The Vauxhall Z16LET is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and common‑rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low‑end pull ideal for urban and motorway use.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D, the Z16LET was engineered for fuel‑efficient commuting with responsive mid‑range torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 4 certification across all production years, with select 2010–2013 variants meeting Euro 5 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump cam follower, which can lead to pump failure and fuel starvation. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑06‑08‑12, is attributed to marginal lubrication of the cam follower under sustained high‑load conditions. From 2010, revised camshaft profiles and hardened followers were introduced in Euro 5 variants to mitigate this failure mode.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2013 models meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2006/0942).
The Vauxhall Z16LET is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size family vehicles (2006–2013). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) emissions standards, it balances drivability with moderate fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett GT15) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The Z16LET delivers strong low-end torque ideal for stop-start driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025 (5W‑30) oil to prevent cam follower wear on the high-pressure fuel pump. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to avoid CP3 pump seizure. Early detection of fuel pressure faults or hard starting is critical—per TSB‑06‑08‑12, cam follower wear often precedes complete pump failure. DPF regeneration cycles must be completed; frequent short trips can cause soot accumulation and limp mode. Post-2010 Euro 5 variants feature revised camshafts and improved lubrication passages.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual, 2008). Equivalent to ACEA C3 for diesel engines with aftertreatment.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2009 models; Euro 5 applies to 2010–2013 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2006/0942).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel and ambient conditions per EU Directive 93/116/EEC.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z16‑101 to TIS‑Z16‑104
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TSB‑06‑08‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2006/0942)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z16LET was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM’s global diesel strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira B and revised intake manifolds in the Astra H—and from 2010 the Euro 5 update introduced camshaft and ECU changes, creating 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 TIS‑Z16‑106). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('6' for 1.6L diesel). Z16LET units feature a black plastic intake manifold with 'CDTi' branding and a Bosch EDC16C39 ECU mounted near the firewall. Critical differentiation from Z17DT: Z16LET has 1,598 cc displacement and fixed-geometry turbo; Z17DT is 1,686 cc with variable geometry. High-pressure fuel pump is driven off the exhaust camshaft—inspect cam follower if fuel pressure drops.
The Z16LET's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load operation or delayed oil changes. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2011 indicated a measurable uptick in CP3 pump replacements beyond 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related advisories as a leading emissions concern in diesel Astra H and Zafira B models. Extended oil intervals and short-trip driving increase cam follower stress, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-16-LET.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
