The Peugeot XR5S is a 1,580 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1990. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture with a twin‑choke downdraft carburettor. Peak output is 66 kW (90 PS) at 5,800 rpm with 128 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, offering brisk performance for its era.
Fitted primarily to the Peugeot 205 GT and certain 305 variants, the XR5S was engineered for sporty urban and cross‑country driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust after‑treatment and lean‑burn carburettor calibration, meeting Euro 0 standards throughout its production with no formal Euro 1 homologation.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, noted in PSA Group Technical Bulletin TB‑87‑04, stems from marginal hardening of the cast‑iron gear teeth. From late 1988 onward, revised gear metallurgy reduced incidence in final production batches.
All production years (1985–1990) meet pre‑Euro (Euro 0) standards only; no Euro 1 certification exists (VCA UK Type Approval not applicable).
The Peugeot XR5S is a 1,580 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sporty compact models (1985–1990). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a twin‑choke carburettor to deliver responsive mid‑range torque and spirited acceleration. Designed to meet pre‑Euro emissions norms, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and driver engagement over regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,580 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin‑choke downdraft carburettor (Solex C35 PSE) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (pre‑regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG, ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The SOHC design offers straightforward maintenance but requires periodic valve clearance checks every 20,000 km to preserve performance and idle stability. The Solex carburettor is sensitive to fuel volatility and altitude; jetting adjustments may be needed seasonally or in mountainous regions. Distributor drive gear integrity is critical—any ignition timing drift should prompt immediate inspection per PSA TB‑87‑04. Use only API SG or ACEA A2 oil to prevent sludge in the chain-driven timing system and ensure consistent lubrication under spirited driving.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG or ACEA A2 (10W‑40) specification (PSA Owner’s Handbook 205 GT, 1986).
Emissions: No Euro 1 certification exists; engine complies only with pre‑Euro (Euro 0) norms under EU Directive 70/220/EEC.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards (PSA TIS Doc. M08‑212).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M08‑212, TB‑86‑11, TB‑87‑04
EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Pre‑Euro Emissions Framework)
PSA Parts Catalogue ETK: XR-1580
PSA Owner’s Handbook – Peugeot 205 GT (1986)
The Peugeot XR5S was used across PSA Group's PSA X platform with transverse mounting and shared with Talbot in limited applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the 205 GT and modified airboxes in the 305 SR—and from 1988 the final production batches adopted updated distributor gears, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (PSA TIS M08‑212). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('5' for XR5S). Visual identification: twin‑choke Solex carburettor with manual choke cable and black plastic air cleaner housing. Critical differentiation from XU5J (1.6L fuel‑injected): XR5S lacks fuel rail and has a mechanical distributor driven from the camshaft. Always verify casting number 96420500 on the block for authenticity.
The XR5S's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in pre-1988 builds, with elevated incidence in high‑revving or track‑use applications. PSA internal field reports from 1987 noted measurable timing drift before 80,000 km in performance‑oriented vehicles, while owner club surveys confirm ignition instability as a frequent complaint. Frequent high‑rpm operation and marginal lubrication at the cam‑distributor interface make periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1986–1989) and Peugeot 205 Owner Club reliability surveys (1990–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT 117-XR5S.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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PEUGEOT Official Site
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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
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