The Vauxhall Z16XER is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves and variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 81–88 kW (110–120 PS) and 155–160 Nm of torque, providing responsive urban performance with smooth mid-range delivery.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa D, Astra H, and Meriva B, the Z16XER was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, refinement, and everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-point fuel injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and variable cam phasing, allowing it to meet Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves and variable cam phaser sticking, which can cause rough idle and reduced low-end torque. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS 07‑03‑05, is linked to sustained low-load operation and infrequent oil changes. Vauxhall later updated the cam phaser design and recommended revised oil specifications to improve reliability.
All production years 2005–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4892).
The Vauxhall Z16XER is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2012). It combines DOHC architecture with variable intake cam timing to deliver responsive low-speed torque and smooth cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with drivability and moderate fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81–88 kW (110–120 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 155–160 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with variable intake phasing | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 5W‑30 (or ACEA A3/B4 equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The DOHC inline‑4 layout with variable cam phasing offers responsive throttle response ideal for city and highway use but is prone to carbon buildup on intake valves and cam phaser sticking under frequent short-trip conditions. GM Dexos2 (or ACEA A3/B4) 5W‑30 oil ensures proper lubrication of the phaser mechanism and minimises sludge. Extended idling or low-RPM driving without oil changes accelerates deposit formation, leading to idle instability and reduced torque. Vauxhall recommends oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km and inspection of cam phaser operation if hesitation or cold-start rattle occurs (Vauxhall TIS 07‑03‑05).
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 or ACEA A3/B4 5W-30 specification (Vauxhall SIB 07-03-05).
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all Z16XER production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4892).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. COR‑P2007).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs COR‑A2211, COR‑T2105, SIB 07-03-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4892)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z16XER was used across Vauxhall's Corsa D, Astra H, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva B and updated intake manifolds in facelifted Astra H models—and from 2008 the cam phaser design was revised, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS COR‑ID02). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('R' for 1.6L DOHC). Early models (2005–2007) use silver cam covers with a single phaser actuator; post-2008 units feature black cam covers and revised phaser hardware. Critical differentiation from Z16XE: Z16XER includes variable intake cam phasing and Bosch ME7.8 ECU, while Z16XE uses fixed timing and ME7.5. Cam phaser components are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2008 builds without full actuator update (Vauxhall SIB 07-03-05).
The Z16XER's primary reliability risk is variable cam phaser sticking and intake valve carbon fouling, with elevated incidence in vehicles used exclusively for urban short trips. Vauxhall internal data from 2009 indicated a notable portion of Corsa D and Astra H 1.6i models required cam phaser inspection before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased idle instability failures in high-mileage examples. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality oil dramatically accelerate phaser wear and deposit formation, making adherence to Dexos2 specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2007–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-16-XER.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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
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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
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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