The Vauxhall M9R 780 is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2018 under licence from Renault. It features a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), common‑rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with 16 valves. In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering strong low‑end response for mid‑size crossovers and light commercial vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Antara, Vivaro A, and Zafira Tourer C, the M9R 780 was engineered for durability, towing capability, and everyday utility. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing adherence to Euro 4 standards in early builds and Euro 5 in later production.
One documented concern is premature failure of the timing chain tensioner, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0512. This is attributed to inadequate lubrication under cold-start conditions and marginal material hardness in early-design tensioners. From 2010, revised tensioner components and updated chain guides were introduced to improve reliability.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2018 models comply with Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Vauxhall M9R 780 is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered under Renault licence for mid-size passenger and light commercial vehicles (2006–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver robust low-rpm torque and towing capability. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances utility with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 146 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for towing and urban driving but requires consistent use of EN 590 diesel and DEXOS2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and timing chain. Extended oil change intervals beyond 20,000 km or 12 months may accelerate wear in the Bosch CP3.4 pump and chain tensioner. The DPF requires periodic highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration. Vauxhall SIB PI0512 recommends replacing the timing tensioner with updated part number (13587421) for pre-2010 engines exhibiting chain rattle.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Vivaro A 2008). Not interchangeable with DEXOS1.
Emissions: Euro 4 applies to 2006–2009 models; Euro 5 certification confirmed for 2010–2018 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Output assumes EN 590 diesel and ambient conditions per ISO 1585.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-M9R-01, TIS-M9R-02, TIS-M9R-03
Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0512
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall M9R 780 was used across Vauxhall's Antara, Vivaro A, and Zafira Tourer C platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Vivaro for commercial load tolerance and modified exhaust routing in the Antara—and from 2010 minor timing system updates were introduced to address tensioner durability, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Vauxhall TIS TIS-M9R-01). The 7th and 8th VIN digits identify engine variant ('M9' for M9R series). All units use Bosch EDC16C39 ECU with silver casing. Critical differentiation from 2.0 BiTurbo: M9R 780 has single VGT turbo and 130 PS output. Service parts for timing system require production date verification—tensioners before 01/2010 use part number 13572108; later units use 13587421 with hardened guides (Vauxhall SIB PI0512).
The M9R 780's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in cold-climate or stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2012 indicated a measurable uptick in tensioner replacements before 100,000 km for 2006–2009 units, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related warning lights as the second-most common emissions fault in short-trip-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel amplify chain and turbo stress, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and EN 590 diesel critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2008–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL M9R-780.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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