The Vauxhall C18XEL is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features multi-point fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and four valves per cylinder. In standard form it delivered 90 kW (122 PS) with 170 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth urban performance and dependable efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Meriva B, including the 1.8i 16V variants, the C18XEL was designed as a mid-range powertrain prioritising refinement, fuel economy, and emissions compliance for its era. Emissions control was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and precise lambda feedback, meeting Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in high-mileage units, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑08‑14. This issue stems from wear of piston rings and valve stem seals under frequent short-trip conditions and marginal oil quality. From 2009, revised piston ring tension and updated valve stem seals were introduced to improve oil control and reduce consumption rates.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2012 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2156).
The Vauxhall C18XEL is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2012). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver smooth low-end response and dependable urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 88.2 mm | |
| Power output | 90 kW (122 PS) | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch ME7.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2005–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2012) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos1 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The C18XEL delivers smooth, linear power ideal for mixed driving but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months) to protect piston rings and valve stem seals. GM Dexos1 (5W‑30) oil is essential due to its high thermal stability and shear resistance, which supports oil control under frequent short trips. Early-build units (pre-2009) are prone to oil consumption—addressed in Vauxhall SIB TIS‑08‑14 with updated piston rings and seals. The absence of turbocharging simplifies maintenance, but consistent oil quality remains critical for long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos1 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑08‑14). Meets ACEA A3/B4 with OEM-specific anti-wear additives.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2005–2008 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2156). Euro 5 compliance for 2009–2012 models confirmed via VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T18‑0210).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T18‑0201, T18‑0205, SIB TIS‑08‑14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2156)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall C18XEL was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised idle logic in the Astra and enhanced NVH tuning in the Zafira—and from 2009 the Euro 5-compliant variants featured updated piston ring packs and valve stem seals, creating minor 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 T18‑0201). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('8' for 1.8i series). Euro 4 units (2005–2008) use Bosch ME7.5.10 ECU with silver fuel rail; Euro 5 models (2009+) feature ME7.5.12 ECU and black fuel rail. Critical differentiation from Z18XER: C18XEL uses multi-point injection; Z18XER uses direct injection and variable valve lift. Piston ring revision introduced in 01/2009—verify part number against Vauxhall ETK before replacement.
The C18XEL's primary reliability risk is excessive oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip usage. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2010 indicated a measurable rate of oil top-ups exceeding 0.5 L per 1,000 km in pre-2009 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show catalytic converter failures increasing after 120,000 km in vehicles with chronic oil burning. Frequent cold starts accelerate ring and seal wear, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-18-XEL.
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.
