The Vauxhall B16DTL is a 1,496 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pull for compact vehicle applications.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa F, Crossland, and Grandland—including the 1.5 Turbo D variants—the B16DTL was engineered for urban efficiency and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 6d standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 19‑061. This issue is often linked to marginal lubrication during cold starts and extended oil change intervals. From 2021 onward, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7895).
The Vauxhall B16DTL is a 1,496 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for subcompact and compact models (2018–2023). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The compact three-cylinder layout delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W-30) to prevent HPFP cam lobe wear. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid pump seizure. Extended idling or short-trip driving increases DPF soot accumulation, risking regeneration failures. Post-2021 engines feature updated camshaft surface treatment per Vauxhall SIB 19-061; pre-2021 units benefit from proactive HPFP inspection. Cooled EGR reduces NOx but requires periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 19-061). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all production years 2018–2023 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7895).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Corsa F 1.5 Turbo D (VIN 8th digit 'L') per Vauxhall TIS V33‑005.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V32‑1490, V32‑1495, SIB 19‑061
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7895)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B16DTL was used across Vauxhall's Corsa F, Crossland, and Grandland platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) under the joint Euro 6d diesel program. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Grandland and modified intake manifolds in the Corsa—and from 2021 the updated camshaft design improved HPFP durability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V32‑1510). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for B16DTL). Pre-2021 models use a standard camshaft surface finish; post-2021 units have nitrided camshaft lobe treatment. Critical differentiation from B16DTH: B16DTL has DPF and EGR cooler, while B16DTH lacks DPF. Service parts for fuel system require production date verification—HPFP kits for engines before 04/2021 are incompatible with later units due to camshaft material revision (Vauxhall SIB 19‑061).
The B16DTL's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-Dexos2 oil or exceeding service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2022 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Short-trip cycles and poor oil quality accelerate wear, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-16-DTL.
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
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
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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