The 1.6-liter Opel X16XEL engine was produced from 1994 to 2000 at a plant in Hungary and was installed on the most popular mid-size models of the concern, such as Astra, Vectra. There was a slightly more powerful version of this power unit with a different X16XE index.
X10 family: X12XE, X14XE, X16XEL, X16SZR, X18XE, X18XE1.
Specifications
| Production years | 1994-2000 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 100 |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Vectra 1999) — city — highway — combined |
10.2 5.9 7.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
| Weight, kg | 130 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra F (T92) in 1994 – 1998, Astra G (T98) in 1998 – 2000;
- Opel Vectra B (J96) in 1995 – 2000;
- Opel Zafira A (T98) in 1999 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the X16XEL engine
- The main problem is valve stem seals flying off the valve guides;
- Oil consumption begins, and in the service station they offer useless decarbonization in this case;
- Monitor the condition of the timing belt, it has a resource of 60,000 km, and when it breaks, the valves bend;
- The cause of floating speed or dips in engine thrust is contamination of the EGR valve;
- Common breakdowns include drying gaskets under the nozzles.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel X16XEL
How much power does the Opel X16XEL make?
The Opel X16XEL develops 100 hp and 150 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel X16XEL take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel X16XEL have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel X16XEL uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel X16XEL turbocharged?
No, the Opel X16XEL is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel X16XEL need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Opel X16XEL has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Opel X16XEL last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel X16XEL is ~275 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel X16XEL?
Opel Vectra 1999: city 10.2, highway 5.9, combined 7.5 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel X16XEL installed on?
Opel Astra F (T92) in 1994 - 1998, Astra G (T98) in 1998 - 2000; Opel Vectra B (J96) in 1995 - 2000; Opel Zafira A (T98) in 1999 - 2000.
What are the common problems of the Opel X16XEL?
The main problem is valve stem seals flying off the valve guides. Oil consumption begins, and in the service station they offer useless decarbonization in this case. All known problems.
Are the exhaust and inlet cams for this engine the same?
If I have them swopped around what would happen to the performance of the car?
How do you tell which cam is which when looking at them? They have the same number on them.
Also what is the purpose of the AIR INJECTION FAN that connects to the exhaust manifold top?
Thanks.