The Vauxhall D 16 SHL 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 delivers 95 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Meriva B, and Zafira Tourer C—including the 1.6 CDTi variants—the D 16 SHL was engineered for fuel efficiency and responsive torque delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 5b compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is dual‑mass flywheel (DMF) degradation under frequent stop‑start use, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0631. This is often linked to thermal fatigue and torsional stress during repeated clutch engagement. From mid‑2015, Vauxhall introduced a revised DMF design with improved heat shielding and damping characteristics.
All production years (2013–2018) meet Euro 5b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall D 16 SHL is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and MPV models (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5b, it balances everyday drivability with emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.1 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (130 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1549V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 5W-30 to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearings. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory; biodiesel blends above B7 are not recommended. Frequent stop-start use accelerates dual-mass flywheel wear—evident as judder on take-off—prompting replacement per Vauxhall SIB PI0631. The front-mounted timing chain is considered lifetime but relies on clean oil; sludge from neglected changes may impair tensioner function. DPF regeneration cycles should not be interrupted during highway driving to prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual 2014).
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to all 2013–2018 D 16 SHL engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. TIS-D16SHL-04).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-D16SHL-01 to TIS-D16SHL-04, SIB PI0631
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall D 16 SHL was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Meriva B, and Zafira Tourer C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer for NVH control and modified airbox routing in the Meriva—and from mid‑2015 the Astra J LCI adopted an updated dual‑mass flywheel, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS TIS-D16SHL-06). The 7th VIN digit for D 16 SHL applications is 'D'. All units feature black valve covers with integrated coil packs and a Garrett GT1549V turbo with VGT actuator. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.7 CDTi (A17DTR): D 16 SHL uses a Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump and lacks balance shafts. Service parts for dual-mass flywheel (pre- and post-06/2015) are not interchangeable due to damping material changes per Vauxhall SIB PI0631.
The D 16 SHL's primary reliability risk is dual‑mass flywheel (DMF) wear under frequent stop‑start driving. Vauxhall internal field data (2016) indicated elevated DMF replacement rates before 100,000 km in urban fleets, while UK DVSA records show moderate DPF-related MOT advisories in high-mileage examples. Thermal cycling and aggressive clutch use make flywheel integrity and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-16-SHL.
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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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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