The Vauxhall R9M 450 is a 1,749 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features a high-pressure common‑rail fuel system, variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm responsiveness for urban and mixed driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K and Crossland, the R9M 450 was engineered for compact vehicle efficiency, offering low CO₂ emissions and compliance with Euro 6d standards. Emissions control is managed through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, enabling full regulatory compliance across EU markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 18‑037. This issue is linked to insufficient lubrication under frequent short‑trip usage and cold starts. From late 2020, revised pump drive components were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765).
The Vauxhall R9M 450 is a 1,749 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it integrates advanced aftertreatment systems including DPF and SCR with AdBlue.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,749 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 87.4 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| 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 compact aluminium-block design enhances fuel economy but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger. GM Dexos2 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation, which safeguards the DPF and SCR system. Frequent short trips without full warm-up cycles accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR and intake. Post-2020 engines include an updated fuel pump drive gear per Vauxhall SIB 18 037. Euro 6d compliance requires uninterrupted AdBlue top-ups and complete DPF regeneration cycles to avoid limp-mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 18 037). Meets ACEA C2/C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output validated on EU5+ ultra-low-sulfur diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V17210).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V17110, V17115, SIB 18 037
Renault Parts Catalogue (EPC) R9M-450
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8765)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall R9M 450 was used across Vauxhall's Astra K and Crossland platforms with transverse mounting under a supply agreement with Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Crossland and modified airbox routing in the Astra K—but retained Renault’s core architecture and service requirements. All units are mechanically identical to the Renault R9M 450 used in the Mégane IV and Clio V. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V17180). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('R' for R9M series). All R9M 450 units feature a black aluminium valve cover with “R9M” embossed. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.6 dCi engines: R9M has an aluminium block, Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump, and integrated AdBlue dosing unit. Service parts for fuel pump drive gears differ before and after production date 11/2020 (Vauxhall SIB 18 037).
The R9M 450's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban usage. Vauxhall internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable uptick in pump failures before 100,000 km in vehicles with frequent cold starts, while UK DVSA records show SCR/AdBlue-related MOT advisories rising in high-idle usage profiles. Incomplete warm-up cycles and incorrect oil specification accelerate wear, making adherence to Dexos2 oil and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL R9M-450.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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)
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
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