The Vauxhall A16LEL is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2005. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance and smooth motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa C, Astra G, and Meriva A, including the popular 1.6 Life and 1.6 Club variants, the A16LEL was engineered for everyday reliability and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing it to meet Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe, particularly in high‑mileage units subjected to frequent short trips. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑02‑08‑03, is attributed to marginal lubrication under cold‑start conditions and insufficient oil change intervals. Affected engines exhibit rough idle and misfire codes related to cylinder deactivation.
All production years 1998–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A16LEL is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (1998–2005). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range power and dependable daily driving. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances drivability with serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The DOHC layout provides smooth power delivery but requires adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑A‑025–approved oil to prevent camshaft lobe wear. Short urban trips without full warm-up accelerate oil contamination and increase wear risk. The Bosch Motronic system demands quality fuel (EN 228) to avoid injector coking. Exhaust cam wear, noted in TSB‑02‑08‑03, can be mitigated by early oil analysis and avoiding extended idling. Timing chain is generally durable but tensioner inspection is advised beyond 150,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1999). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1998–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Corsa C and Astra G applications (Vauxhall PT‑1999).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T98‑112, SIB 02‑08‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A16LEL was used across Vauxhall's T300/Z30 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva A and modified airbox routing in the Corsa C—and from 2002 the facelifted Astra G models retained the same engine code but updated ECU calibrations for OBD‑II compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS T98‑112). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('6' for 1.6L). All A16LEL units feature black plastic cam covers with '16V' embossing. Critical differentiation from A16LET: A16LEL lacks turbo plumbing and uses a single exhaust manifold. ECU part number begins with '1228475' for pre‑2002 units and '1229012' for post‑OBD‑II. Service parts require calibration verification—injectors and throttle bodies are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 04‑11‑02).
The A16LEL's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal field data from 2003 indicated cam wear in a notable subset of engines exceeding 120,000 km without strict oil maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to misfire-related emissions faults. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase cam stress, making oil quality and change interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2002–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-LEL.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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