The Vauxhall Z13DTH is a 1,248 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 70 kW (95 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull for compact applications.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa C, Corsa D, and Meriva A—including the Corsa 1.3 CDTi and Meriva 1.3 CDTi—the Z13DTH was engineered for urban efficiency and responsive low‑speed drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and an oxidation catalyst, allowing it to meet Euro 4 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and cooler assembly, leading to carbon buildup and reduced performance. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑07‑12‑03, is attributed to thermal cycling and soot accumulation under frequent short‑trip conditions. From 2008, revised EGR components with improved thermal shielding were introduced.
Production years 2005–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Vauxhall Z13DTH is a 1,248 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for supermini and compact MPV applications (2005–2012). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and urban fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 72.6 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires regular oil changes every 15,000 km using GM-LL-B-025 (5W-30) oil to maintain turbo and chain longevity. The EGR system is prone to coking under short-trip conditions; revised EGR valves introduced in 2008 improve thermal resilience. The Bosch CP1 high-pressure pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent premature wear. Chain-driven timing is generally durable but inspect for tensioner wear if unusual valve train noise occurs.
Oil Specs: Requires Vauxhall GM-LL-B-025 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-07-12-03). Equivalent to ACEA B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2012 Z13DTH engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all model applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V18923).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V18923, V19011, TSB-07-12-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z13DTH was used across Vauxhall's Corsa C/D and Meriva A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva and modified accessory drive layouts in the Corsa D—and from 2008 the EGR system received thermal shielding upgrades, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V18950). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for Z13 series). All Z13DTH units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.3 CDTi' badge. Critical differentiation from earlier Z13DT: Z13DTH uses Bosch EDC16C39 ECU with OBD-II port under dash; Z13DT uses Siemens. Pre-2008 engines have a single EGR cooler without thermal shield; post-2008 units use a double-walled cooler per TSB-07-12-03.
The Z13DTH's primary reliability risk is EGR system coking and failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal service data from 2009 indicated a notable rate of EGR replacement before 100,000 km in affected fleets, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to EGR and DPF-related faults. Frequent cold starts and infrequent highway driving accelerate carbon buildup, making driving pattern and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-13-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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