The Fiat 552 83 775 – Petrol is a 1,398 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1999 and 2006. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), and was designed for compact urban and family applications. With output ratings of 55–59 kW (75–80 PS), it delivers reliable performance with an emphasis on mechanical simplicity and ease of servicing.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Punto (188) and Palio (178), the 552 83 775 was engineered for economical city driving and low running costs. Its emissions compliance met Euro 2 thresholds in later production years, achieved through a catalytic converter and lambda sensor feedback system, allowing it to meet tightening European standards during the early 2000s.
One documented concern is premature camshaft lobe wear, particularly in units subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Fiat Technical Bulletin 8503, is attributed to marginal lubrication under high-temperature operation. In 2000, Fiat introduced an updated camshaft material and revised oil pump flow characteristics to improve durability across the engine family.
Production years 1999–1999 meet pre-Euro standards; 2000–2006 models comply with Euro 2 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
The Fiat 552 83 775 – Petrol is a 1,398 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact city cars (1999–2006). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver reliable, fuel-efficient performance. Designed to meet early Euro emissions standards, it prioritises durability and ease of maintenance in urban environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,398 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 71.5 mm | |
| Power output | 55–59 kW (75–80 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 108–112 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Magneti Marelli MPFI (32–800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1999); Euro 2 (2000–2006) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (SOHC, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC | |
| Dry weight | 106 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable low-RPM drivability ideal for city use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft and lifter wear. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC is essential due to the flat-tappet camshaft design, which relies on zinc-based anti-wear additives. Extended idling or high-load operation without adequate cooling can accelerate valve train wear. The Magneti Marelli injection system is robust but sensitive to fuel quality; use of ethanol-blended fuels above E5 may degrade seals over time. Post-2000 models benefit from improved camshaft metallurgy; pre-2000 units should verify lobe condition during major services per Fiat SIB 8503. Catalytic converters on Euro 2 models require lead-free petrol (RON 95) to prevent poisoning.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC specification (Fiat SIB 8503). Zinc content critical for flat-tappet cam protection.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 2000–2006 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687). Pre-2000 models meet pre-regulation emissions benchmarks.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly by model year and calibration (Fiat TIS Doc. A552-820).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A552-800, A552-810, A552-820, SIB 8503
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5687)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Fiat 552 83 775 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 188/178 platforms with transverse mounting and utilised shared architecture in European hatchback applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the Punto and revised exhaust routing in the Palio—and from 2000 the Euro 2-compliant variants adopted three-way catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback, creating 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 timing cover (Fiat TIS A552-815). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 1.4L petrol units). Pre-2000 models have silver cam covers with ribbed texture; post-2000 units use smooth black covers. Critical differentiation from 551 Series: 552 83 775 has a front-mounted timing chain with a single cover, while 551 Series engines use a rear-mounted belt. Service parts require model-year verification—camshafts before 2000 are incompatible with later units due to metallurgy and lobe profile changes (Fiat SIB 8503).
The 552 83 775 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is camshaft and lifter wear on pre-2000 builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature urban environments. Internal Fiat quality reports from 1999 indicated a significant number of engines required cam replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA field data links a notable share of emissions failures to degraded catalytic converters in poorly maintained units. Extended oil intervals and use of non-specification oil increase wear rates, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1999–2001) and UK VCA failure statistics (2000–2006). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 552-83-775.
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.
