The Peugeot XL5 is a 1,360 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1994. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture with a single‑barrel downdraft carburettor. Peak output is 59 kW (80 PS) at 5,800 rpm with 112 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, offering light and economical urban performance.
Fitted primarily to the Peugeot 205 and 309, the XL5 was engineered for cost‑effective city motoring with modest power and high fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust after‑treatment and lean‑burn carburettor calibration, meeting Euro 1 standards from 1992 onward, with earlier builds complying only with pre‑Euro (Euro 0) norms.
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‑88‑09, stems from marginal case hardening of the cast‑iron gear teeth. From 1990 onward, revised gear metallurgy reduced incidence in later production batches.
Peugeot
Production years 1986–1991 meet Euro 0 standards; 1992–1994 models meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7654).
The Peugeot XL5 is a 1,360 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1986–1994). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single-barrel carburettor to deliver light, economical urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards from 1992 onward, it prioritises reliability and serviceability over output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,360 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single‑barrel downdraft carburettor (Solex 32 TBIC) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (1986–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1994) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 94 kg |
The SOHC design offers straightforward maintenance but requires periodic valve clearance checks every 20,000 km to maintain efficiency and idle quality. The Solex carburettor is sensitive to fuel volatility and may require seasonal jetting adjustments; ethanol-blended fuels accelerate diaphragm degradation. Distributor drive gear integrity is critical—any ignition timing drift should prompt immediate inspection per PSA TB‑88‑09. Use only API SG/SH or ACEA A2 oil to prevent sludge in the chain-driven timing system and ensure consistent lubrication under urban driving conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH or ACEA A2 (10W‑40) specification (PSA Owner’s Handbook 205, 1987).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1994 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7654). Pre-1992 units comply with Euro 0 norms.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards (PSA TIS Doc. M07‑122).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M07‑122, TB‑88‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7654)
EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Euro 1 Standard)
The Peugeot XL5 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 XS and modified airboxes in the 309 GL—and from 1990 the updated distributor gears created 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 M07‑122). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('5' for XL5). Visual identification: single-barrel Solex carburettor with manual choke cable and black plastic air cleaner housing. Critical differentiation from XL3 (1.3L): XL5 has larger displacement (1,360 cc vs 1,294 cc) and higher compression ratio (9.4:1 vs 9.2:1). Always verify casting number 96415300 on the block for authenticity.
The XL5's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in pre-1990 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban vehicles. PSA internal field reports from 1989 noted measurable timing drift before 90,000 km in fleet applications, while owner club surveys confirm ignition instability as a frequent complaint. Frequent stop-start operation and marginal lubrication at the cam-distributor interface make periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1988–1992) and Peugeot 205 Owner Club reliability surveys (1990–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT XL5.
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 PEUGEOT 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.
PEUGEOT 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 officialPEUGEOT 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.
