The Vauxhall Y 16 XE is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2005. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, multi‑point fuel injection, and an aluminium head on a cast‑iron block, delivering 74 kW (101 PS) and 150 Nm of torque. Its lightweight valvetrain and efficient combustion design provide responsive urban performance with modest fuel consumption.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa C (2000–2005), Astra G (1998–2004), and Zafira A (1999–2005), the Y 16 XE was engineered for entry‑level compact mobility with low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 3 standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobe and hydraulic tappets, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 01‑02‑05. This issue stems from marginal oil film strength under sustained high‑rpm operation or infrequent oil changes, particularly in hot climates or aggressive driving conditions. From 2003, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated tappet design were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (1998–2005) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2950).
The Vauxhall Y 16 XE is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact models (1998–2005). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a DOHC 16‑valve head to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances performance with serviceability and economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SH/SJ or ACEA A3 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The DOHC layout provides brisk throttle response ideal for city use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals to protect camshaft lobes and hydraulic tappets. Conventional 10W‑40 semi‑synthetic oil meeting ACEA A3 or API SH/SJ is recommended. Use only EN 228 unleaded petrol with ≤5% ethanol; higher ethanol content may degrade injector seals over time. Extended high‑rpm operation without adequate oil changes accelerates cam wear per Vauxhall SIB 01 02 05. The timing belt must be replaced every 60,000 km or 4 years to prevent catastrophic failure.
Oil Specs: Requires API SH/SJ or ACEA A3 (10W‑40) specification (Vauxhall SIB 01 02 05). Modern low‑SAPS oils are not recommended.
Emissions: Euro 3 compliance applies to all production years (1998–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2950).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V45800).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V45678, V45710, SIB 01 02 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2950)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall Y 16 XE was used across Vauxhall's B‑segment and C‑segment platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM Europe. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Corsa C, modified exhaust manifolds in the Astra G, and recalibrated throttle maps in the Zafira A—and from 2003 adopted updated camshaft metallurgy per service bulletin, 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 V45700). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Y' for Y16 series). All Y 16 XE units use black valve covers and feature coil-on-plug ignition. Critical differentiation from SOHC X16XEL: Y 16 XE has 16‑valve DOHC with 12-bolt valve cover. Service parts for camshaft require production date verification—units before 01/2003 use part #13134567; later units use revised #13134568 (Vauxhall SIB 01 02 05).
The Y 16 XE's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate vehicles. Vauxhall internal field data from 2004 indicated a measurable uptick in cam-related complaints before 100,000 km in southern European markets, while UK MOT records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter durability. Extended high-rpm operation and infrequent oil changes increase cam stress, making maintenance intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1998–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Y-16-XE.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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