The Vauxhall B16DTN is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) with 300 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and fuel efficiency in compact vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa E, Meriva B, and Mokka, the B16DTN was designed for drivers prioritising low running costs and CO₂ emissions without sacrificing everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower, leading to pump failure and fuel contamination. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-15-02-14, stems from marginal lubrication under high thermal load in early production units. From 2016 onward, revised cam followers and updated fuel pump designs were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
Production years 2013–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
The Vauxhall B16DTN is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2013–2018). 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 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2013–2015); Euro 6 (2016–2018) | |
| 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 | 138 kg |
The VGT turbo delivers responsive low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. EGR and DPF systems are sensitive to short-trip driving; periodic highway runs help maintain regeneration cycles. Post-2016 engines include a reinforced cam follower per TSB-15-02-14, significantly reducing pump failure risk.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-15-02-14). Meets ACEA C3 but adds OEM-specific wear protection.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432). 2016–2018 models meet Euro 6 in all EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V87240).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V87230, V87235, TSB-15-02-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5432)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B16DTN was used across Vauxhall's Corsa E/Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Mokka and revised cooling ducts in the Corsa—and from 2016 the Euro 6-compliant variants adopted updated ECU calibrations and cam follower designs, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS V87260). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 1.6 diesel series). Pre-2016 models use a silver cam cover with round diagnostic port; post-2016 Euro 6 units have black cam covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from B16DTH: B16DTN is 120 PS with DOHC; B16DTH is 95 PS with SOHC. Fuel pump cam followers are not interchangeable across model years due to TSB-15-02-14 redesign.
The B16DTN's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2016 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 (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-16-DTN.
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 VAUXHALL 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.
VAUXHALL 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 officialVAUXHALL 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.
