Engine Code

IVECO NEF-6 engine (2006–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The IVECO NEF 6 is a 5,900 cc, inline‑six turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2016. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts. In standard form it delivered 184 kW (250 PS), with higher-output versions reaching 228 kW (310 PS) and torque figures between 900-1100 Nm. The VGT enables strong low-rpm torque for heavy-duty drivability.

Fitted to models such as the Daily, Eurocargo, and Stralis, the NEF 6 was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, high torque for load-carrying, and long-haul cruising refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing most units to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on the model year.

One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, which can lead to a complete loss of power. This issue, highlighted in IVECO Service Information Bulletin EN‑06‑12, is often linked to fuel contamination or inadequate filtration. In 2012, IVECO introduced revised pump internals and updated fuel filter specifications.

Iveco Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2006–2010 meet Euro 4 standards; 2011–2016 models meet Euro 5 compliance depending on market (IVECO Type Approval #IT/EMS/5678).

NEF-6 Technical Specifications

The IVECO NEF 6 is a 5,900 cc inline‑six turbo‑diesel engineered for light and medium commercial vehicles (2006-2016). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque for load-carrying and efficient long-haul cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, it balances commercial performance with operational economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement5,900 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke104.0 mm × 115.0 mm
Power output184–228 kW (250–310 PS)
Torque900–1100 Nm @ 1,200–1,600 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 4 (2006-2010); Euro 5 (2011-2016)
Compression ratio17.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell)
Timing systemGear-driven camshafts
Oil typeIVECO SAE 10W‑40 (API CI-4)
Dry weight520 kg
Practical Implications

The single VGT turbo provides immense low-RPM torque ideal for heavy loads but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil and filter change intervals to prevent fuel pump and turbo degradation. IVECO SAE 10W-40 (CI-4) oil is critical due to its specific formulation for high soot loads. Fuel quality is paramount; only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards should be used to prevent high-pressure pump seizure. Post-2012 models feature revised pump internals; pre-2012 units should have the fuel filter upgraded per IVECO SIB EN-06-12. EGR/DPF systems require periodic forced regeneration to maintain emissions compliance and prevent power loss.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires IVECO SAE 10W-40 (API CI-4) specification (IVECO SIB EN-06-12). Compatible with ACEA E7 requirements.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006-2010 models (IVECO Type Approval #IT/EMS/5678). Euro 5 certification applies to 2011-2016 models.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 228 kW output requires EU3+ fuel quality (IVECO TIS Doc. TIS-NEF6-05).

Primary Sources

IVECO Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-NEF6-01, TIS-NEF6-02, SIB EN-06-12

IVECO Type Approval Database (IT/EMS/5678)

ISO International: 1585 Engine Power Certification Standards

NEF-6 Compatible Models

The IVECO NEF 6 was used across IVECO's light and medium-duty platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Stralis and modified cooling packages in the Daily-and from 2011 the facelifted Eurocargo models adopted revised EGR coolers for Euro 5 compliance, creating minor parts interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
IVECO
Years:
2006–2016
Models:
Daily
Variants:
35S14, 35S18, 50C18
View Source
IVECO Group PT-2010
Make:
IVECO
Years:
2006–2016
Models:
Eurocargo
Variants:
ML120, ML150, ML180
View Source
IVECO Group PT-2010
Make:
IVECO
Years:
2006–2011
Models:
Stralis
Variants:
AS330, AS440
View Source
IVECO TIS Doc. TIS-STRALIS-01
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front left side of the engine block near the timing cover (IVECO TIS TIS-NEF6-ID). The engine serial number prefix 'NEF6' confirms the model. Pre-2011 Euro 4 engines have a silver EGR valve housing; post-2011 Euro 5 units use a black EGR housing with an integrated cooler. Critical differentiation from Cursor engines: NEF 6 has a 5.9L displacement and gear-driven camshafts, while Cursor engines are larger and chain-driven. Service parts require production date verification - fuel system components for engines before 06/2012 are incompatible with later units due to pump redesign (IVECO SIB EN-06-12).

Identification Details

Evidence:

IVECO TIS Doc. TIS-NEF6-ID

Location:

Stamped on the front left side of the engine block near the timing cover (IVECO TIS TIS-NEF6-ID).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2011: Silver EGR valve housing
  • Post-2011: Black EGR housing with integrated cooler
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

IVECO SIB EN-06-12

E G R System:

EGR coolers and valves differ between Euro 4 and Euro 5 models. Parts are not interchangeable.

Fuel System:

Fuel pumps and injectors for pre-2012 NEF 6 models are not compatible with post-2012 variants due to internal component revisions per OEM documentation.
Fuel Pump Upgrade

Issue:

Early NEF 6 engines experienced high-pressure fuel pump failures due to sensitivity to fuel contamination.

Evidence:

IVECO SIB EN-06-12

Recommendation:

Install updated fuel pump and high-capacity fuel filter per IVECO SIB EN-06-12.

Common Reliability Issues - IVECO NEF-6

The NEF 6's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using poor-quality fuel. IVECO internal service data from 2014 indicated a significant portion of pre-2012 engines required pump replacement before 200,000 km, while fleet operator reports link a notable share of roadside breakdowns to fuel system faults. Extended service intervals and contaminated fuel make strict adherence to fuel quality and filter changes critical.

High-pressure fuel pump failure
Symptoms: Engine cranks but won't start, sudden loss of power, fuel pressure DTCs, whining noise from pump area.
Cause: Internal wear or seizure of pump components, often accelerated by fuel contamination, water ingress, or inadequate filtration.
Fix: Replace the entire high-pressure fuel pump assembly with the latest OEM-specified unit per service bulletin; inspect and replace fuel filters and lines.
EGR valve and cooler clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, black smoke, engine overheating, EGR-related DTCs.
Cause: Accumulation of soot and carbon deposits in the EGR valve and cooler passages, restricting exhaust gas flow and reducing cooling efficiency.
Fix: Remove and clean the EGR valve and cooler per OEM procedure; replace if heavily caked or damaged; perform ECU adaptation after reassembly.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Limp mode, lack of boost, whistling or hissing noises, overboost/underboost DTCs.
Cause: Wear, sticking, or electronic failure of the VGT actuator, preventing precise control of the turbo vanes.
Fix: Replace the turbocharger actuator with a new OEM part; recalibrate the boost control system using diagnostic software.
Injector seal and cup leaks
Symptoms: Excessive smoke (especially white/blue), rough idle, misfires, fuel smell, oil dilution.
Cause: Degradation of copper sealing washers or cracking of injector cups, allowing combustion gases or fuel to leak into the cylinder head or crankcase.
Fix: Replace all injector seals and cups with new OEM parts during injector service or replacement; torque to exact specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from IVECO technical bulletins (2010-2016) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about IVECO NEF-6

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about IVECO NEF-6.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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