The 1.8-liter Opel A18XER or Ecotec 2H0 engine was assembled from 2008 to 2015 in Hungary and installed on such popular company models as Mokka, Insignia and two generations of Zafira. A-XER motors are considered the most reliable among all the group’s units of their time.
A10 family: A12XER, A14XER, A14NET, A16XER, A16LET, A16XHT, A18XER.
Specifications
| Production years | 2008-2015 |
| Displacement, cc | 1796 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 140 |
| Torque output, Nm | 175 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88.2 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | VIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | DCVCP |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.45 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Mokka 2014) — city — highway — combined |
9.5 5.7 7.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~320 000 |
| Weight, kg | 120 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Insignia A (G09) in 2008 – 2013;
- Opel Mokka A (J13) in 2013 – 2015;
- Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2010 – 2014, Zafira C (P12) in 2011 – 2015.
Disadvantages of the A18XER engine
- The ignition system delivers the most problems, especially the module with coils;
- Oil cooler leaks are also common, changing the gasket usually helps;
- In this generation of motors, phase regulators have become more reliable, but sometimes they break;
- The weak point of the engine is an unreliable crankcase ventilation system;
- Do not forget about adjusting valve clearances by selecting measuring cups.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel A18XER
How much power does the Opel A18XER make?
The Opel A18XER develops 140 hp and 175 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel A18XER take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.45 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel A18XER have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel A18XER uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel A18XER turbocharged?
No, the Opel A18XER is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel A18XER need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Opel A18XER last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel A18XER is ~320 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel A18XER?
Opel Mokka 2014: city 9.5, highway 5.7, combined 7.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel A18XER installed on?
Opel Insignia A (G09) in 2008 - 2013; Opel Mokka A (J13) in 2013 - 2015; Opel Zafira B (A05) in 2010 - 2014, Zafira C (P12) in 2011 - 2015.
What are the common problems of the Opel A18XER?
The ignition system delivers the most problems, especially the module with coils. Oil cooler leaks are also common, changing the gasket usually helps. All known problems.





