The Vauxhall C16SEI is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1993 and 2000. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and multi-point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) with 138 Nm of torque, engineered for reliable urban mobility and low-cost ownership in compact vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Astra F, Corsa B, and Tigra A, the C16SEI was designed for drivers prioritising simplicity, fuel economy, and ease of maintenance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 1 and Euro 2 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear in early production units, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-95-09-14, was linked to inconsistent heat treatment of the gear material. From 1997 onward, revised distributor drive gears with improved surface hardening were introduced to resolve the failure mode.
Production years 1993–1996 meet Euro 1 standards; 1997–2000 models comply with Euro 2 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2789).
The Vauxhall C16SEI is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupés (1993–2000). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver modest power and dependable operation. Designed to meet Euro 1 and Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and serviceability over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 83.6 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) | |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–1996); Euro 2 (1997–2000) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/CD or ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The SOHC valvetrain provides mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference damage. Multi-point injection ensures reliable cold starts but is sensitive to fuel quality—use of EN 228 petrol is recommended. Early units (1993–1996) should have the distributor drive gear inspected per TSB-95-09-14; post-1997 engines feature the updated component. The absence of hydraulic lifters necessitates periodic valve clearance checks every 120,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/CD or ACEA A2 (10W-40) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual 1995). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable but not required.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–1996 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2789). 1997–2000 models meet Euro 2 in all EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 petrol (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V44120).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V44100, V44105, V44110, TSB-95-09-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2789)
EEC Directive 80/1269 Power Measurement Standards
The Vauxhall C16SEI was used across Vauxhall's Astra F/Corsa B platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tigra A and modified intake ducting for right-hand drive variants—and from 1997 the Euro 2-compliant variants adopted updated ECU calibrations and distributor hardware, 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 V44125). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for 1.6 petrol series). Pre-1997 models use a silver rocker cover with external distributor; post-1997 Euro 2 units have black rocker covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from X16SZR: C16SEI uses Bosch Motronic M1.5 with distributor; X16SZR uses Motronic 1.6 with distributorless ignition. Distributor drive gears for pre-1997 engines are not interchangeable with post-1997 units due to TSB-95-09-14 material changes.
The C16SEI's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 1998 indicated a measurable increase in ignition-related service visits before 120,000 km for 1993–1996 builds, while UK DVLA records show timing belt neglect as a common cause of engine seizure in later life. Extended oil intervals and low-quality petrol accelerate valve train wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–1999) and UK DVLA/DVSA service records (1996–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-16-SEI.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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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