The Peugeot XU9 16V is a 1,905 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1997. It featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve cylinder head, delivering enhanced high‑rpm power over earlier 8‑valve XU variants. In standard form it produced 103–110 kW (140–150 PS) and 170–180 Nm of torque, with the high‑revving character typical of 1980s performance engines.
Fitted to performance variants such as the Peugeot 405 Mi16, 309 GTI 16V, and 205 GTI 1.9, the XU9 16V was engineered for spirited driving and track capability, emphasizing throttle response and rev-happiness. Emissions compliance relied on multi-point fuel injection and exhaust catalysts, meeting Euro 1 standards throughout its production.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft followers and valve train components, highlighted in Peugeot Technical Note 93 12 05. This issue stems from marginal oil flow to the upper head under sustained high-RPM use. From 1992, revised cam profiles and hardened followers were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 1986–1997 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Peugeot XU9 16V is a 1,905 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for hot hatch and compact performance sedans (1986–1997). It combines a DOHC 16‑valve head with multi-point fuel injection to deliver high-revving power and crisp throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances performance with period-typical fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,905 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103–110 kW (140–150 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 170–180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LE-Jetronic multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The DOHC 16-valve head delivers strong top-end power but requires strict 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference damage. High-RPM use demands consistent oil changes with quality 10W-40 (ACEA A2) to protect cam followers and hydraulic lifters. Fuel must meet EN 228 unleaded standards; ethanol blends above E5 may degrade older seals. The Bosch LE-Jetronic system is sensitive to vacuum leaks and aged sensors—regular inspection of idle control and O2 feedback loops is advised. Revised cam followers (post-1992) should be retrofitted to early engines per Peugeot Technical Note 93 12 05.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH or ACEA A2 (10W-40) specification (Peugeot SIB 93 12 05). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are not recommended for pre-1995 units.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 2 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 110 kW output applies to 405 Mi16 Phase 2 (1993–1997) only (Peugeot TIS Doc. XU9-101).
Peugeot Technical Information System (TIS): Docs XU9-101, XU9-205, SIB 93 12 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585:1995 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Peugeot XU9 16V was used across Peugeot's XU platform derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the 405 Mi16 and revised intake manifolds in the 309 GTI 16V-and from 1993 the facelifted 405 Mi16 Phase 2 adopted updated camshafts and ECU mapping, creating minor 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 XU9-101). The 7th VIN digit for XU9 16V models is typically '9'. Early engines (pre-1992) have silver cam covers with black rubber breather hoses; post-1992 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from XU9 8V: 16V has dual camshafts visible under the cover and a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold. Timing belt kits for pre-1992 engines lack the updated tensioner pulley used from 1993 onward (Peugeot SIB 93 12 05).
The XU9 16V's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to interference design, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected examples. Peugeot internal data indicated belt-related engine seizures in ~8% of pre-1995 units exceeding 80,000 km without replacement, while UK DVSA records show valve-train wear as a common MOT advisory item in surviving examples. High-RPM use and infrequent oil changes accelerate cam and follower degradation, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Peugeot technical bulletins (1988–1997) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT XU9-16V.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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