficiency and ease of servicing in small car applications. Its emissions control system met early regulatory standards through a basic catalytic converter on later Euro 1-compliant variants (1987–1989), while pre-1987 models remained pre-regulation, reflecting transitional compliance during tightening EU norms.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor centrifugal advance mechanism, highlighted in Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 85/11. This wear leads to ignition timing drift, resulting in reduced fuel economy and difficulty starting when hot. From 1986 onward, Fiat introduced a revised distributor unit with reinforced weights and springs to improve long-term timing stability.
Production years 1984–1986 meet pre-Euro standards; 1987–1989 models comply with Euro 1 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Fiat 182 B3.000 – Petrol is a 903 cc inline-three naturally aspirated engine engineered for lightweight city cars (1984–1989). It combines SOHC 6-valve architecture with carburetted fuel delivery to deliver economical urban performance. Designed for simplicity and durability, it prioritizes low cost and ease of maintenance over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 903 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 6-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 66.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 27 kW (37 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 61 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 30 IDEF carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1984–1986); Euro 1 (1987–1989, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-30 (API SF) | |
| Dry weight | 79 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable, low-stress performance ideal for city driving but requires regular carburettor and ignition system maintenance. SAE 10W-30 mineral oil is specified, with 15,000 km service intervals sufficient under normal conditions. The Weber 30 IDEF carburettor is sensitive to fuel quality, necessitating periodic cleaning to prevent mixture imbalance. Ignition timing must be checked annually due to distributor wear documented in Fiat SIB 85/11. Emissions compliance on Euro 1 variants depends on intact catalytic converter function; bypassing this system invalidates type approval. The long-stroke design enhances low-end torque but limits high-RPM durability.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF 10W-30 (Fiat SIB 85/11). No ACEA or synthetic specifications apply.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1987–1989 exports only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Pre-1987 models are pre-regulation.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Output consistent across standard-grade fuels due to carburettor calibration (Fiat TIS Doc. M182-03).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M182-03, M182-02, FUEL-182B, SIB 85/11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Fiat 182 B3.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 141 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed derivatives. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory belts in the Panda 45 and revised air intake routing in the Uno 45-and from 1987 the Euro 1-compliant Uno 45 S adopted a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the starter motor (Fiat TIS M182-04). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 182 B3.000 – Petrol). Pre-1987 models have a chrome air cleaner cover; post-1987 Euro 1 variants feature a catalytic converter and lambda sensor. Critical differentiation from 182 A4.000: 182 B3.000 has a 903 cc displacement and inline-three configuration, while 182 A4.000 uses a 999 cc inline-four block. Service parts require model-year verification—emissions components for Uno 45 S (1987–1989) are incompatible with earlier non-cat models (Fiat SIB 87/13).
The 182 B3.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is distributor advance mechanism wear, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Fiat field reports from 1986 noted increased hot-start failures in Mediterranean deliveries, while UK DVSA historic data shows a notable share of pre-1987 emissions test failures linked to mixture imbalance. Infrequent servicing and use of low-quality fuel exacerbate carburettor and ignition issues, making distributor inspection and correct oil use critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1984-1989) and UK DVSA historic failure statistics (1985-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 182-B3-000.
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 FIAT 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.
FIAT 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 officialFIAT 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.
