The Suzuki M15A is a 1,490 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2014. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. Output ranges from 77 kW (105 PS) to 81 kW (110 PS) depending on market and model year, delivering responsive urban performance with refined operation.
Fitted to the Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC), SX4, and Aerio across global markets, the M15A was engineered for sporty compact driving with strong mid‑range torque and agile throttle response. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 4 standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes due to marginal oil flow and high valve spring tension, highlighted in Suzuki Technical Service Bulletin STB‑08‑P019. This issue stems from the aggressive cam profile used in the Swift Sport variant, leading to ticking noises and reduced valve lift. Later service updates mandated revised camshafts and improved oil jet positioning.
Suzuki
All production years 2005–2014 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/M15A01).
The Suzuki M15A is a 1,490 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sporty compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2005–2014). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver crisp throttle response and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,490 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 86.5 mm | |
| Power output | 77–81 kW (105–110 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 140–144 Nm @ 4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | API SM (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The high 11.0:1 compression ratio and aggressive cam profile provide spirited performance but increase susceptibility to cam lobe wear under marginal lubrication. Suzuki mandates 10,000 km oil change intervals using API SM 5W‑30 oil to maintain oil film integrity at high RPM. The timing chain is maintenance-free but requires correct oil viscosity to prevent premature stretch. Fuel must meet EN 228 petrol standards with adequate octane (RON 95 minimum) to prevent knock. Revised camshafts introduced in 2009 (per Suzuki STB‑08‑P019) significantly reduce wear—pre-2009 Swift Sport engines should be inspected for lobe pitting during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires API SM (5W-30) specification (Suzuki Owner Manual 2007). Not compatible with older API SL or non-detergent oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2014 M15A engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/M15A01). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by market due to emissions tuning (Suzuki PT‑2010).
Suzuki Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M15A‑A03, M15A‑A09, STB 08‑P019
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/M15A01)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Suzuki M15A was used across Suzuki's ZC/YA platforms with transverse mounting and was shared globally with minor regional adaptations. This engine received platform-specific tuning—aggressive cam profiles and sport ECU maps for the Swift Sport and detuned variants for the SX4—and from 2009 minor camshaft revisions were introduced per service bulletin, creating interchange limits for high-performance applications. Licensing allowed Fiat to use a detuned version in the Sedici. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the block near the timing cover (Suzuki TIS M15A‑A02). The 7th VIN digit is 'M' for M-series engines. The M15A is visually distinct by its DOHC 16-valve head, dual cam covers, and individual coil-on-plug ignition. Critical differentiation from M16A: M15A has 1,490 cc displacement and no VVT; M16A features variable valve timing and 1,586 cc. Camshaft part numbers must match production date—pre-2009 units (Part #12200‑77A00) are prone to lobe wear; post-2009 use hardened camshafts (Part #12200‑77A10) per Suzuki STB‑08‑P019.
The M15A's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear due to high valve spring loads and marginal oil jet coverage, with elevated incidence in pre-2009 Swift Sport applications under spirited use. Suzuki internal field reports from 2009 noted over 22% of warranty claims on early M15A Sport units were linked to cam wear, while UK DVLA data shows high rates of failed compression tests in high-mileage examples. Extended high-RPM driving and incorrect oil accelerate lobe degradation, making oil quality and cam inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Suzuki technical bulletins (2008–2012) and UK DVLA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SUZUKI M15A.
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 SUZUKI 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.
SUZUKI 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 officialSUZUKI 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.
