The Nissan E16i is a 1,597 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1990. It features a SOHC 8‑valve design with throttle-body fuel injection (TBI), delivering outputs of 55 kW (75 PS) and 123 Nm. Its cast-iron block and simple valvetrain provided robust, low-maintenance performance for compact family vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the Nissan Sunny B12 and Pulsar N13, the E16i was engineered for dependable daily driving and ease of repair. Its character emphasizes torque and mechanical simplicity over high-revving power. Emissions compliance was met through electronic fuel injection and an oxidation catalyst, achieving early Euro 1 standards for applicable markets.
One documented service concern is premature failure of the throttle-body injection (TBI) unit’s internal stepper motor, potentially leading to erratic idle or stalling. This issue, referenced in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB87‑012, is often associated with electrical wear and contamination. Nissan addressed this by revising the TBI unit’s internal components and updating the ECU calibration in later production.
Nissan
Production years 1985–1990 meet early Euro 1 standards for applicable markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8910).
The Nissan E16i is a 1,597 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact family cars (1985-1990). It combines throttle-body fuel injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable, torque-focused performance. Designed to meet early Euro 1 standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 123 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Throttle-body injection (TBI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (early) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Nissan 10W-40 (API SF/SG) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve design offers strong low-end torque ideal for city and highway driving but requires periodic adjustment of the mechanical valve clearances. The TBI unit is a known failure point; symptoms include rough idle or stalling, and replacement with the updated OEM unit per NTB87-012 is recommended. Using the specified 10W-40 oil ensures proper lubrication of the timing chain and hydraulic lifters. The engine's cast-iron block makes it durable but heavy. Coolant should be replaced every 3 years.
Oil Specs: Requires Nissan 10W-40 specification meeting API SF/SG (Nissan Owner's Manual OM-E16).
Emissions: Early Euro 1 certification applies to all production years (1985-1990) for UK/EU markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8910).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across all model applications (Nissan PT-1988).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs SM-E16, NTB87-012
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. E16-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8910)
The Nissan E16i was used across Nissan's B12/N13 platforms with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Vanette and revised intake manifolds in the Pulsar-and from 1988 the facelifted Sunny models adopted a revised TBI unit with improved stepper motor reliability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface on the front of the cylinder block, just below the #1 spark plug (Nissan TIS SM-E16). The 8th VIN digit for B12/N13 models is 'E', indicating the E-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its SOHC valve cover and the prominent throttle-body unit mounted centrally on the intake manifold. Critical differentiation from the carbureted E16: The E16i features a single large throttle-body unit with an electrical connector and fuel injector, whereas the E16 uses a conventional carburetor. Service parts for the block, head, and internals are generally interchangeable, but the intake manifold, fuel system, and ECU are specific to the E16i (Nissan EPC E16-001).
The E16i's primary reliability risk is throttle-body injection (TBI) unit failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Nissan TSB NTB87-012 documents this concern, while general owner feedback indicates distributor rotor wear and valve clearance issues are also common. Neglecting scheduled valve adjustments can lead to poor performance and increased fuel consumption, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1985-1990) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN E16I.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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