The Vauxhall B13DTR is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a fixed‑geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 70 kW (95 PS) with 230 Nm of torque, engineered for urban efficiency and compact vehicle packaging.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa D, Adam, and Mokka, the B13DTR was designed for drivers prioritising low running costs and CO₂ emissions without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe on the camshaft, which can lead to pump failure and fuel system contamination. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-14-06-18, was linked to marginal lubrication under high thermal load in early production units. From 2015 onward, revised camshaft profiles and updated fuel pump designs were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
All production years (2011–2018) comply with Euro 5 standards across EU and UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Vauxhall B13DTR is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for compact city and crossover models (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances compact packaging with everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable low-end response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent CP1 pump seizure. EGR and DPF systems are sensitive to short-trip driving; periodic highway runs help maintain regeneration cycles. Post-2015 engines include a revised camshaft profile per TSB-14-06-18, significantly reducing pump failure risk.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-14-06-18). Meets ACEA C3 but adds OEM-specific wear protection for cam-driven fuel pumps.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Verified under Directive 2005/55/EC.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V77140).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V77130, V77135, V77140, TSB-14-06-18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B13DTR was used across Vauxhall's Corsa D/Adam platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Mokka and revised cooling ducts in the Adam S—and from 2015 the updated camshaft design created interchange limits for fuel system components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS V77155). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 1.3 diesel series). Pre-2015 models use a silver cam cover with round diagnostic port; post-2015 units have black cam covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from B13DTH: B13DTR is 95 PS with DOHC; B13DTH is 75 PS with SOHC. Fuel pump and camshaft assemblies are not interchangeable across model years due to TSB-14-06-18 redesign.
The B13DTR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure due to camshaft drive lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in short-trip vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-13-DTR.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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