The Fiat 187 A1.000 – Petrol is a 999 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated engine produced between 2007 and 2014. It features a DOHC 12-valve configuration with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) and is engineered for compact urban vehicles. This engine delivers 50 kW (68 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 95 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing responsive city driving characteristics.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat 500 (124-series) and Fiat Panda (169-series), the 187 A1.000 was designed for economical urban mobility and low running costs. Its lightweight design and compact footprint make it ideal for small hatchbacks. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda feedback control, meeting Euro 4 standards from 2007 and Euro 5 from 2010 onwards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner, highlighted in Fiat Service Bulletin 42/2011. This issue, affecting early production units (2007–2009), can lead to belt slippage or failure if not inspected. In 2010, Fiat introduced a revised tensioner assembly with improved materials and spring loading to enhance durability across the engine range.
Production years 2007–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2014 models comply with Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Fiat 187 A1.000 – Petrol is a 999 cc inline-three naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact city cars (2007–2014). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a 12-valve DOHC layout to deliver responsive low-speed performance and fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2007–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2014) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, API SM/CF | |
| Dry weight | 87 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to the 120,000 km or 6-year timing belt service interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting API SM/CF specifications is recommended to ensure valve train and bearing longevity. Use of low-octane fuel (<95 RON) may trigger knock sensor intervention, reducing performance. The timing belt tensioner upgrade (Fiat SIB 42/2011) should be fitted during replacement on pre-2010 engines. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent fuel quality and avoidance of extended idling.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30, API SM/CF specification (Fiat SIB 42/2011). ACEA A1/B1 compliant oils are acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2007–2009 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 applies from 2010 onward, verified under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades ≥95 RON (Fiat TIS Doc. A187-601).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A187-450, A187-512, SIB 42/2011
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Fiat 187 A1.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 124/169 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Lancia for badge-engineered variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Panda and revised ECU mapping in the 500-and from 2010 the facelifted 500 Lounge models adopted Euro 5-compliant calibration, creating emissions-based interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Fiat TIS A187-460). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 187 A1.000). Pre-2010 models have a silver timing cover with ribbed texture; post-2010 units use a matte black cover. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: 187 A1.000 has no intercooler or boost pipes. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belt kits for pre-2010 engines are incompatible with post-2010 revisions due to tensioner redesign (Fiat SIB 42/2011).
The 187 A1.000’s primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates and extended service intervals. Internal Fiat quality reports from 2013 noted a significant number of pre-2010 engines requiring belt replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show timing-related failures contributing to MOT advisories. Infrequent servicing and low-octane fuel increase stress on the valve train, making belt inspection and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (2007-2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 187-A1-000.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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