The 1.5-liter 8-valve Daewoo A15SMS engine was produced by the company from 1997 to 2016 and was installed on the popular Lanos, Nexia, and Chevrolet Aveo models under the F15S3 index. This power unit is essentially a modernized version of the famous G15MF motor.
In 1997, the assembly of E-TEC gasoline engines began at the Korean factory GM-Daewoo, which was another modification of the GM Family 1 series engines for EURO 3 environmental standards. One of the representatives of this line was a 1.5-liter power unit with the A15SMS index. This is the most common engine with distributed fuel injection, a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 8-valve cylinder head with hydraulic lifters, and a timing belt drive.
MS family: A15SMS, A16DMS.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2016 |
| Displacement, cc | 1498 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 80 – 86 |
| Torque output, Nm | 123 – 130 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 76.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.75 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Daewoo Lanos 2002) — city — highway — combined |
10.4 5.2 6.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 117 |
The engine was installed on:
- Daewoo Lanos 1 (T100) in 1997 – 2002, Lanos T150 in 2000 – 2008;
- Daewoo Nexia N150 in 2008 – 2016.
Disadvantages of the Daewoo A15SMS engine
- Inexpensive Daewoo and Chevrolet models are often equipped with not very reliable radiators, which usually leak by 50,000 km, and this cylinder head cannot withstand serious overheating.
- This engine is prone to lubrication leaks and often it oozes out from under the valve cover and falls directly on the timing belt, and when it breaks, in most cases, the valves bend.
- Unreliable attachments deliver quite a lot of problems to the owners, and most often the starter fails in this unit, the thermostat wedges and the water pump leaks.
- Hydraulic compensators here do not tolerate low-quality oil and can knock even up to 50,000 km, the engine compartment wiring harness is often frayed, and the sensors are not reliable. At high mileage, an oil burner often appears due to wear on the valve stem seals.
Frequently asked questions about the Daewoo A15SMS
How much power does the Daewoo A15SMS make?
The Daewoo A15SMS develops 80 - 86 hp and 123 - 130 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Daewoo A15SMS take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.75 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Daewoo A15SMS have a timing belt or chain?
The Daewoo A15SMS uses a timing belt.
Is the Daewoo A15SMS turbocharged?
No, the Daewoo A15SMS is naturally aspirated.
Does the Daewoo A15SMS need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Daewoo A15SMS has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Daewoo A15SMS last?
The typical lifespan of the Daewoo A15SMS is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Daewoo A15SMS?
Daewoo Lanos 2002: city 10.4, highway 5.2, combined 6.7 L/100 km.
What cars was the Daewoo A15SMS installed on?
Daewoo Lanos 1 (T100) in 1997 - 2002, Lanos T150 in 2000 - 2008; Daewoo Nexia N150 in 2008 - 2016.
What are the common problems of the Daewoo A15SMS?
Inexpensive Daewoo and Chevrolet models are often equipped with not very reliable radiators, which usually leak by 50,000 km, and this cylinder head cannot withstand serious overheating. This engine is prone to lubrication leaks and often it oozes out from under the valve cover and falls directly on the timing belt, and when it breaks, in most cases, the valves bend. All known problems.
What engines are related to the Daewoo A15SMS?
MS family: A16DMS.





