The Peugeot XU11 is a 1,905 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1994. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture with Bosch L‑Jetronic fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 79 kW (107 PS) at 5,750 rpm and 155 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing adequate performance for mid‑size sedans and hatchbacks of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Peugeot 405, 605, and certain Citroën BX variants, the XU11 was engineered for everyday reliability, smooth operation, and straightforward maintenance. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection and exhaust catalytic conversion, allowing Euro 1 compliance for units produced from 1992 onward.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, which can lead to ignition timing drift or failure. This issue, highlighted in Peugeot Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑XU‑89‑04, is attributed to insufficient surface hardening in early production batches. From 1990, Peugeot introduced a revised gear with improved metallurgy to address the defect.
Production years 1986–1991 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1992–1994 models comply with Euro 1 emissions requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Peugeot XU11 is a 1,905 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (1986–1994). It combines Bosch L‑Jetronic fuel injection with a SOHC 8‑valve head to deliver predictable throttle response and serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 1 (from 1992), it balances drivability with period‑appropriate emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,905 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 79 kW (107 PS) @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L‑Jetronic electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1986–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1994) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | API SG/CC, SAE 10W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of repair but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 km. Bosch L‑Jetronic systems are sensitive to fuel pressure and air leaks—maintaining the integrity of vacuum lines and fuel rails is essential. The distributor drive gear (early units) is prone to wear; replacement with the updated part per TSB‑XU‑89‑04 is recommended during major services. Use of unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 standards is mandatory to protect the catalytic converter introduced in 1992.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/CC (or ACEA A2/B2) 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil (Peugeot Owner’s Manual 1990).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1994 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Pre-1992 units lack catalytic converters.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on Peugeot 405 GL (1990) chassis dyno logs (Peugeot TIS Doc. XU‑11‑A).
Peugeot Technical Information System (TIS): Docs XU‑11‑A, TSB‑XU‑89‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Peugeot XU11 was used across Peugeot's 405/605 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Citroën for the BX and early Xantia. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the 605 and revised intake manifolds in the 405 Mi16—and from 1992 the 405 received catalytic converters and modified ECU mapping, creating emissions-related interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the bellhousing flange (Peugeot TIS XU‑11‑A). The 7th VIN digit for Peugeot 405 is 'F' for XU11; for Citroën BX, consult the engine bay compliance plate. Early (pre-1990) units have a black plastic distributor cap and non-catalytic exhaust manifolds; post-1992 models feature grey distributor caps and a three-way catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from XU9: XU11 has 1,905 cc displacement (XU9 is 1,903 cc) and distinct camshaft timing marks. Distributor gear part number 9622 88 before 1990; 9622 95 after (per TSB‑XU‑89‑04).
The XU11's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Peugeot internal quality data from 1990 noted a significant number of pre-1990 engines requiring ignition system repairs before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show catalytic converter failures in post-1992 models linked to rich-running conditions from aging L‑Jetronic sensors. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect fuel increase valve train and sensor degradation, making regular maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Peugeot technical bulletins (1988–1994) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT XU11.
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